J 



'.5 



NEW JEBSEY 



AND 



T II E REBELLION: 



HISTORY OF THE SERVICES OF THE TROOPS AND PEOPLE OF 
NEW JERSEY IN AID OF THE UNION CAUSE. 



BY 



JOHN Y. FOSTER 



PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE STATE 



< 



f < NEWARK, N. J. : 
MARTIN R. DENNIS & CO. 
1 868. 



<r? ,v 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1887, by 
M. R. DENNIS & CO., 
In the Clerk's Office of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. 



I 



2s T EWAEK DAILY ADVERTISES PEINT. 



PREFACE. 



The story of New Jersey's part in the War for the Union, recorded in the 
following pages, has been written under many and serious difficulties. While 
the writer has in some cases been furnished with ample materials, in many 
others he has not been able to procure any official data whatever, while in 
nearly every instance he has found the testimony so conflicting and uncertain 
that it has been impossible to reach any really satisfactory conclusion. Com- 
pelled in some cases to examine hundreds of pages of manuscript to arrive at 
a single fact, and in others to travel scores of miles in quest of some authority 
which, when found, proved worthless or untrustworthy, the labor of gathering 
up the stray hints, the vague personal narratives, and the official statements 
out of which this Book is constructed, has been from first to last infinitely 
greater than any reader will conceive. But to the writer, this work, with all 
its embarassments and discouragements, and responsible as it proved, has been 
one of genuine pleasure ; and if he has been so fortunate as to preserve any 
facts as to the gallantry of our troops, or the patriotism of our people, which 
might otherwise have been lost, he is wholly content. 

In whatever else the record may be deficient, it certainly will be found to 
present conclusive evidences of the superiority of the troops who represented 
us in the field. ISTo soldiers in all the armies of the Republic fought with 
grander courage, or clung more steadfastly or with loftier faith to the Cause, 
than those who in every combat were girt about with memories of Princeton 
and Monmouth, and strengthened by the love of liberty that nowhere grows 
more robustly than on those revolutionary fields. Whether in the East or 
West, on the march or in the thick of battle; whether leading a forlorn hope 
or toiling in the trenches, New Jersey troops were found always brave, 
patient, faithful, obedient. Regarded at first by many commanders with a 
prejudice almost amounting to contempt, they literally fought their way into 
universal favor, coming at last to stand with the best and most popular 
troops of the service, insomuch that the very men who had at the outset spo- 
ken of them most meanly, contended, in later years, for the honor of leading 
them to battle. "C-ive us a brigade of these Jerseymen, and we'll beat the 
enemy still,'' cried Senator Wade, as he stood on the heights of Centreville, 
while the retreating columns from the first Bull Run drifted past him ; and 
more than once in after campaigns that same appeal, from commanders in sore 
straits, attested the universal confidence reposed in the battle-beaten veterans 
who, all the way from that first shameful day down to the hour when Johnston 



iv 



PREFACE. 



vainly essayed at Bentonville to shake the lines of the brave Thirteenth, never, 
on one single occasion, faltered or turned away from obvious duty. 

The plan of this work did not contemplate the incorporation of sketches of 
individual men, and I do not pretend that every Jerseyman who deserves 
honorable mention is named on these pages. There are hundreds, no doubt, 
as brave and true as any of those whose services are recorded, whose deeds 
have no mention here. But every man, whether officer or private, who exhib- 
ited conspicuous bravery in the field, of whom I have been able to procure 
trustworthy report, is herein held up to public view. I have been, especially 
careful to preserve every instance of gallantry on the p art of privates, feeling 
that these deserved to have their deeds perpetuated no less than those more 
fortunate ones, whose names so often shone in bulletins from gory fields. 

To the many persons, not only in this State, but in other parts of the Union 
— in the South as well as the North — who have assisted me in my labors, I 
tender my sincere acknowledgments. I owe special thanks to the Chaplain of 
the Sixteenth Regiment, from whose unpublished narrative of the exploits of 
that command I have largely drawn. I am also largely indebted to Adjutant- 
General Stockton and his successor, General W. S. Stryker, as well as to 
Quartermaster- General Perrine, whose administration of his bureau during 
the war was no less efficient than it was unselfishly patriotic. 

It should be stated, as enabling the reader to understand the enumeration of 
our regiments, as herein sketched, that the four regiments composing the 
detached (militia) brigade were subsequently counted as the Seventeenth, 
Eighteenth, Nineteenth and Twentieth, and are so carried on the rolls of the 
Adjutant-General. This will account for the absence of any sketches of regi- 
ments bearing those numbers. 

It remains only to be added that if any misstatement has been unconsciously 
embodied in this work, it will be cheerfully corrected upon the presentation 
of trustworthy evidence of inaccuracy. The pen now laid down, guided 
during all its task by a conscientious purpose and a controlling desire to do 
exact justice to all, could engage in no more satisfactory labor, now or here- 
after, than the correction of any error into which, from the absence of facts or 
the conflict of testimony, it may have been betrayed. J. Y. F. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

CAUSES OF THE REBELLION. 

The Relation of Slavery to the War 1 

CHAPTER II. 

THE' UPRISING IN NEW JERSEY. 

The State Unprepared for War— The Military Department— Governor Olden 13 

CHAPTER III. 

TROOPS SENT FORWARD. 

Action of the Banks— The First Volunteers— Runy on' s Brigade— Preparations of 
the State Authorities for Coast Defence, &c 25 

CHAPTER IV. 

HOSTILITIES COMMENCED. 

Our Troops in Virginia— The Battle of Bull Run— The Action of Runyon and his 
Brigade— Of the First and Second Three Years' Regiments— Incidents of the 
Retreat « ■ 39 

CHAPTER V. 

THE FIRST BRIGADE. 

General Kearney as its Commandant— The Occupation of Manassas, and its Inci- 
dents—The Peninsula Campaign— The Brigade's First Battle at West Point- 
Its Fighting before Richmond— The Battle of Gaines' Mill— Heavy Losses of 
the Brigade— The Retreat to Harrison's Landing— The Pope Campaign— Death 
of General George W. Taylor— Gallant Achievement of the Brigade at Cramp- 
ton's Pass— The Battle of Antietam— Gallantry of the Brigade at Fredericks- 
burg— The Chancellorsville Campaign— The Rebel Invasion of Pennsylvania— 
The Brigade at Gettysburg— Winter Quarters — The Grand Final Campaign- 
Losses of the Brigade in the Wilderness Battles and at Cold Harbor— The 
Brigade Transferred to the Shenandoah — Engagements in the Valley — The 
Final Assault upon Petersburg— The General Record of the Brigade Go 

CHAPTER VI. 

THE SECOND BRIGADE. 

Its Gallantry at Williamsburg— Incidents and Reports' of the Battle — The Engage- 
ment of Fair Oaks— Other Fighting before Richmond— The Brigade at Bristow 
Station— At Chancellorsville— At Gettysburg— At McLean's Ford— The Bat- 
tles of the Wilderness — Cold Harbor — Before Petersburg — Engagements at 
Deep Bottom and the Jerusalem Plank Road — The Brigade at Hatcher's Run— 
The Final Fighting of the Campaign— Official Papers 129 

CHAPTER VII. 

THE NINTH REGIMENT. 

Loss of Colonel Allen off Hatteras Inlet— The Regiment at Roanoke Island— At 
Newbern — At Youngs' Cross Roads — At Tarborough — At Kinston — Other 
Battles — The Regiment in Virginia — Fighting before Petersburg — Again in 
North Carolina— Final Achievements 203 



VI COKTE^TS. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

THE TENTH REGIMENT. 

Its Services at Suffolk— In Pennsylvania— As part of the First Brigade — 267 

CHAPTER IX. 

THE ELEVENTH REGIMENT. 

Engaged at Fredericksburg— Gallantry at Chancellorsville— Official Report of the 
Battle — Losses at Gettysburg — Actions at Kelly's Ford and Locust Grove — 
The Final Campaign 276 

CHAPTER X. 

THE TWELFTH REGIMENT. 

Stationed in Maryland — Proceeds to Virginia— Its Services at Chancellorsville— At 
Gettysburg— At Bristow Station— In the Wilderness Campaign— Losses at 
Cold Harbor — Before Petersburg — The Final Movements. 300 

CHAPTER XI. 

THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 

Engaged at Antietam— Bravery at Chancellorsville— At Gettysburg— Transferred 
to the Southwest — Participates in the Atlanta Campaign — In the March to the 
Sea— In the Carolina Campaign — Efficient Service at the Battle of Benton- 
ville 316 

CHAPTER XII. 

THE FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. 

Stationed at Monocacy — At Maryland Heights— Moves to Bealton Station— En- 
gaged at Locust Grove— Participates in the Rapidan Campaign — Gallantry at 
Cold Harbor— The Battle of Monocacy— Losses of the Regiment— Engaged in 
the Shenandoah — The Final Contest before Petersburg 356 

CHAPTER XIII. 

THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT. 

Its Officers— Incidents of the Battle of Fredericksburg— Gallantry of the Reci- 
ment— The Battle of Fredericksburg— The Wilderness Campaign — Fighting 
under Sheridan in the Shenandoah — Final Movements 382 

CHAPTER XIV. 

THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 

Its Early Difficulties— In the Field-Pope's Advance— Cedar Mountain — Manas 
Plains and Aldie Scouting— Brandy Station— Gettysburg— Sulphur Springs 
and Bristow Station— Across the Rapidan — The Battles of the Wilderness- 
Sheridan's Raid to Richmond — Turning Lee's Right — Operations around 
Petersburg— The Final Campaign 408 

CHAPTER XT. TO XX Y— (inclusive). 

THE NINE MONTHS' REGIMENTS. 

Twenty-first, Twenty-second, Twenty-third, Twenty-fourth, Twenty-fifth, Twenty- 
sixth, Twenty-seventh, Twenty-eighth, Twenty-ninth, Thirtieth and Thirty- 
first Regiments — Their Services in the Fredericksburg Battles 486 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

THE THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT — (SECOND CAVALRY). 

Sent to the Southwest— Its Marches— Participates in an Expedition to Central 
Mississippi— Fight at Okolona, Mississippi— Pursues the Rebel Forrest— 



CONTENTS. vii 

Brilliant Fight at Guntown— The Sturgis Expedition— Engagement at Port 
Gibson— Expedition into Arkansas— Battle of Egypt Station— The Regiment 
sent to New Orleans— Subsequent Movements 589 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 

Sent to Virginia — Thence to the Southwest— Engaged at Chattanooga— Its Ser- 
vices and Gallantry in the Atlanta Campaign — Its Assault at Dug Gap, 
Georgia— Official Reports of its Engagements — The March to the Sea— The 
Campaign of the Carolinas — Last Fight of the Regiment at Smithfield, North 



Carolina 609 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

THE THIRTY- FOURTH REGIMENT. 

Its Field of Operations — Its Defence of Columbus, Kentucky — Participates in 
the Assault upon Mobile— General Record 6-12 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

THE THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT. 



Its Early Movements — Joins the Army of General Sherman— Participates in the 
Atlanta Campaign— Its Gallantry at Resaca — At Decatur— Before Atlanta — 



The Georgia Campaign — The March through the Carolinas — Muster Out 648 

CHAPTER XXX. 

THE THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMEN T — ( THIRD CAVALRY). 

Its Participation in the Wilderness Campaign- Sent to the Shenandoah— Battle of 
Winchester — Other Engagements — Its Gallantry at Five Forks 681 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

T H S THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 

Term of Service— Character of the Regiment— Its Efficiency— The Mortality of the 
Command 670 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

THE THIRTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT. 

Its Term of Service brief- Engaged in Guard Duty— Its General Character 674 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

THE THIRTY-NINTH REGIMENT. 

Its Gallantry in the Assault upon Petersburg— Losses of the Regiment 6T3 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

THE FORTIETH REGIMENT. 

Attached to the First Brigade— Its Efficiency in the Closing Engagements of the 
War , - ' 679 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

BATTERY A — (FIRST ARTILLERY). 



Its Organization and Record— Engaged at West Point, Virginia— At Mechanics- 
ville and Gaines' Mill— At Antietam— Participation in the Mud Campaign— Its 
Gallantry at Salem Church— At Gettysburg— In the Wilderness Campaign- 
Final Movements 680 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

S A T T E R Y B — ( SECOND ARTILLERY). 

Engaged in the Peninsula campaign— Its Efficiency at Seven Pines and Peach 
Orchard - at Chancellorsville— At Gettysburg— Participates in the Final Cam- 
paign— Its Losses 692 



viii 



CONTEXTS. 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

BATTERY C — ( IHIED ARTILLERY). 

Its Organization — Services at White House Landing— At Deep Bottom and Reams' 
Station— Its Defence of Fort Haskell— Final Movements 697 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

BATTERY D — ( FOURTH ARTILLERY). 

Its High Reputation— Its First Engagement— Assigned to the Defence of the Key 
of our Position — Its Splendid Services— Gallantry of Officers and Men in 
various Engagements— The Battery sent to Xew York— Its Movements upon 



returning to the Field 704 

CHAPTER XXXIX. 

BATTERY E — ( FIFTH ARTILLERY). 

Its Field of Operations— Largest Battery in the Service— General Character 736 

CHAPTER XL. 

JERSEYMEN IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 



In the Excelsior Brigade— In the Harris Light Cavalry— In BramhalTs Battery— 
In Twentieth and Forty-eighth New York Regiments —In Eleventh Pennsyl- 



vania Cavalry — Individual Jcrseymen in Commands of other States 727 

CHAPTER XLI. 

INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA IN 1863. 

Services of Jerseymen in the "Emergency" — Their Honorable Record 766 

CHAPTER XLII. 

LEGISLATION OF THE WAR PERIOD. 



Its General Character— Bounty and other Laws— Governor Parker — Provisions for 
the Care of our Soldiers— Institutions of Relief, &c 

CHAPTER XLIIL 

POPULAR SYMPATHY WITH THE CAUSE. 

Efforts of the People in aid of the Troops — Jersey Women as Nurses— Organiza- 



tions of Relict— The State Sanitary Commission 7S1 

CHAPTER XLIV. 

ATTITUDE OF THE CHURCH. 

The Record of the several Denominations — Influence of their Example and 
Teachings 791 

CHAPTER XLV. 

DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS. 



Kearney— Mott— Torbert— McAllister— Ramsey— Sewell— Kilpatrick— Heckman— 
Mindil— Taylor— Truex— Hall— Campbell— Harker— Bayard— Price— Revere— 



Montgomery— Birney 804 

CHAPTER XLVI. 

INSTANCES OF GALLANTRY. 

Drummer Magee— Exploit at Murfreesboro— Major Vredenburgh— His Brilliant 
Record 856 

CHAPTER XLVII. 

CHAPLAINS AND SURGEONS. 

Their Work and General Efficiency— The Number in Service S63 

Appended Notes 868 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



CHAPTER T. 

CAUSES OF THE REBELLION. 

Ik the Eighty-Fourth year of the Independence of the United 
States of America, there was initiated by ambitious and misguided 
men an insurrection against the paramount and constitutional au- 
thority which, while apparently inconsiderable in its earlier mani- 
festations, finally developed into the most formidable rebellion of 
modern times, and in its ultimate consequences concerned the whole 
family of man. For five terrible years, the fierce debate of arms 
which followed upon this seditious outbreak, challenged the atten- 
tion of all civilized nations, the influences of the combat reaching 
to, and affecting, the remotest lands. Nor was the conflict, either 
in the import or gravity of the issues it involved, or the magnitude 
of the scale upon which it was waged, unworthy of the universal 
and profound interest which it excited. It was no ordinary con- 
troversy ; no mere contest of kings for feudal prerogatives, or of 
parliaments ambitious of aggrandizement or the conservation of 
endangered privileges, nor yet of embittered nations struggling for 
new geographical adjustments or territorial acquisitions. It origi- 
nated in no mere question of frontiers, like some more recent wars ; 
nor was it the outgrowth of any difference as to religious dogmas 
like many other wars which have desolated the world. Its origin 
was in far higher causes. Primarily it was a contest between civi* 



2 



NEW JERSEY AND TEtE REBELLION. 



lization and barbarism ; between those ideas of enlightenment, of 
equality, of democracy which have their best and completest ex- 
position in the American system, and those eternally and merci- 
lessly hostile principles of caste, of ignorance and aristocracy which 
in all ages, savage and civilized alike, have denied the rights of 
the many and hedged about with sacred care the usurped authority 
of the few. 1 From the earliest dawn of our history as a nation 
these principles had been in conflict, silently but desperately strug- 
gling for the mastery. For eighty }^ears men and parties had been 
swept to power or to ruin as one sentiment or the other, in this un- 
ceasing controversy, had dominated the hour. For the most part 
that section in which education was confined to a feeble class, and 
which was distinguished by a social system which directed all 
thought and endeavor to the one purpose of perpetuating its own 
existence, had controlled the nation. But gradually power was 
slipping from its grasp. Civilization builds itself up slowlv, but 
the law of its growth is sure, and so it came to pass that out of 
eighty dismal years of feudalism, "in which there had been but 
little talk of human right, but little obedience to divine reason," 
the .Republic was slowly emerging at last into a nobler life and a 
grander destiny. The Hand of the Supreme, wheeling forward 
with stately purpose the chariot-wheels of Progress, and beating- 
down whatever opposed the elevation of man and the enlarged 
recognition of his rights, would not stay at the bidding of any 
class or lords of misrule. He who established us a people and 
laid, broad and strong, the national foundations, did not mean that 
the nation's life should be kept forever wrapped " in the ancient 
cerecloths, and stiffening in the stony sarcophagus of a by-gone 
age." The North, with its schools, colleges, churches ; its manu- 
factures and agriculture, its active and intense thought ; with its 
deepening culture, its concentrated population, and its ever-increas- 
ing appreciation of the principles under which it had grown and 

i Pollard's "Southern History of the "War" saj^s: 

"The terrible war which ensued on disunion must he taken as the result of a pro- 
found and long-continued conflict between the political and social systems of North 
and South, with which slavery had a conspicuous connection." 



CAUSES OF THE REBELLION. 



3 



flourished, grew steadily in strength and in influence in society and 
the government. The class that would darn the currents of na- 
tional freedom and human progress, hopelessly declined in power 
and respectability; the class that sought to lift all weights from 
the shoulders of men, to widen and deepen the channels of liberty 
and progress, to subordinate forces to rights and government to 
humanity, as steadily augmented in vigor and numbers. At 
length, in 1860, the dominance of the North became, politically, 
complete. Upon the distinct issue, as to whether the principles 
and ideas which it symbolized, or those, on the contrary, which dis- 
tinguished the South, should henceforth rule, a decision fatal to the 
further supremacy of the latter was deliberately given. The key to 
the portal of power, so long worn at the Southern girdle, was trans- 
ferred absolutely to other hands. Then, seeing their downfall at 
hand, realizing that the Government could no longer be employed 
to shield or promote a sectional interest; that it would be admin- 
istered for the good of all rather than for the advantage of a few> 
the minority, burning still with a lust of power — inflammable, pet" 
ulant, audacious, eager to assail — rose -m^ rebellion, against the voice 
of the majority, threw off their allegiance to the central and con- 
stitutional authority, and madly attempted the dissolution of the 
Union, to the end that some fragment, falling to their share, might 
give them a new lease of power, and a foundation for a new empire 
dedicated to the perpetuation of those doctrines and ideas which, 
though rejected by all the world, they cherished as divine. 

There were not a few — seers of the past, keen-eyed observers 
looking forward with prophetic ken into the shadowy future from 
the fields of past debates and controversies — who had anticipated 
with trembling this terrible collision. Reasoning from the analo- 
gies of history and the drift of Southern policy and avowals, no 

2 Alexander H. Stephens, in a speech at Savannah, Georgia, March 20, 1861, said that 
" the foundations (of the new government) are laid, its corner-stone rests upon the 
great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man ; that slavery— Subordination 
to the superior race — is his natural and normal condition." After further remarks in 
the same vein, he reiterated the statement: "It is upon this our actual fabric is firmly 
planted," adding the blasphemous words, "This stone, which was rejected by the first 
builders, 'is become the chief stone of the corner' in our edifice." 



4 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



less than from daily occurring events, they could not discern any 
escape from a death-grapple between the opposing elements in our 
life as a people. 3 They felt that permanent concord was impossi- 
ble between a growing and advancing people, and one decaying ; 
between strength always aspiring to new achievement, and weak- 
ness always declining to profounder chaos ; between freedom seek- 
ing continually loftier heights of usefulness and enjoyment for the 
race, and slavery forever creeping with panting tongue and lustful 
eye towards fresh fields of conquest. So long as slavery should 
exist, there could be, in the nature of the case, as many believed, 
no homogeneity between the North and the South. The very fact 
that the industry of the South was in the hands of a servile race, 
constituted a bar of separation, for that industry could never be 
associated with ideas of ingenuity and skill, of knowledge and in- 
telligence, of constant progress and general comfort, more and more 
widely diffused among the people, which were the distinguishing 
characteristics of the North. These facts had ample and emphatic 
illustration in our history. The Southern ruling class had gone to 
decay while the North was rising in wealth and power. Born to 
command from the cradle a despised race, with, the persons of men 
and women subject to their absolute power, the Southern planta- 
tion class were educated to arrogance, pride, sensuality, 4 and these 
very vices had eaten out all the vigor of their life. They were 
even becoming incapable of self-government, and openly declared 

3 As early as 1790, disunion was openly urged in Virginia and elsewhere, as the only 
means of preserving the supremacy of Southern sentiment. Washington's Farewell 
Address grew out of the prevalence of this dangerous sentiment. John Randolph of 
Roanoke declared in a speech in the House of Representatives, in 1817, that "the 
Grand Arsenal of Richmond, Virginia, was built with an eye to putting down the Ad- 
ministration of Mr. Adams (the immediate successor of Washington as President), with 
the bayonet, if it could not be accomplished by other means." This feeling of hos- 
tility to the principles of which the government was the expositor, strengthened with 
the years, and formed a perpetual menace to the public peace. 

4 Pollard, in his " Last Year of the War," says: "Slavery trained the white race of 
the South in habits of command : and though, sometimes, these may have degenerated 
into cruelty and insolence, yet they were generally the occasions of the revival of the 
spirit of chivalry in the nineteenth century. * * * Slavery relieved the better 
classes in the South from many of the demands of physical and manual labor ; but al- 
though in some instances idle or dissolute lives may have teen the cojisequence of tJiis, yet it 
afforded opportunity for extraordinary intellectual culture in the South," &c. 



CAUSES OF THE REBELLION. 



5 



their abhorrence of freedom of speech and of the press. 5 To gov- 
ern the negro they must govern also the non-slaveholder ; to govern 
him, he must be kept in ignorance and isolation from every ele- 
vating influence ; and it was obvious that if slavery remained, an 
oligarchy supported by some power no less potent than the bayonet, 
must in time supplant the authority of the ballot, resting alike 
upon the virtue of all. This was the Southern tendency and con- 
dition, seen and known of men. But the North would not pause 
in its career. The march of opinion could not be stayed. The 
love of liberty in the souls of the Northern people could not be 
extinguished. Slavery, outwardly stately and powerful, but un- 
dermined and putrescent at the core, debauched more and more 
the society which nourished and maintained it. Thus daily the 
difference between the two sections grew more pronounced, and the 
danger of a collision more imminent. Barbarism cannot share the 
destiny of civilization ; vigorous and healthy life cannot be bound 
to disease and decay. 6 

5 Deboio's Review, the chief organ of the Southern ruling class, said, at the time the 
contest was maturing : "The real contest of to-day is not simply between the North 
and South ; hut to determine whether for ages to clime our Government shall partake 
more of the form of monarchies or of more liberal forms;" and the same journal 
added: "The right to govern resides in a very small minority; the duty to obey is 
inherent in the great mass of mankind. * * * There is nothing to which the South 
entertains so great a dislike as of universal suffrage. * * * The real civilization of 
a country is in its aristocracy. To make an aristocrat in the future, we must sacrifice 
a thousand paupers." 

6 The declarations of the secession leaders in South Carolina, as made in the state- 
ment setting forth the "causes" which led to the secession of that State, are con- 
clusive upon this point, as to the influence of the slavery question in precipitating the 
revolt. We quote from Dr. Stanton's work, "The Church and the Rebellion" : 

" After a long historical statement from their peculiar standpoint, and an argument 
to show that secession is authorized by the Constitution of the United States, these 
South Carolina leaders proceed to state the grievances which have impelled them to 
secede. It is noteworthy that there is not a solitary allusion in the ordinance of seces- 
sion to grievances on any subject but slavery. But the relation of the General and 
State governments to that institution and their apprehensions for the future, they 
argue at length. A sentence or two will show their position : ' Those States (the non- 
slaveholding) have assumed the right of deciding upon the propriety of our domestic 
institutions ; and have denied the rights of property established in fifteen of the States 
and recognized by the Constitution ; they have denounced as sinful the institution of 
slavery ; they have permitted the open establishment among them of societies whose 
avowed objects is, to disturb the peace and ruin the property of the citizens of other 
States. They have encouraged and assisted thousands of our slaves to leave their 
homes ; and those who remain have been incited by emissaries, books and pictures to 



6 



NEW JEKSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



But there were other causes of this rebellion, lying, nearer the 
surface of our life as a people. These causes had always existed, 
elating from the very foundation of the government. They may be 

servile insurrection. For twenty-five years this agitation has heen steadily increasing, 
until it has now secured to its aid the power of the common Government. * * * On 
the 4th of March next, this party will take possession of the Government. It has an- 
nounced that the South shall he excluded from the common territory, that the judicial 
tribunal shall he made sectional, and that a toar must be waged against slavery until it 
shall cease throughout the United States. The guarantees of* the Constitution will 
then no longer exist ; the equal rights of the States will be lost. The slaveholding 
States will no longer have the power of self-government or self-protection, and the 
Federal Government will have become their enemy.' Whatever may be true about 
the justice of these charges, the proof is conclusive, from this official act, that slavery, 
in its extravagant claims and unfounded fears, was at the bottom of the secession of 
South Carolina, This conclusion cannot be avoided, unless we take the ground either 
that the men of that Convention did not know and were unanimously mistaken as to 
what their own complaints were, or that they were utterly hypocritical in stating them 
and are not to be believed at all, and that, too, in a document intended to vindicate 
their course before the world. 

"The acts of secession, along with other proceedings of the Conventions of the 
other rebel States respectively, show precisely the same cause for the revolt as that 
assigned by the Convention of South Carolina — the assumed hostility of the General 
Government to slavery and the corresponding sentiments of the people of the North — 
and there is no other reason given in any ordinance of secession. 

"A more recent and conclusive official testimony is found in the action of the so- 
called Rebel Congress at Richmond, in an ' Address to the People of the Confederate 
States,' issued in February, 1864, in which they speak of the cause of their secession as 
follow r s : ' Compelled by a long series of oppressive and tyrannical acts culminating at 
last in the selection of a President and Vice President by a party confessedly sectional 
and hostile to the South and her institutions, these States withdrew from the former Union 
and formed a new Confederate alliance as an independent Government, based on the 
proper relations of labor and capital. The Republican party was formed to destroy slavery 
and the equality of the States, and Lincoln was selected as the instrument to accom- 
plish this object.' 

" Besides this official testimony, many witnesses to the same effect might be cited 
from among leading statesmen and divines. We give a sample of their testimony. 
Alexander H. Stephens, Vice President of the Southern Confederacy, was a representa- 
tive man among Southern statesmen, and one of the ablest of them all. In his speech 
at Savannah, Georgia, already quoted, showing the superiority of their Constitution, 
he said : ' The new Constitution has put at rest forever all the agitating questions re- 
lating to our peculiar institution — African slavery as it exists among us — the proper 
status of the negro in our form of civilization. This was the immediate cause of the 
late rupture and present revolution. Jefferson in his forecast had anticipated this as the 
'rock upon which the old Union would split.' He was right. What was conjecture 
with him is now a realized fact. But whether he comprehended the great truth upon 
Which that rock stood and stands may be doubted. The prevailing ideas entertained 
by him and most of the leading statesmen at the time of the formation of the old Con- 
stitution were, that the enslavement of the African was in violation of the laws of 
nature ; that it was wrong in principle — socially, morally, and politically. It was an 
evil they knew not how to deal with : but the general opinion of the men of that day 
was, that, some how or other, in the order of Providence, the institution would be 
evanescent and pass away. This idea, though not incorporated in the Constitution, 
was the prevailing idea at the time. The Constitution, it is true, secured every essen- 



CAUSES OF THE REBELLION 1 . 



7 



comprehensively stated as originating in errors of construction as 
to the powers respectively of the individual States and the General 
Government. The close of the revolution found the American 
colonists with a governmental system which, adopted during the 
exigencies of war, had really none of the attributes of a govern- 
ment, being a mere league of communities which had never been 
sovereign before, and lacking power to enforce its commands in any 
matter of vital concern. Though independent, having cast off the 
British control, the colonies were still, not a nation, but a mere 
cluster of petty States, bound together by a feeble alliance which 
was the source rather of discord and weakness than of concord and 
strength. Obviously, this condition of affairs could not be permit- 
ted to continue. It was indispensable to the welfare of all alike 
that there "should be lodged somewhere a supreme power to regu- 
late and govern the concerns of the confederated republic." 7 There 
must be a stronger government for the Union, or separation and 

tial guarantee to the institution while it should last, and hence no argument can be 
justly used against the constitutional guarantees thus secured, because of the common 
sentiment of the day. Those ideas, however, were fundamentally wrong. They rested 
upon the assumption of the equality of races. This was an error. It was a sandy 
foundation and the idea of a Government built upon it — when the " storm came and 
the wind blew, it fell." Our new Government is founded upon exactly the opposite 
ideas.' 

"Again: all the religious public bodies of the South which spoke on the subject 
at all, presented slavery as the cause of the disruption. Among other numerous in- 
stances, the ' Address of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the Con- 
federate States of America, to all the Churches throughout the Earth,' adopted unani- 
mously, at Augusta, Georgia, December, 1861, states the matter as follows : ' In ad- 
dition to this, there is one difference which so radically and fundamentally distinguishes 
the North and the South, that it is becoming every day more and more apparent that 
the religious as well as the secular interest of both will be more effectually promoted 
by a complete and lasting separation. The antagonism of Northern and Southern sen- 
timent on the subject of slavery lies at the root of all the difficulties which have resulted 
in the dismemberment of the Federal Union and involved us in the horrors of an un- 
natural war.' The Southern Baptist Convention, a body representing, as they say, ' a 
constituency of six or seven hundred thousand Christians,' sitting in Savannah, Georgia, 
May 13, 1861, unanimously adopted a paper in which they thus refer to slavery as the 
cause of disunion: 'The Union constituted by our forefathers was one of co-equal 
sovereign States. The fanatical spirit of the North has long been seeking to deprive 
us of rights and franchises guaranteed by the Constitution ; and after years of persist- 
ent aggression, they have at last accomplished their purpose.' And similar testimony 
is borne by all the leading denominations of Christians at the South ; the purport of all 
being — that slavery, its claims and apprehensions as urged by the Southern leaders, 
caused the rebellion." 

" Washington's circular to the Governors of the States. 



8 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION". 



dismemberment were inevitable. Our present Constitution was the 
outgrowth of this palpable necessity. Its object was to make the 
inhabitants of all the States perpetually one people, to create a na- 
tion — not a league. To that end, and the preservation of the 
nation so constituted, it conferred upon the General Government 
authority to make and execute supreme laws, to impose taxes, to 
maintain an army and navy, to declare war, to make treaties — to 
perform, in short, all the usual functions of a government acting 
upon persons and property. At the same time, every power was 
prohibited to the States which was deemed inconsistent with, or 
would impair the omnipotence of, that central authority. With the 
adoption of the Constitution by the people, the States as they had 
previously existed were blotted out, 8 and to the new States which 
arose there remained the powers not directly or impliedly granted 
to the General Government, 9 In other words, the power of the 
States thus annihilated passed to their successor, which is the nation, 
for any act of supreme sovereignty that "the exigencies of the 
Union " may require. 

Clearly, there could be no higher exigency than that of the pre 
servation of the Union, and it would be a waste of words to argue 
that for this purpose, when rebellion came, the Government had 
ample power. It was made for this very purpose. The question 
of maintaining the indivisibility of the Union was purely a ques- 
tion for the General Government to decide, and not a question for 
each individual State. It was never intended that one of the States 
created and assimilated by the engagement of all should have power 
to defeat its object ; this would have been incompatible with the 
general principles on which every government must be founded. lj 

8 " The general power, whatever be its form, if it preserves itself, must swallow up 
the State governments, otherwise it would he swallowed up by them. Two sovereign- 
ties cannot exist within the same limits.— Mr. Hamilton in the Federal Convention of 1787. 

9 The powers reserved to the States are the powers of local self-government by their 
own executive officers, legislative assemblies and courts. 

10 "I consider, then, the power to annul a law of the United States, assumed by one 
State, incompatible with the existence of the Union, contradicted expressly by the let- 
ter of the Constitution, unauthorized by its spirit, inconsistent with every principle on 
which it was founded, and destructive of the great object for which it was formed."— 
President Jackson's anti-nuttiftcation message. 



CAUSE'S OF THE REBELLION". 



9 



A constitutional right of secession is wholly inconsistent with the 
necessary authority of the Government, and with its inherent power 
to preserve the Union. A nation has a right to everything essen- 
tial to its safety and well-being. This nation has a right to a Union 
consistent with its security, liberty and progress in civilization. It 
had exercised power over the Union from the beginning. But 
Southern men held other views. They held that each State was 
sovereign, and that the Government had no power to preserve itself 
or the Union, because none was expressly granted. They claimed 
for each State the right, at its own will and pleasure, and without 
the consent of other States, or consultation with them, to withdraw 
from the Union. 11 They went even further, and claimed that by 
reason of the secession of any State, the legal tie which bound the 
others was severed, the central government annihilated, and each 
State at liberty to form such combinations, and enter into such alli- 
ances, as it might elect. Not only could a single State withdraw, 
but at its command the Union could be disintegrated — torn into as 
many fragments as there are States ; and when thus broken, it 
could never be re-united, except by another convention and the 
formation of another Constitution. 

These principles — principles of misrule, of discord and death, 
embodying intrinsically all the perils of anarchy — had long had 



11 The fallac3 T °f this reasoning as to State sovereignty has never been better exposed 
than by President Jackson, thus : 

"The States severally have not retained their entire sovereignty. It has been shown 
that, in becoming parts of a nation, not members of a league, they surrendered many 
of their essential parts of sovereignty. The right to make treaties, declare war, levy 
taxes, exercise exclusive judicial and legislative powers, were all of them functions of 
sovereign power. The States, then, for all these important purposes, were no longer 
sovereign. The allegiance of their citizens was transferred, in the first instance, to the 
government of the United States ; they became American citizens, and owed obedience 
to the Constitution of the United States ; and to laws made in conformity with the 
powers it vested in Congress. This last position has not been, and cannot be, denied. 
How, then, can that State be said to be sovereign and independent, whose citizens owe 
obedience to laws not made by it, and whose magistrates are sworn to disregard those 
laws when they come in conflict with those passed by another? What shows, conclu- 
sively, that the States cannot be said to have reserved an undivided sovereignty, is, that 
they expressly ceded the right to punish treason — not treason against their separate 
power, but treason against the United States. Treason is an offence against sovereignty, 
and sovereignty must reside with the power to punish it." 

2 



10 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



possession of the Southern mind. 12 The whole Southern people 
had been educated in this faith. Southern society everywhere was 
permeated by its influence. In repeated encounters Southern men 
had maintained it with resolute, if not implacable, tenacity of pur- 
pose. Often they had menaced the nation with the horrors of war 
in its defence. There were men, too, at the North, who held, with 
Calhoun and with President Buchanan, 13 that the Constitution con- 
fers no power upon the general government to make war upon a 
State ; that in other words, there is no inhering or acquired power 
in the government, when summoned by armed rebellion to abdicate 
its authority, enabling it to maintain its own existence. They 
forgot that self-preservation is the first law of nature ; that 
the law acts upon individuals, and that to execute the law upon 
persons is not to make war upon a State. They forgot, too, 
that all rights known to the law have some formal and orderly 
manner appointed for their assertion ; but this pretended right of 
secession had no such specified method of declaration. It could 
only be asserted by violence, and this fact alone made its attempted 
exercise outlawry, sedition, rebellion — offences clearly cognizable 
by the paramount law of the public safety. 

In these causes, the war which for over four years filled this 
land with death and tears, originated. It was inevitable that 
conflict should result from the principle of secession. It was in 
itself a menace and a disorder— -an element of decay lodged at the 



12 In 1832, South Carolina embodied nullification in a solemn ordinance, declaring 
that, should the Federal government attempt to enforce a certain Tariff law, "the 
people of that State would henceforth hold themselves absolved from all further obli- 
gation to maintain or preserve their political connection with the people of the 
other States, and would forthwith proceed to organize a separate government, and do 
all other acts and things which sovereign and independent States may of right do." 
Governor Hayne, in his message to the Legislature of that State, explicitly sanc- 
tioned the nullifying ordinance. "I recognize," said he, "no allegiance as para- 
mount to that which the citizens „of South Carolina owe to the State of their birth or 
their adoption." Governor Pickens, in a proclamation issued twenty-eight years later 
(December 24th, 1860), declared that South Carolina is, and has aright to be, a separate, 
sovereign, free, and independent State, and, as such, has a right to levy war, to conclude 
peace, to negotiate treaties, leagues, or covenants, and to do all acts whatever that 
rightfully appertain to a free and independent State." 

13 Mr. Buchanan's views upon this point are given at length in his last annual mes- 
sage, laid before Congress on the third day of December, 1860. 



CAUSES OF THE REBELLION. 11 

very tap-root of our system. The men who precipitated the 
contest had never been representatives of our highest life as a 
Christian people ; they were the expositors, not of our democracy, 
but of the oligarchical element and spirit which had so long 
aspired to broader and more absolute domination. It was not 
among them that the gospel of liberty, of love, and of universal 
brotherhood found the largest credence. It was not among them 
that the industrial arts had their grandest development, It was 
not under their patronage that our manufactures, our inventions, 
our culture had come to challenge the homage of the nations. 
Not by their efforts or wisdom — hardly by their consent — had the 
continent been rescued from barbarism, and great cities, with all 
the refinements of civilization, planted in the far forest depths 
where, half a century ago, only the red man's foot disturbed the 
solitudes. All these results, at once the wonder and envy of the 
world, had been achieved by the enterprise, the skill, the intelli- 
gence of the North, and were the legitimate product of the ideas 
which there found supreme recognition. They constituted, in the 
eyes of Northern men, certain proofs of the value of the Union, 
and of the wisdom of that doctrine of government which, as it 
were, images and epitomizes the people in the national polity, thus 
securing permanence and safety to the persons and properties of 
all alike, in the fact of a provident resource, or due reserve of 
potency, for the correction of all abuses on the part of those in 
authority. No such results of material, moral or political advance- 
ment or elevation, had been possible under the Southern system ; on 
the contrary, all Southern policy faced to the Past rather than to 
the Future, cherished the effete and old rather than the vigorous 
and new in government and morals, and with that conservative 
instinct peculiar to aristocracies, perpetually cried out with San- 
ballat of old against the removal of the debris of decayed systems 
and the erection of new structures of law and new memorials of 
growth and expansion. It was but natural, therefore, that when, 
in the inevitable attrition of these hostile principles, those who 
recognized no restraints of law or fealty demanded the dissolution 
of the Union, the people of the North, educated to regard that 



12 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Union as the embodiment of the national aspirations and the safe- 
guard of the national interests, and as necessarily, by the organic 
laws of its structure, perpetual, should resolutely resist, even as 
one resists an attempt to strike down those of his own household. 
The instinct of nationality, lying deep in the hearts of the people 
so long menaced by a grudging and ambitious oligarchy, when that 
oligarchy at last raised its hideous hand in actual hostility, in one 
grand outburst lifted the nation into an attitude of haughty and 
majestic defiance, and thus, in one moment of time, issue was 
joined between the forces which for eighty years had struggled for 
the mastery in our life, and silently prepared for the fatal hour 
of a final and decisive collision. 



CHAPTER II 



THE UPRISING IN NEW JERSEY. 

Ou the 20 tli of December, I860, a convention of delegates 
elected under authority of the Legislature of South Carolina, 
adopted an ordinance of secession, declaring the " Union then 
subsisting between South Carolina and other States, under the 
name of the United States of America," to be finally and forever 
dissolved. This act was hailed everywhere throughout the South 
with eager exultation, as the first decisive step toward the erection 
of an independent Southern Confederacy. Others of the slave 
States, where the disunion plotters had obtained control, at once pre- 
pared to follow the disastrous lead of South Carolina. Their Senators 
and Representatives in Congress, flinging taunts and insults in the 
faces of their loyal colleagues, resigned their places and hastened to 
their homes to aid in stirring up the passions of the people to an 
intenser heat and more implacable fury. Military organizations 
were rapidly matured, and equipped with arms stolen from Federal 
arsenals and armories, of which the conspirators took forcible pos- 
session. Vigilance committees, breathing the spirit of the mob, 
were formed in all the larger towns, and established a reign of terror 
which swept down, pitilessly, all thought of resistance to the 
ungovernable passion of the hour. The whole South rang with 
appeals to arms. In February, 1361, an assembly of usurpers, 
chosen by the secession conventions of six States without the con- 
sent or sanction of the people, adopted a form of government for 
the new Confederacy, which was afterwards distinguished by the 
title of " Confederate States of America." 1 On the 12th of April, 

1 " This title -was utterly false, because no States, as States, "were parties to the 
league. The "government," so called, was composed only of a hand of Confederate 



14 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Fort Sumter, occupied by a Federal garrison, was assailed by 
hostile batteries manned by Southern troops, and on the following 
day it capitulated, and the flag of the " Confederacy" was lifted 
over its shattered walls. From that hour, big with the fate of 
millions, inactivity on the part of the government was impossible, 
; and it no longer hesitated to summon the people to defend the 
heritage thus boldly and traitorously assailed. 

It is entirely safe to say that up to this time the masses of the 
Northern people were unable to believe, notwithstanding the 
apparent exasperation and widely prevalent excitement of the 
Southern mind, that a blow would actually be struck against 
the national authority. The flag of the nation was the flag of the 
fathers. It was the symbol of a theory of government to which 
all the world was more and more approximating. It proclaimed 
on land and sea, to the ends of the earth, man's capacity for self- 
government. Under it the' country had grown from the weakness 
of Colonial vassalage into the sturdy and stalwart strength of a 
Nation, whose power everywhere found recognition ; whose 
example had influenced the polity of the oldest and proudest 
States of Europe ; whose enterprise had pushed its adventurous 
way into the remotest lands ; whose science and philosophy had 
contributed to the comfort and advancement of every people; 
whose laws embodied the ripest results of eighteen centuries of 
political experience and growth. That flag had through two wars 
led our armies to victorjr. It could not, surely, be that men who 
had found shelter under its folds, whose fathers had marched under 
it to battle, their way illuminated by the glory of its stars, would 
dare to seek its dishonor and the overthrow of the authority which 
it represented? The same rivers that flowed by the doors of 
Northern homesteads, touched, in their majestic sweep, the borders 
of Southern plantations, and bore to Southern villages and cities 

traitors, who had usurped the powers and trampled upon the rights of the people, who 
constitute the State, and were about to make war upqn the Republic to the hurt of 
that people. "—Lossing's " Civil War in America,"' page 218, vol. 1. It is noteworthy 
that while the insurgent leaders uniformly claimed to speak for the people, and in 
defence of their rights, the people were really ignored in the preliminary as well as in 
all subsequent proceedings under the Confederacy. 



THE UPRISING IN NEW JERSEY. 



15 



the products of Northern acres. The same mountain ranges which 
cradled Northern hamlets on their slopes, lifted their heads over 
Southern vallies, with contented populations nestling in their laps. 
A vast system of railways, reaching from the Northern lakes to 
the Gulf, with lateral lines extending from the Atlantic seaboard to 
the Kocky Mountains, contributed to the creation of a community 
of interests and equality of responsibility in the government, 
among all sections of our extended domain. The language in 
which Southern men appealed to Grod around the family altar, was 
that in which New England sung her thanksgiving hymns and 
taught the duty of obedience to law in her Christian schools. 
Were not all these bands of union ? Did not these things con- 
stitute physical arguments against dismemberment — geographical 
disabilities to separation ? Was not ours a common destiny ; were 
there not ties of kindred, trade, history, tradition, which, in the 
last resort, would hold us all together, proving stronger than the 
passion of demagogues, stronger than the hates, however vehe- 
mently nourished, of faction or of section ? Did the South, indeed, 
mean to do battle with the whole spirit of the age? It was in 
thoughts like these that the people grounded the hope that, spite of 
growing clamors and deepening exasperations, war would after all 
be escaped, and the nation safely delivered out of all its perils. 
The storm might gather, indeed, and the thunder mutter overhead, 
but surely the clouds would ere long break and the blue sky 
appear, sheathing in its serene depths every angry bolt, silencing in 
its vast abysses every clamorous menace. 

Thus confiding in the loyal instincts of the people ; unable to 
believe that the spirit of sedition would flower into open revolt ; 
and when the blow was finally struck, stunned alike by indignation 
and surprise, the North was obviously unprepared for war. A 
giant in strength, with vast resources at its command, it was yet for 
the moment wholly incapable of defence, and with all its athletic 
vigor was but a child in capacity for immediate resistence. The 
Federal army, scattered in feeble detachments on frontier stations, 
or employed in garrisoning seaboard defences, numbered in all but 



16 jSTEW jersey and the rebellion. 

a paltry aggregate of twelve thousand men. The national arsenals, 
not in rebel hands, were comparatively empt} T , and the armories 
upon which the government depended for the production of arms 
and munitions, were either inadequate or altogether abandoned. 
Had an army of thirty thousand men leaped into the arena, fully 
organized, at the first gun of the foe, the whole North, even if 
dragged with a seine, could not for months after the first assault, 
have furnished sufficient effective arms to equip it. Nor was this 
all. There was not in any State, with perhaps a single exception, 
a thoroughly organized and equipped militia upon which to fall 
back for support and defence. The Free States, relying for protec- 
tion against exceptional excesses and disorders upon the vigorous, 
underlying sentiment of obedience to law, and the conservative in- 
fluence of enlightened opinion, by which it was characterized — hav- 
ing in their midst no institution which constituted a perpetual 
menace of the public peace — had only in rare instances bestowed 
attention upon the cultivation of the martial spirit ; for the most 
part had neglected entirely the organization and maintenance of a 
reserve military establishment which, while essentially voluntary 
and republican in form, should second, in sudden or pressing 
emergencies, the efforts of the civil magistracy in enforcing resisted 
law and maintaining endangered authority. There was, undoubt- 
edly, in this prevalent decay of the military spirit, and this absence 
of any efficient militia system, a gratifying, and to strangers an 
amazing, exhibition of popular confidence in the strength and per- 
manence of free institutions, as well as in the general virtue of the 
citizen ; but this fact, however pleasing in itself, atoned but poorly 
for the general defencelessness w*hen at last the shock of arms shook 
down the nation's confidence in peace, and armed rebellion, stand* 
ing at the very gates of the capital, demanded the surrender to its 
control of the fairest portion of our heritage. 

Among the States of the Union none, perhaps, was so poorty pre- 
pared for the harsh exactions and inevitable necessities of war, as 
New Jersey. Her militia system, never properly fostered or sustain * 
ed, was but a system of shreds and patches, without organic unity, 



THE UPRISING IX NEW JERSEY. 



17 



and almost entirely worthless as a means of defence, or even as a 
nucleus for a more perfect organization. 2 The supply of arms at the 
command of the authorities was scarcely equal to the equipment of 
three full brigades, and those within reach were of the poorest 
description — altogether unfit for active service. They might answer 
for mock engagements on peaceful muster-days, or for target-firing 
on holiday parades, but beyond this they could be of little use. — 
These, obviously, were not only inconveniences in the situation of 
the State : they amounted to positive disabilities. But these were 
not the only embarrassing features of the situation. The military 
bureau of the State had been organized on a purely peace basis, and 
as such had been administered through a period of profound calm, 
during which not a single demand had been made upon its energies. 
It was as ignorant, practically, as the people themselves of the 
realities and business of war. Its heads knew absolutely nothing 
from experience as to the vast and consuming necessities of armies, 
or of the methods of high organization now brought to bear upon 
their structure. 3 Suddenly called upon to act, they were compelled 

- "The proclamation of the President of the United States, which appeared on the 
fifteenth day of April last, calling ont the militia of the several States to suppress 
rebellion already commenced in a portion of onr country, found the State of Xew Jer- 
sey almost wholly unprepared for such a call. * * * Many years of profound peace, 
and the absence of any feeling of alarm, had left our reserve militia entirely unorgan- 
ized, and to a great extent unenrolled throughout the State, while the active militia 
(which had been almost entirely supported by the individual patriotism and exertions 
of Its members, with little or no encouragement from the State,) though it amounted in 
the aggregate to about four thousand four hundred officers and men, consisted in a great 
measure of scattered companies, attached to the various brigades of the State, and these 
in many cases but poorly armed.- 1 — Report of Adjutant- General Stockton, 1S61. 

3 The reader will not misunderstand these remarks. They are not meant to reflect 
at all upon the capacity of the heads of this department of the State A dmini stration. 
Robert F. Stockton, Jr., who served during the whole period of the war as Adjutant- 
General, was in every respect admirably qualified for that position. Inheriting a pre- 
dilection for the profession of arms, and thoroughly patriotic, he brought to the dis- 
charge of his duties the highest energy, with a sobriety of judgment and a vigor of 
perception which made him invaluable. Xo man was more sensible than he was of the 
defects of our militia system, and the difficulties of his position resulting therefrom , 
and from the very first he labored industriously to secure the introduction of such 
reforms as would, in a measure at least, remedy the existing evils. But with all this, 
General Stockton was without experience in the actual business of organizing larg-e 
bodies of troops, and it is to this fact, for which he was no more to blame than any 
other citizen, that we refer in this resume of the embarrassments attending the opera- 
tions of our military bureau in the early stages of the war. Later in the struggle no 
such statement would apply. The Quartermaster-General, Lewis Perrine, labored under 

3 



18 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



to acquire, by slow and painful application, that facility in organiz- 
ing troops without which their efforts were liable to be baffled at 
every turn. For at the centre of all military authority and activity 
— the capital of the nation — narrow-minded, impracticable men 
seemed for a time to have exclusive control ; men who, in the face 
of a hostile army, with eleven States in open revolt, and war 
already striding with kindled torch through the land, not only 
estimated the rebellion as a mere temporary ebullition which would 
disappear in thirty, or at most, ninety days, but actually organized 
their measures of defence upon this nsrrow estimate. 4 Hence, it 
came to pass that when the people, more correctly interpreting the 
signs of the hour, thronged in with lofty courage, by hundreds and 
thousands, to defend the nation's life, they met rebuffs rather than 
encouragement ; checks and hindrances amounting to positive 
restrictions, were laid upon the recruitment and reception of in-com- 
ing volunteers ; and, as a result, State authorities were constantly 
exposed to unnecessary annoj^ances — were compelled to conform to 
stereotyped and effete methods in the organization and equipment 
of their regiments, and to undergo the most irksome processes of 
circumlocution even as to the most trivial details. Necessarily, this 
persistent adherence to forms, to old usuages, to the methods of the 
schools, in the presence of a crisis demanding instant and decisive 



the same difficulty as his associate, but, like him, displayed, from first to last, an untir- 
ing assiduity and conscientious fidelity in the performance of his duties, which achieved 
for him, justly, an exalted reputation among our troops, no less than with the public at 
large. We shall have occasion to refer again to both these officials in the course of this 
work. 

4 Nothing in the whole record of the war appears more painfully ridiculous than the 
failure of Secretary Cameron, and other high Government officials, to appreciate, even 
approximately, the gravity of the crisis which they were called to meet. On the part of 
some of them, there was, apparently, utter and complete blindness, or what was still 
more criminal, a fixed purpose to dwarf the contest, and measure all preparations of 
defence by their own low and inadequate standard. Thus, Secretary Cameron, when the 
Governor of this State pressed the acceptance of troops in May, 1861, said : ' ' Three regi- 
ments are assigned to your State. It is important to reduce rather than enlarge this num - 
ber. Let me earnestly recommend you, therefore, to call for no more" (than already 
named. ) "If more are already called for, reduce the number by discharge. ' ' Even after 
Bull Run, as late as August, 1861, Mr. Cameron only reluctantly consented to accept 
the Ninth Regiment, although the men were recruited and eager to go to the field, 
where only disaster had crowned our arms. If this was not an absurdity amounting 
to cruelty, what was it ? 



THE UPRISING IN NEW JERSEY. 



19 



action, seriously embarrassed a bureau so inexperienced as that to 
which the military interests of New Jersey were committed, and 
with all the fidelity and industry of its heads, this added burden 
rendered the work of preparation for defence one of stupendous, 
and at first sight, appalling proportions. 

In one thing, however, the State was eminently fortunate. It 
had an Executive of incorruptible integrity, of inflexible loyalty, 
and of indomitable will ; one of those rare men who, outwardly 
unobtrusive and silent, conceal under a complacent demeanor, vast 
inherent strength and self-reliance, which, upon emergency, produce 
in them prodigies of performance. A man of quiet habits, preferring 
the peaceful pursuits of the husbandman to the tumults and rivalries 
of politics, without ambition or exalted self- appreciation, 5 he had 
consented to become a candidate for Governor only upon the most 
pressing entreaties of those who, discerning signs of trouble in 
the lowering future, felt profoundly the supreme importance of 
securing a man of his distinguished character as Executive of the 
State ; and even when elected, after one of the most heated politi- 
cal campaigns in our history, he entered with undisguised reluctance 
upon the duties of the office, notwithstanding, at that time, those 
duties were by no means of an exacting nature. Had he foreseen, 
in those days of calm, what burdens awaited him in the future — ■ 
what consuming and overwhelming demands would be made upon 
his energies in the performance of the inevitable administrative 
labors which the war imposed, we may well imagine that not even 
the most urgent solicitations would have induced him to accept the 
important trust which the people so willingly confided to his hands. 

But the very qualities we have named as entering predominantly 
into Governor Olden's character, made him, when the crisis came, 

5 No man could be more destitute of ambition, of the vulgar sort, than Governor 
Olden. During the canvass which resulted in his election, he more than once said to the 
writer: "Nothing but the most urgent considerations of public duty, and of attach- 
ment to the principles with which I have always been identified, could ever have 
induced me to become a candidate. If elected, I shall find no pleasure in the position. 
I have no children who, when I am gone, will count it an honor to be able to say their 
father once filled the highest position in the State ; I have myself no aspirations in that 
direction ; why, then, should I be engaged as I am in appealing to the people for sup- 
port?" 



20 NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 

peculiarly the man for its augmented and solemn responsibilities. 
The patriotic instinct which impelled him to sacrifice personal feel- 
ings and personal comfort to meet the call of his fellow -citizens, 
made him, from the first moment of the rebellion, thoroughly and 
desperately in earnest in all his convictions of the necessity and duty 
of defence. The great energy and innate integrity of purpose, the 
nicely-balanced temperament, the keen perception and power of 
rapid decision for which he was noted, made him a leader, at once, 
in the work of organizing the State for the task which, in common 
with every other commonwealth, suddenly rose before it. These 
qualities not only made him a leader as to larger operations — as to 
the general purpose and object in view, — but gave him conspicuous 
facility in devising and arranging details, in ordering safely and 
wisely the minutiae of the work in hand, and in meeting and dispos- 
ing of, promptly and judiciously, the new questions and difficulties 
almost daily arising. Nor was this all. Governor Olden, albeit of 
retiring life, had been a close observer and student of character, and 
was a rare judge of men, discriminating with a precision which sel- 
dom, if ever, erred, between the good and the bad — the trustworthy 
and the fickle — the wise and the foolish. This quality of mind 
proved of the utmost value to the State and to the country. It 
enabled him, in the selection of his subordinates, and especially in 
the officering of our troops, to procure men of undoubted capacity, 
who could be depended upon to perform the work assigned them. 6 
No pretender ever imposed upon Governor Olden ; no adventurer, 
substituting effrontery and affluence of talk for genuine merit, ever 
passed his searching scrutiny and acquired his endorsement. The 
result was that the regiments which left the State during his admin- 
istration were better officered and appointed than those of any other 

c Governor Olden was greatly assisted in the selection of officers by a Board of Ex- 
aminers, composed of Adjutant-General Stockton, Lieutenant A. T. A. Torbert and 
General William Cook. Lieutenant Torbert, who was at an early day assigned for duty 
at Trenton, rendered from the first most important service in organizing and preparing 
our regiments for the field. Governor Olden was also greatly assisted in the labors of 
his office by Captain Charles P. Smith, James T. Sherman, formerly editor of the State 
Gazette, Barker Gummere, Clerk in Chancery, Colonel Charles Scranton, General N N 
Halsted, Hon. Joseph W. Allen, and others— all of whom labored imtiringlv and with- 
out compensation, in behalf of the State. 



THE UPRISING IN NEW JERSEY. 



21 



State. There was another reason for this. The Executive careful- 
ly avoided the error, into which some other Governors fell, of 
making political appointments, that is, of selecting men for purely 
military duties because of political service, or the solicitations of 
political bodies. In all his selections, of course, primary reference 
was had to the opinions of the persons chosen touching the war ; it 
would have been simply suicidal to have placed in command of 
loyal troops men who sympathized with the enemy ; but there was 
no difficulty at all in finding, in both political parties, individuals of 
recognized competency and unqualified patriotism, who eagerly em- 
braced the opportunity to lead our volunteers to battle. In those 
first hours of the great uprising, whatever may have been the case 
at a later period in the struggle, party lines were obliterated, party 
restraints uncared for, and the claims of the country, for which in 
other times men had died and women had agonized and suffered, 
were, with but an inconsiderable exception, recognized as sacredly 
paramount and supreme. 

Charles S. Olden, whose peculiar qualifications for the Executive 
office are here presented, was, at the time of his election, sixty-one 
years of age, and in the prime of his strength and judgment. He 
had served for two terms of three years each in the upper house of 
the State Legislature, and was familiar with the wants, as well as 
thoroughly conversant with the history, of the State. While a 
member of the Senate he had developed a talent for finance, and a 
capacity for the business of legislation, which gave him a front rank 
among the straightforward, old-style legislators who, before and 
for a time subsequent to the adoption of the present Constitution, 
so greatly honored the State. He was chosen Governor in Novem- 
ber, 1859, by a majority of one thousand six hundred and fifty -one 
(in a total vote of one hundred and seven thousand one hundred 
and seventy-six,) over General E. K. V. Wright, who was widely 
known as an active and influential supporter of the principles of 
his party, — and was, consequently, in the second year of his ad- 
ministration when the war commenced. Politically, Governor 01- 



22 



NEW JEKSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



den held to the principles of the Republican party, but had no 
sympathy with the peculiar views of some rash extremists who 
clung to that organization. Slavery he regarded as an unmitigated 
evil, the extension of which was to be prevented by all means 
known to the Constitution, and the influence of which it was of the 
highest importance to purge from the national life. At the same 
time, understanding, from observation during a residence of some 
years in a Gulf State, the intense feeling which pervaded the South- 
ern mind on this subject, and constitutionally averse to strife, ex- 
cept where vital principles were actually involved, he looked for 
the removal of the system to the silent but resistless operation of 
Christian teaching and example, and deprecated any attempt to in- 
terfere, from without, with the domestic institutions of any State. 
In this he agreed with the great majority of his cwn party, but 
was, perhaps, slower than some others, when the war had vested 
the nation with absolute power over this subject, to come up to the 
standard which was finally reached, as a national expression, in Mr. 
Lincoln's Proclamation of Emancipation. On this subject, we have 
Governor Olden's official declarations, which must be accepted as a 
conclusive exposition of his views, 'and they fully confirm the in- 
terpretation here recorded. In his Inaugural Address to the Legis- 
lature, (January 17, I860,) referring to the threatening aspect of 
public affairs, he urged with great earnestness the duty of a con- 
ciliatory course, declaring that " mutual concession was essential to 
the integrity of the Union," and adding that while "the sentiment 
of a large portion of the citizens of the United States was unques- 
tionably adverse to involuntary servitude," its extinguishment was 
" exclusively and eminently a matter of domestic policy, and con- 
trolled by each State for itself." At the same time, he declared 
that "every encroachment of the system of slavery upon ground 
not clearly ceded to it by the original compact," was in violation of 
it, and might be justly and lawfully resisted. He added, in the 
same direction, that "New Jersey having always been true to her 
Federal engagements, and having fallen behind none of her sister 
States in fidelity to the Union, sympathizes now with no party 
which seeks its dissolution. As she was among the first to ratify 



THE UPRISING IN NEW JERSEY. 



23 



the Constitution, so will she be among the last to violate any of its 
provisions; and that Union, in the benefits and glories of which 
she has shared, with all the powers that Grod has given her she will 
endeavor to perpetuate until the latest day." 

In these sentiments we have a clear and pronounced revelation 
of Governor Olden's character, and an index to the policy which 
he ever afterwards pursued. Even when the secession movement 
had been actually initiated by South Carolina, he still held to the 
hope that hostilities might be averted, and all existing difficulties 
harmoniously adjusted. To that end, in his Annual Message to 
the Legislature in January, 1861, he counselled moderation, and 
suggested that it might be wise to favor, by some legislative expres- 
sion, the calling of a Convention of all the States, in which the 
points at issue might be discussed and some satisfactory basis of 
settlement agreed upon. But in the same message, he warned the 
misguided men of the South that the principle of secession, tending 
directly to anarchy, would never be admitted by the loyal States 
and people; that they, and the communities for which they claimed 
to speak, had no wrongs, no grievances which could not be righted 
under the Constitution and within the Union, and repeated that New 
Jersey, while deprecating strife and yearning for a peaceable and 
orderly solution of all disputes, would still defend the Union, if in 
spite of all entreaties it should be assailed by armed violence, with 
all the enthusiasm and all the energy which her sons displayed 
in the struggle for its establishment. That this was no vain 
boast, we shall see in due course of this record. 

As to the manner in which Governor Olden discharged his 
duties, a fact or two deserves here to be added. His capacity for 
labor, however arduous and incessant, was remarkable. He took 
no thought of himself. Family enticements, home delights, the 
companionship of kindly neighbors, once so full of attraction, he 
entirely surrendered, and if he thought of them at all amid his 
crowding duties, let the thought lie sweetly in his heart, and gave 
no sign. For a period of twent}^-one months, he was only absent 
from the State capital two days and nights, and during much of 
this time he worked at his desk not only during the day but far 



24 



NEW JERSEY AND TfiE REBELLION. 



into the nights, making it a rule to complete each day the duties 
which that clay brought. The correspondence alone devolved 
upon him during this protracted period would have fully occupied 
the hands of any less methodical and industrious man, but he not 
only regularly disposed of it, writing with his own hand all letters 
of importance, but gave constant attention to the more pressing 
duties of his office, keeping everything at all times under his 
personal supervision, watching closely the expenditures in the 
military department in the purchase of supplies and equipments, 
scrutinizing the claims and characters of all applicants for position, 
looking with fatherly care after the comfort of our troops, and pass- 
ing through all these harassing perplexities and cares with serene 
face and a lofty faith in the nation's cause which made all men 
around him better and stronger for their work. After such a 
career — a career embellished by unflinching loyalty and "unselfish 
devotion to duty, crowned by a royal abnegation of all personal 
interests and tastes — it was but just that he should bear with him 
into his retirement, as a recompense for all his toils and sacrifices, 
the gratitude and esteem of all the people, and a sense of high 
appreciation, moreover, among all without the State, who were 
cognizant of his services. 



CHAPTER III. 

TROOPS SENT FORWARD. 

The population of Xew Jersey in the Spring of 1361, amounted 
to six hundred and seventy-six thousand. Of this number, ninety- 
eight thousand eight hundred and six were liable to military duty, 
though without military experience, and to a great extent ignorant 
of the use of arms. But when the call came for men to defend the 
nation's capital, great as had been the popular reluctance to believe 
that war was possible, and all-pervading as was the decay of the 
martial spirit, there was no hesitation or delay in the people's re- 
sponse. The whole North rose with glorious unanimity to vindi- 
cate the majesty of insulted law. Xew Jersey, from her Revolu- 
tionary battle-fields, answered the nation's call with eager pledges of 
help. The old flag, displayed aforetime only on fair holidays when 
no storms beat, flung out its folds in every town and hamlet, and 
over secluded country homes, and became a perpetual sign of cove- 
nant-keeping faithfulness, — a pledge to all the world that the cause 
it svmbolized should be maintained at whatever cost. It had gone 
down, torn and soiled, at Sumter, but it should be raised again, some 
day, triumphant and with new stars shining in its azure field. In 
every town and village, the people, assembling in public meetings, 
pledged their utmost resources in behalf of the imperiled Govern- 
ment. The banks came forward with liberal offers of money; 1 lead- 

1 The following are the amounts placed at the disposal of Governor Olden by the 



hanks "vrhose names appear : 

Newark Banking Company §50,000 

State Bank at Newark 50,000 

Mechanics' Bank " 25,000 

Newark City Bank 25,000 

Essex County Bank 20,000 

State Bank at Elizabeth 20,0-00 

4 



26 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



ing citizens proffered their assistance to the authorities ; every fire- 
side shone with the lustre of patriotic feeling ; and even the schools 
shared in the absorbing excitement. It was a carnival of patriot- 
ism, from one end of the State to the other. 2 



Mechanics' and Traders' Bank, Jersey City 25,000 

Bank of Jersey City 10,000 

Hoboken City Bank 11,000 

Sussex Bank 20,000 

Union Bank at Dover 10,000 

Fanners' Bank of Wantage 8,000 

State Bank at New Brunswick 25,000 

Trenton Banking Company 35,000 

Mechanics' and Manufacturers' Bank, Trenton 35,000 

Bordentown Banking Company 5,000 

Mechanics' Bank of Burlington 5,000 

Farmers' Bank of New Jersey, (Mount Holly,) 10,000 

Burlington County Bank at Medford 5,000 

State Bank at Camden 26,000 

Fanners' and Mechanics' Bank, Camden 10,000 

Gloucester County Bank, (Woodbury,) 5,000 

Salem Banking Company 10,000 

Cumberland Bank, (Bridgeton,) 5,000 



Total $451,000 



Among the earliest individual tenders of aid were those of Miss Sophia Stevens and 
Miss Esther Stevens, who, on April 29th, each placed §1,000 at the Governor's disposal. 

2 Lossing, in his " Civil War in America," page 403, says of the uprising in New Jer- 
sey, very justly as to the people but falsely as to the Governor: " The inhabitants of 
New Jersey were so full of enthusiasm that they became impatient of the seeming luke- 
warmness and tardiness of Governor Olden and others in authority. The Governor 
was so startled by the demonstrations of patriotism around him, that he ordered Com- 
pany A, of the City Battalion of Trenton, the capital of the State, to watch the arsenal, 
and see that the people did not run away with the arms." Nothing could be more un- 
just than this as to the State Executive. No man could possibly have been more prompt 
than Governor Olden in meeting every demand of duty. He did not need to be stimu- 
lated, by pressure from without, to the fulfilment of any obligation. As to the in- 
timation that he was driven -to place a guard at the State Arsenal by an apprehension 
that the populace, in their impetuous zeal, would seize its contents and march headlong 
to the field, no one who knows what the condition of that establishment was, and how 
worthless were the arms stored within its shattered and rambling Avails, will need to be 
assured of its entire groundlessness. The statement, indeed, in view of the actual facts 
of the case, is too farcical to deserve serious comment. Mr. Lossing continues, with 
greater accuracy : "He (Governor Olden) isssued a proclamation, two days after the 
President's call, calling for the quota of New Jersey to assemble at the State Capital. 
The Trenton banks tendered a loan to the State of $25,000; and the authorities of the 
city of Newark appropriated $100,000 for the maintenance of the families of volunteers, 
and five thousand dollars for the equipment of the soldiers. The Legislature met on 
the 30th of April, in extraordinary session, * * * * and the movements of troops 
began." In another place, the writer says that "the people of the State nobly re- 
deemed" the pledge, made by the Legislature, of the faith and power of New Jersey in 
aid of the Government, in any required extent. 

Fitz James O'Brien, in a letter to the New York Times, describing the journey of the 



TEOOPS SENT FORWARD. 



27 



President Lincoln's first call for troops was made on the loth 
day of April, 1861. Of the total number called for by that pro- 
clamation. ZSTe w Jersey's quota was four regiments of seven hundred 
and eighty men each, or three thousand one hundred and twenty- 
three men in all. 5 Governor Olden received the requisition of the 
War Department, of which he had been previously notified, 4 on the 
17th, and instantly issued a proclamation, directing all individuals 
or organizations willing to respond to the call thus made, to report 
themselves within twenty days. On the same day. he notified the 
Government that its demand would be immediately complied 
with. The terms of the requisition required the troops furnished 
to be detached from the militia of the State, and accordingly, sim- 
ultaneously with the proclamation of the Governor, orders were 
issued to the Major-Generals of the several military divisions, four 
in number, to detail each one regiment of ten companies, and also 
to organize immediately the reserve militia in the respective 
brigades. In detailing, these officers were directed to accept the 
service of volunteers, but if the requisite number did not volunteer, 
they were required to draft from the reserve militia for the defi- 
ciency. No such necessity, however, was anticipated, and the result 
fully justified the confidence of the authorities. The people every- 
where responded with enthusiastic alacrity to the call for troops. 
The existing military organizations at once opened recruiting- 
stations ; public meetings were held in every town and city in aid 

New York Seventh Regiment to Washington, gave this glimpse of the popular feeling 
in Xew Jersey: k * Swift through New Jersey — against which no sneer be uttered ever- 
more. All along the track shouting crowds, hoarse and valorous, sent to us, as we 
passed, their hopes and wishes. When we stopped at the different stations, rough 
hands came in through the windows, apparently unconnected with any one in particular 
until you shook them, and then the subtle magnetic thrill told that there were bold 
heart= beating at the end. This continued until night closed, and, indeed, until after 
midnight." 

It may be remarked here, that all the regiments which passed through our State du- 
ring the first year of the war, received the same cordial welcomes at the hands of the 
people. 

3 Including the Brigadier General, one Aid, and the Brigade Inspector. 

4 " Washtsgto", April 15, 1S61— His Excellency Charles S. Olden, Governor of the 
State of New Jersey :— Call made on you by to-night's mail for four regiments of 
militia for immediate service. Simo:n~ Cameron, Secretary of War." 

This despatch was received by Governor Olden, at Princeton, at half-past five o'clock, 
p. m., on the day sent. 



28 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



of enlistments ; the churches entered cordially into the work, many 
sending full companies into the ranks ; while everywhere the 
popular heart beat responsive to the spirit in which the call of the 
nation's head had been made. Within a few days over one hundred 
companies of volunteers, equal to ten thousand men, had offered 
their services, under the Governor's proclamation. 6 And even this 
number would have been greatly increased but for the prevalent 
belief that the quota would be filled by the brigades already 
organized. The first regimental offer was made by the First Eegi- 
ment of the Hunterdon brigade, 6 on the day following the appear- 
ance of the Governor's proclamation. On the same daj, Captain 
John E. Cunningham tendered the services of the Camden Zouaves, 
and these were rapidly followed by similar offers from all parts of 
the State. Individual offers were also immediate and numerous. 
On the 16th of April, that on which the President's proclamation 
was published, George D. Bayard, then first lieutenant of the First 
Eegular Cavalry, at West Point, and afterwards one of the most 
distinguished cavalry leaders of the war, formally tendered his ser- 
vices, stating his desire to serve with the troops of his native 
State. 7 Six days later, Judson Kilpatrick, then cadet lieutenant at 
the United States Military Academy at West Point, also addressed 
an urgent appeal to the Governor to be permitted to share with our 
troops the dangers and honors of the field. About the same time, 

s This does not include the fragmentary organizations, numbering less than one hun- 
dred men, which tendered themselves to the State. 

As exhibiting how the patriotic uprising of our people compared with that of another 
State of equal size, it may be mentioned that in Connecticut, up to the first of May, 
according to the message of Governor Buckingham, forty-one volunteer companies had 
been accepted. 

g The following is the letter in this case : 

"Lambert vllle, X. J., April IS, 1861. 
"Governor Charles S. Olden: Dear Sir:— The First Regiment of the Hunterdon 
Brigade, at this time numbering about 200 men, rank and file, respectfully tender their 
services to the Government, to aid in putting down the present rebellion. We are 
ready to obey your command. V. R. Mathews, 

"Lieutenant Colonel of the First Regiment, Hunterdon Brigade.' ' 
i The first individual offer, according to the records in possession of Governor Olden, 
was made by Joseph W. Revere, Brigadier General of the Morris Brigade, who as early 
as January, 1861, tendered his services in any capacity in which they might be required. 
This offer was renewed on April 17, and General Revere subsequently became Colonel of 
the Seventh Regiment. 




TROOPS SENT FORWARD. 



29 



Wm. S. Truex, lieutenant-colonel of militia, who had seen many 
years service in the army, being a graduate of "West Point, prof- 
fered his sword for the country's defence. Similar offers were 
made (April 24) by General Wm. Cook, then manager of an im- 
portant railway line, but formerly connected with the army ; by H. 
W. Sawyer, of Cape May, (May 1) then a member of a Pennsyl- 
vania volunteer company : 8 by J. H. Simpson, captain and chief of 
Topographical Engineers, then at Sandy Hook, near Harper's Ferry. 
Virginia; by Wm. B. Hatch, of Camden, who had been in the 
years 1859 and 1860 in the Eussian cavalry, at St. Petersburg ; 10 by 
Mark W. Collet, then a resident of Grermantown, Pennsylvania ; u 
by Mrs. Kitty K. Painter, of Camden, who desired to serve as an 
army nurse; 12 and by many obhers whose names afterwards shone 
in the bulletins of many a well-fought field. / 

The first company actually received and mustered into service 
(April 23) under the requisition of the authorities, was the " Olden 
Guard,'-' a militia organization of Trenton. 13 On the 30th of April, 
so rapidly had volunteers come forward, that the quota of the State 
was complete, and the regiments stood ready to march. 

Simultaneously with these movements for the recruitment and 
organization of troops, the State authorities were engaged in other 
and almost equally important labors. Kealizing the necessity of 
means of prompt and constant communication with all parts of the 

8 Mr. Sawyer was so pertinacious in his appeals for a position in a New Jersey regi- 
ment, that, being found meritorious, he was, on the 19th of February, 1862, commis- 
sioned as second lieutenant in Company K, First New Jersey Cavalry, in which position 
he served with marked credit, and had an experience of most romantic interest, as is 
recorded in another part of this work. 

9 Afterwards Colonel of the Fourth Eegiment, in the three years' service. 

10 Mr. Hatch was commissioned as Adjutant of the Fourth Regiment, three months' 
service, and subsequently made Major of the Fourth (three years') Eegiment. 

11 This gentleman afterwards applied for a surgeon's commission, but being found to 
possess high soldierly qualifications, and especially the most undaunted courage, was 
made Major of the Third Regiment, raised under the second call. 

1 2 Mrs. Painter was afterwards widely known as one of the most efficient and humane 
nurses of the Army of the Potomac. Thousands of scarred veterans, scattered abroad 
through the country, remember with gratitude her tender ministrations to their comfort 
in hospital and camp. 

!s This Company should not be confounded with Company A, (National Guard,) which 
was detailed for special service at the State Arsenal, under orders of the Quartermaster- 
General. 



30 NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 

State, the telegraph lins to Cape May, which had been abandoned 
by the Company, was at once ordered to be put in working order, at 
the expense of the State ; u and, as a further means of defence, a 
maritime guard was established along the line of the coast, consisting 
of patriotic citizens living adjacent thereto. Other measures looking 
to coast defence were also promptly adopted, including the estab- 
lishment of a patrol of the shore line by armed vessels. 15 Steps, 



11 The following despatches refer to this matter : 

"Philadelphia, April 21, 1861. 

"Governor Olden :— The telegraph line to Cape Island has not been in operation for 
several months. The Company, it is said, have abandoned it. The line should be put 
in working order to communicate with Government vessels off the Capes. It will cost 
about $500. Shall I have it put in order? W. B. Miller, of Cape May." 

Upon the original copy of this despatch, are endorsed the words, in Governor Olden' s 
hand : "Answered April 21. Ordered line put in order immediately, at the expense of 
the State." 

is The following correspondence, as part of the history of the times, is interesting in 
this connexion : 

" Trenton, May 15, 1861. 
"Hon. Hiram Barney, Collector of New York :— Dear Sir:— I am satisfied the New 
Jersey coast should receive the attention of the General Government without delay, and 
that your port is deeply interested in the action. There are along our shore several in- 
lets, namely: Barnegat, Little Egg Harbor, Absecum, Great Egg Harbor, and others. 
Vessels entering these inlets can sail for nearly one hundred miles through inland bays, 
extending up and down the coast, and separated from it by a narrow neck of land, and 
are there secure from storms and observation. Privateers may lurk here in the imme- 
diate vicinity of the commerce entering and leaving your port, near the open sea, and 
ready to prey upon the unprotected. In some of these inlets suspicious looking craft 
have been observed recently. One, a fast-sailing schooner, which avoided all inspection) 
and another, a small steamer, whose crew gave contradictory accounts of her lading and 
destination. 

I have written to the Secretary of the Navy, recommending that a steamer carrying- 
two or more guns, under an active officer, should cruise for a short time on the coast 
and in the bays and inlets of this State, and think the matter of sufficient importance 
to deserve your attention and support. Volunteer companies have been formed in the 
counties bordering on our coast, but while adequate to the protection of the main land, 
they cannot prevent privateering. Tour obedient servant, 

"Charles S. Olden." 

To the above, the following reply was returned : 

Collector's Office, Custom House, j 
New York, May 16, 1861. J 
Sir: — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th instant, 
in relation to the exposed situation, under our present exigencies, of the coast. of New 
Jersey. 

I beg leave to assure you that every attention in my power will be given, in the dis- 
charge of my official functions, to counteract the designs of evil-disposed persons 
towards the United States Government and the loyal citizens thereof. 

A copy of your letter has been forwarded to Commodore Breese, United States Nava 1 
Commander on this station. Captain Howard of the United States Revenue service, 
who is charged with supervision of these matters, informs me that the cutter Jackson 



I 
\ 

(] TROOPS SENT FORWARD. 31 

too, were taken to secure a more adequate and efficient garrison for 
Fort Delaware, lying in Delaware Bay, about midway between the 
shores of New Jersey and Delaware, it being feared that hostile 
bodies from the latter State might undertake to seize that work, 
with a view of closing communication with Philadelphia from the 
sea. 16 A company of New Jersey troops, tendered for garrison 
duty, was accepted by Major-General Wool, then in command 
at New York, but the general Government subsequently provided 
for the safety ot the Fort, and their services were not required. It 
was, however, undoubtedly owing to the vigilance of our authorities 
and citizens that this fortification was so promptly and vigorously 
manned as to render all hope of capture by surprise vain and futile. 
These operations, here rehearsed, may seem at this distance from 



will be here to-morrow, in all probability, when the cutter Bibb will be relieved at Kill 
von Kull, and be despatched to the coast of New Jersey on the service you suggest, 
with directions to her captain to report himself to the Collector at Perth Amboy. 
I remain, with much respect, your obedient servant, 

Hiram Barney, Collector. 

His Excellency, Charles S. Olden, Governor, &c." 

16 The correspondence on this subject embraces the following: 

Salem, N. J., April 22, 1861. 

"His Excellency, Governor and Commander-in-Chief: — Fort Delaware is in reality 
defenceless, having only a garrison of twenty raw recruits, under the command of a 
Marylander. A party from Salem visited it at midnight on Saturday, landed, and 
shouted and hammered with stones upon the door for nearly an hour before they could 
arouse a sentrjr. The interview with the commandant was unsatisfactory — he flying 
from subject to subject, now suggesting signal guns, then withdrawing the suggestion"; 
then requesting a response to any firing, and withdrawing this also; and closing with 
the remark that any engagement would very soon be ended, one way or the other. The 
bridges and derricks without the walls render access to the Fort easy ; and it is alleged 
by the visitors above referred to, that forty men could have taken the Fort without 
difficulty, and can, under its present auspices, take it at any time. The exposed condi- 
tion of West Jersey, as well as Philadelphia, demands immediate action to secure this 
position. This will be realized upon a moment's notice. Eobert Johnson, 

J. Ingham." 

On April 22d, General Wool communicated to Governor Olden a request that he 
would, "with the least delay practicable, send two companies of militia or volunteers 
to Fort Delaware for its protection. Should but one company be prepared to move at 
once, you will send it forward, to be followed by the other as soon as possible. " Accom, 
panying this communication were instructions to the commanding officer of the Fort 
(Captain A. A. Gibson, Second Artillery,) to receive and provide for the troops. 

On the 24th of April, the following dispatch was received from the Mayor of Phila J 
delphia : 

"Philadelphia, April 24, 1862. 
"Governor Olden: — Major- General Patterson has detailed a Company of Artillery 
*"or Fort Delaware. Your companies, as requested by General Wool, will not be needed 

"Alexander Henry, Mayor." 

j 



32 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



the early events of the war, to be of inconsiderable importance, 
and scarcely worth the prominence we have given them. Con- 
trasted with the stupendous operations of a later time they are, 
indeed, insignificant — mere specks on the page which records 
colossal labors and achievements. But it is to be remembered that 
in that early stage of the struggle, the magnitude of our task had 
not been developed; the theatre of action upon which we look 
now with unobstructed vision, was then obscured, neither its 
immensity nor the events which have marked it being even con- 
ceived of. Moreover, these first steps, trivial as they seem, were 
as necessary as any later action ; they constituted the foundation 
■upon which was afterwards reared the magnificent structure of 
patriotic sacrifice and labor which, to the latest throb of time, 
will challenge the homage of the nations. In addition to all this, 
it should not be forgotten that, with all the abounding patriotism 
of the people, that was a period of inexperience and alarm ; the 
enemy was of our own household, and had matured his plans in 
silence and secrecy; none could tell how far those plans extended, 
or what incidental objects they contemplated. As a consequence 
a measure of uncertainty and indefiniteness characterized all our 
operations ; we could only — the Future being a shut book — adopt 
such precautions and take such steps as were obviously demanded, 
and leave the issue with the Almighty Disposer of events. 17 

17 There is no injustice, no aspersion of the popular feeling, in this statement. 
Everywhere men looked with fear and trembling upon the lowering prospect. Even 
the bravest felt their weakness and littleness in presence of the perils seen, and still 
more in anticipation of dangers lurking in the shadows of the Future. All this was 
consistent with the highest loyalty and with the loftiest faith in the wisdom and justice 
of that Providence which is over all. No man, at this day, will dispute the loyalty or 
conscientious rectitude of purpose of Vice President Hamlin. Amid all the outcries 
of faction which, at times during the war, filled the land with a Babel of tumult, his 
name was never tarnished. Yet in the days of which we speak, even he trembled with 
apprehension. Understanding better than many others the situation at the national 
capital, he felt keenly the danger of delay in the work of defence, and shrunk with 
dread from contemplating the possibility of its capture. Influenced by this feeling, on 
the 24th of April he summoned Governor Olden to meet him at the Astor House, 
New York, for the purpose of consulting as to the best means of hastening the work 
of defence. New Jersey being the only State that had a full brigade of troops ready to 
march, Mr. Hamlin manifested the utmost anxiety for their immediate departure, 
urging that they be sent to Harrisburg. He was also disturbed by the fact that arms 
could not be procured to arm the volunteers so rapidly coming in, and in this he but 
shared the feelings of others. It is to be added that his interview with Governor Olden 
tended greatly to re-inspire him with confidence as to the issue of our troubles. 



TROOPS SENT FORWARD. 



33 



Meanwhile the four regiments called for, having been mustered 
in, awaited orders to move. The brigade organization had been 
completed by the appointment of Theodore Kunyon, of the 
Newark Brigade, as Brigadier General, with Major Alexander V. 
Bonnel as Brigade Inspector, and Captain James B. Mulligan as Aid • 
de-Camp. General Bunyon was a prominent lawyer of Newark, 
about thirtv-eight vears of age, and had for some vears manifested 
a deep interest in military affairs, laboring earnestly to establish the 
militia system upon a vigorous and efficient basis. He was, how- 
ever, without experience in the marshalling of troops, having 
never ' : set a squadron a-fleld," or participated in active service. 
But he possessed fine executive capacity, had marked firmness of 
character, understood the value of discipline, comprehended the 
gravity of the situation, and was, by virtue of his identification 
with the military of the State, peculiarly entitled to the distinction 
of the supreme command of our volunteer contingent. Other can- 
didates applied for the position and were strenuously supported by 
their partizans ; but among them all, Governor Olden esteemed 
General Runyon the fittest man for the place. His commission 
was issued on the 27th of April, and he at once took command. 
The task before him was by no means an easy one. That task in- 
volved the whole business of organizing, disciplining and equip- 
ping three thousand troops, many of whom had never handled a 
musket, most of whom were totally ignorant of drill, and none 
of whom knew anything practically of the rigors and discomforts 
of service in the field. Coming into camp with mere holiday 
soldiering experience, they were likely to be restive under their 
new restraints, and to resent as invasions of personal independence 
many necessary exactions of camp discipline. 1 " The difficulties of 

ls It is to be said, however, to the credit of these early volunteers, that for the most 
part they adapted themselves "with marked readiness to the demands of their new situa- 
tion. Upon this point, the Diaiy of Major James S. Yard, of the Third Regiment, 
under date of May 2d, says : " It is remarkable, considering the undisciplined condition 
of the Yolunteers, that there has been so little disorderly conduct. Of all troops, the 
volunteer is the most difficult to manage, and in censuring those who are here now, let 
great allowance be made. For the most part they are men who have been accustomed 
to the largest liberty of speech and action up to the moment of their enlistment. It 
will take weeks of drilling to reduce them to a proper degree of subordination to their 
officers." 

5 



34 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



reducing this large body of raw and undisciplined men, each of 
whom had his own theory as to every subject which arose, were 
very great and formidable, but General Eunyon did not shrink 
from the task. The volunteers, although inexperienced, had the 
spirit of soldiers, and to the development of this he promptly di- 
rected all his energies. Fortunately his efforts were warmly and 
ably seconded by the regimental commandants, 19 and palpable 



19 " The Colonel of the First Regiment was Adolphus J. Johnson, who for some years 
had been connected with the militia of the city of Newark. He, subsequently, served 
with distinction in the three years' service, and still wears honorable scars achieved in 
the country's defence. 

The Third Regiment had as its Colonel, William Napton, of Trenton, who had also 
been identified with the militia organization. 

The organization of the several regiments at this time was as follows : 

First Regiment. — Colonel, Adolphus J. Johnson; Lieutenant Colonel, James Peck- 
well; Major, William W. Michels; Adjutant, Joseph Trawin; Quartermaster, Theo- 
dore F. Ketchum; Surgeon, John J. Craven; Surgeon's Mate, Edward A. Pierson; 
Sergeant-Major, George H. Johnson; Drum-Major, Nathan P. Morris; File-Major, 
Elijah F. Lathr op ; Musicians, 14. Company A — Captain, John Brintzinghoffer ; First 
Lieutenant, John Ward ; Ensign, Alfred J. Payne. Company B — Captain, William S. 
Tipson; First Lieutenant, George Sweeney; Ensign, Mark Sears. Company C— Cap- 
tain, Thomas L. Martin; First Lieutenant, William C. Davis; Ensign, George T. 
Woodbury. Company D— Captain, Henry 0. Beach; First Lieutenant, John Glazrie; 
Ensign, George Blair. Company i?— -Captain, Martin B. Provost; First Lieutenant, 
Alexander, Vreeland ; Ensign, Garret Debow. Company J 7 — Captain, Henry Bowden ; 
First Lieutenant, John E. Beam; Ensign, John B. Monroe. Company G— Captain, 
Henry V. Sanford; First Lieutenant, Jesse Keen; Ensign, John H. Arey. Company 
//—Captain, William H. Reynolds; First Lieutenant, Charles E. Mackey; Ensign, 
Stephen C. Fordham. Company /—Captain, John H. Higginson ; First Lieutenant, 
William H. Thompson; Ensign, John Mclntee. Company K— Captain, Charles W- 
Johnson ; First Lieutenant, James B. Baird ; Ensign, Ephraim Hall. 

Second Regiment.— Colonel, Henry M. Baker; Lieutenant-Colonel, Abraham Speer; 

Major, ; Adjutant, Cornelius G. Van Reiper; Quartermaster, Henry H. 

Brinkerhoff; Surgeon, John C. Quidor; Surgeon's Mate, John Longstaff; Sergeant- 
Major, Noah D. Taylor; Drum-Major, Edward C. Woodruff; Fife-Major, William K. 
Van Reiper; Musicians, 19. Company A — Captain, Garret D. Van Reiper ; First Lieu- 
tenant, William D. W. C. Jones ; Ensign, Richard A. Vreeland. Company B— Captain, 
Edward C. Hopper; First Lieutenant, James C. Mayer; Ensign, John Hopper. Com- 
pany C— Captain, Frederick Grain, Jr., First Lieutenant, James H. Hughes; Ensign, 
Frederick Cooper. Company B— Captain, Gustavus A. Lilliendahl ; First Lieutenant, 
Frederick Bischof ; Ensign, Charles Bauer. Company /'—Captain, John J. Van Bus- 
kirk; First Lieutenant, Hiram Van Buskirk ; Ensign, James M. Simonson. Company 
/—Captain, Laurent J. Tonnele; First Lieutenant, James McGuire; Ensign, John 
Dugan. Company G— Captain, John Ramsay ; First Lieutenant, Benjamin Van Reiper ; 
Ensign, Frederick T. Farrier. Company H— Captain, Edwin S. Babcock; First Lieu- 
tenant, George H. Gardner; Ensign, John Wood. Company /—Captain, John A. Van- 
voorhees ; First Lieutenant, Edward Kelley ; Ensign, Henry J. Westcott, Company 
K— Captain, William B. Dunning ; First Lieutenant, Peter H. Hoyt ; Ensign, John G. 
Langston. 

Third Regiment.— Colonel, William Napton ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Stephen Moore ; 



TKOOPS SENT FORWARD. 



35 



results were soon achieved. The troops came gradually to under- 
stand the necessity of subordination, and when the order to move 
was at last given, the brigade was in all respects calculated to 
reflect honor upon the State. 



Major, James S. Yard ; Adjutant, J. Dallas Mcintosh ; Surgeon, Edward F. Taylor; Sur- 
geon's Mate, Elias J. Marsh; Quartermaster, Myron H. Beaumont; Sergeant-Major, 
James Anderson ; Drum Major, Joseph M. Lewis ; Fife-Major, Charles A. Anderson ; Mu- 
sicians, 14. Company A — Captain, Joseph A. Yard; First Lieutenant, Robert S. Gould • 
Ensign, Charles Ewing. Company 2?— Captain, David Pierson ; First Lieutenant, John J. 
Claclek ; Ensign, Charles D. Mandeville. Company C— Captain, Isaac Paul Lykens ; 
First Lieutenant, John W. Neal; Ensign, John R. Beatty. Company B— Captain, 
Samuel Mulford; First Lieutenant, Franklin S. Mills; Ensign, Henry K. Zehner. 
Company i?— Captain, Ashbel)W. Angel; First Lieutenant, Aaron H. Slack; Ensign, 
Isaac M. Bunnell. Company F— Captain, John EL Smith ; First Lieutenant, George H. 
Green; Ensign, Abram L. Bills. Company G — Captain, Vincent AV. Mount; First 
Lieutenant, John W. Cottrell ; Ensign, William Spain. Company IT— -Captain, George 
A. Allen ; First Lieutenant, James Gordon ; Ensign, Martin Wyckoff. Company I— 
Captain, Simeon R. Huselton ; First Lieutenant, Theophilus Stout ; Ensign, William 
W. Abbott. Company K— Captain, Cornelius W. Castner; First Lieutenant, Samuel 
Ross ; Ensign, George M. Stelle. 

Fourth Regiment. — Colonel, Matthew Miller, Jr. ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Simpson R. 
Stroud; Major, Robert C. Johnson; Adjutant, William B. Hatch; Quartermaster, Joltn 
L. Linton; Surgeon, Elijah B. Woolston; Surgeon's Mate, Alvin Satterthwaite ; Ser- 
geant-Major, Samuel Keys; Drum-Major, John V. Johnson; Fife-Major, David S. Ben- 
der; Musicians, 17. Company A — Captain, Henry A. Perrine ; First Lieutenant, Silas 
M. Wampole ; Ensign, Richard S. Moore. Company B — Captain, Joseph Gale ; First 
Lieutenant, Samuel B. Gale : Ensign, William Nippins. Company C— Captain, Ed- 
mund G. Jackson; First Lieutenant, William H. Maxwell ; Ensign, William H. Hem- 
sing. Company B — Captain, Joseph B. Stafford ; First Lieutenant, John Cavenagh ; 
Ensign, Ferdinand McWilliams. Company i?— Captain, Isaac W. Mickle ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Philip M. Armington ; Ensign, Timothy C. Moore. Company F— Captain, Ed- 
ward Price Hunt ; First Lieutenant, Richard H. Lee ; Ensign, Theodore A. Zimmerman. 
Company G— Captain, John R. Cunningham ; First Lieutenant, Louis M. Morris ; 
Ensign, Joseph L. De La Cour. Company IT— -Captain, John P. VanLeer ; First Lieu- 
tenant, George E. Wilson; Ensign, John Willian. Company I— Captain, Clement H. 
Sinnickson ; First Lieutenant, George T. Ingham ; Ensign, Henry F. Chew. Company 
K— Captain, George C. Burling ; First Lieutenant, Edward G. Keegan ; Ensign, Joseph 
Hays. 

While the Brigade was absent from the State, Major A. V. Bonnell, Brigade-Inspector, 
tendered his resignation, which was accepted; C. W. Tolles, Esq., was appointed 
Assistant Adjutant-General for the brigade, and the following changes occurred in the 
officers of the regiments : Captain Laurent J. Tonnele, Company F, Second Regiment, 
resigned, and Robert Gilchrist, Jr., was elected to fill the vacancy, at Washington, May 
18, 1861 ; Second Lieutenant Charles Bauer, of Company D, Second Regiment, also re- 
signed, and George Knapple was elected at Beltsville, June 3, 1861, to fill the vacaucy 
thus occasioned. The office or Major in the Second Regiment having been vacant when 
the Regiment left Trenton, Captain John J. VanBuskirk, Company E, Second Regi- 
ment, was promoted to that position June 15, 1861, at Arlington, Virginia. The vacan- 
cy thus occasioned in Company E, was filled July, 1861, at Camp Princeton, Bladens- 
burg, Md., by the promotions of First Lieutenant Hiram VanBuskirk, Second Lieuten- 
ant James M. Simonton, and Andrew VanBuskirk, all of that Company, to the positions, 
respectively, of Captain, First and Second Lieutenants. 




36 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



We have said that the Government was, at this time, lamentably 
unprepared for war. Of this fact, a conclusive evidence was given 
in connexion with the equipment of the First New Jersey Brigade. 
On the 26th of April, Secretary Cameron notified the State authori- 
ties that the Government could not furnish accoutrements for the 
troops, and that consequently they would be attached for the 
present to the military district commanded by Major-General Pat- 
terson ; that is, they must not be moved, owing to the inability of 
the Government to furnish arms or ammunition. In the same com- 
munication, the Secretary declined the offer of a volunteer battery 
made by Major Hexamer, through the Governor. Yet, at this very 
moment, the enemy was drilling within sight of the capital, and 
the whole North stood in apprehension of an assault upon it ! Our 
State authorities, after this notification from the War Department, 
would probably have been justified in abstaining from further 
efforts to hasten our volunteers to the field, or at least awaitino- 
indifferently further orders from the Government; but appreciating 
as they did the exigencies of the case, they determined at once to 
furnish at the expense of the State all the necessary accoutrements. 
This having been determined upon. Governor Olden on the 1st of 
May, despatched a special messenger to Annapolis, to communicate 
with General Butler, then in command at that point, informing him 
that our regiments were preparing to move, and requesting him to 
make the necessary arrangements for their reception; and at the 
same time another messenger was sent to Washington with des- 
patches for the Secretary of War, informing him of the decision of 
the authorities. On the same day Secretary Cameron was apprised 
by telegraph that our troops would move on the 1st, 2d and 3d of 
May, and was urged to make immediate arrangements to promote 
their comfort and their efficiency. All this done, one difficulty still 
remained to be overcome. The State was able to equip and arm 
the troops, but they were utterly destitute of ammunition, without 
which all other accoutrements would be useless. Efforts were made 
to procure the requisite supply from Major-General Patterson, com- 
manding this department, and from Major-General Wool, then in 
command at New York, but neither could afford any relief. Am- 



TROOPS SENT FORWARD. 



37 



munition was not to be had from any source over which the Govern- 
ment had control. 1 '- 1 Finally, application having been made to Mr. 
Simeon Draper, of the Union Defence Committee of New York, 
without success, the State messenger going to Mr. Blunt, of that 
city, succeeded, after long importunity, in procuring (on the 3d of 
May,) three thousand five hundred musket ball cartridges of the 
Government standard, and one hundred thousand percussion caps 
which were at once shipped. Thus, at last, all obstacles were sur- 

19 "Captain Charles P. Smith Avas dispatched to New York to procure it (the ammu- 
nition). It Was shipped from New York to Camden, after the brigade had left Trenton, 
and one of the vessels carrying the troops being detailed to receive it at Camden, it 
was taken on board and distributed to the troops on the other vessels as they passed 
down the bay. The State also furnished rifles, with which the flank companies of the 
several regiments were armed. 11 — Report of Adjutant- General. 
A gentleman familiar with the facts on this point, has supplied the following : 
" The fleet which was to convey the three thousand three months' men to the seat of 
war, consisted of fourteen propellers. They had reached Bordentown, en route, at the 
time Baltimore was in the hands of disloyal authorities, when it was ascertained that 
not a pound of powder or lead had been provided. An officer had been dispatched to 
New York, but failed to report. The afternoon of the day the fleet left Bordentown, 
Captain Charles P. Smith was hastily sent to New York to procure ammunition, but at 
such brief notice that he had scarcely time to reach the cars, or obtain necessary cre- 
dentials. After encountering and overcoming obstacles growing out of a lack of know- 
ledge of the whereabouts of officials, he at last succeeded in securing an interview 
with Simeon Draper, Chairman of the Union Safety Committee. Mr. Draper could 
render no assistance. He said there was not a sufficient amount of ammunition for 
New York troops ; besides, the city authorities, in view of the large quantity reported 
to have been sent to the rebels, had strictly prohibited any from leaving the city. In 
vain were the necessities of the case set forth. Finally the messenger was advised to 
call upon Mr. Blunt, on Broadway. He acknowledged having control of thirty-six 
thousand rounds of ball cartridges, and a large amount of percussion caps, but they 
were engaged to other parties — a ship-of-war required them — the order of the city 
authorities was in the way, <x:c. Besides, whoever got them, he must have the price 
paid down. It was urged that three thousand men were even then on their way to 
Washington to defend the Union, without the means of defending themselves ; that a 
tug was waiting at Camden upon which the messenger was to follow them to their des- 
tination, if necessary; that it was then four o'clock, and the last train by which he 
could possibly overtake them would leave in the course of a few hours, &c, &c. To 
all of which Mr. Blunt replied : ' That may be very true, but who are you, and Avhere 
are your vouchers ?' But after almost every argument and entreaty seemed exhausted, 
Mr. Blunt called some one in for consultation, and they proceeded to subject the mes- 
senger to a critical examination. Finally, the matter resulted in Mr. Blunt 1 s saying: 
'We will take your face for security, upon signing an instrument making yourself per- 
sonally responsible. 1 This, of course, was gladly assented to. The ammunition was 
piled upon a dray — entirely exposed to view — each box conspicuously marked on the 
end with the number of rounds of musket cartridges. As Captain Smith marched off, 
opposite the horses 1 heads, 'keeping step to the music of the Union, 1 Mr. Blunt 
called after him that he 'would be arrested before reaching the foot of Cortland 
street I 1 However, the journey was accomplished without encountering a single police 
| officer, and the dray was driven on the ferry boat and conveyed to Jersey City. Here 
I the railroad officials refused to take it in charge, alleging that it was against the rules 
| of the Company to carry suc7i freight on passenger trains. They also insisted that the 



! 



38 NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 

mounted, and the way was clear for the departure of our impatient 
volunteers. 20 

freight, if taken, must be paid in advance. After considerable delay, and by dint of 
importunity, the first objection was overcome, and the second met by the messenger 
again signing an instrument rendering himself personally responsible. The precious 
freight was safely locked in an iron crate, to be towed a long way astern, and then, for 
the first time, feeling sure of success, a despatch was sent to the Governor announcing 
the result. Soon after the train started a severe thunder storm came up ; the night 
was intensely dark, except when illumined with vivid lightning, and as the train sped 
through the country to its destination, the passengers were in blissful ignorance of the 
terrible secret towing astern. At Trenton, the Governor's Aid was waiting with de- 
spatches for General Runyon. The train reached Camden at half-past ten o'clock, the 
storm still raging, and so intensely dark that it was impossible to ascertain whether 
the flotilla had passed or not. One thing was certain — the messenger's open tug was 
waiting for him. It was determined to experiment by swinging a lantern at the end of 
the long wharf in the dark night and drenching rain. Fortunately the signal was ob- 
served, as the propellers were passing down the western channel, opposite the city, and 
the dispatch boat ' Elizabeth ' came across and received on board the ammunition. So 
severe was the storm that the fleet was obliged to come to anchor some miles below 
the city." 

20 "The First Regiment was clothed at Newark, at the expense of the Statu. The 
Second Regiment was mostly clothed by a committee of liberal and patriotic gentlemen 
of Jersey City, at their own expense, without any instructions or authority from the 
State, and have not as yet made any claim for repayment of the expenditure. The 
Third and Fourth Regiments were clothed entirely by the State." — Quartermaster- 
General? s Report, January 14, 1862. 

The whole expenditure made in organizing, equipping and transporting the four regi- 
ments of three months' men, amounted to 8167,128.46, of which 863,508.50 was for 
clothing, $27,120.42 for subsistence, and 827,947.64 for transportation to Annapolis. 

It may be stated here that the total expense of organizing and equipping four regi- 
ments of three months' militia, five regiments of infantry, one regiment of riflemen, 
one regiment of cavalry, and two companies of artillery, from their organization to 
January 1st, 1862, was 8902,027.20. 

In reference to the clothing and equipment of the Second Regiment of militia, re- 
ferred to above, we have been supplied with the following statement, which shows also 
how it was raised : "On the 16th of April a meeting was called at the Hudson House 
in Jersey City for the purpose of raising men for the war. Isaac W. Scudder, Esq., 
was chosen President of the meeting. Mr. Potter moved that a roll be opened for 
volunteers, which was agreed to amid warm applause. James M. Weart, a student at 
law, was the first to come forward and put down his name. In a few minutes the names 
of thirty ardent and true men were enrolled. This meeting gave such an impulse to 
the war movement that the volunteering of the Second Regiment speedily resulted. 
At a meeting of citizens held on April 22d, the Mayor (Cornelius Van Vorst) in the 
chair, a war committee of five was appointed, consisting of Mayor Van Vorst, Henry 
Traphagen, John Griffith, Benjamin G. Clark and David Smith. This committee 
equipped the Second Regiment and sent it to the field. Upon volunteering, the men 
were without uniforms or equipments, and the city was without money, but the emer- 
gency was promptly met by Messrs. Griffith and Clark, who came forward and in the 
most noble manner purchased all the necessary clothing and equipments, making them- 
selves personally liable for some 830,000, trusting that the people would ultimately 
raise the money and pay the bills incurred. This the citizens, through their represen- 
tatives, cheerfully did, and the gentlemen named were reimbursed. The regiment was 
equipped and in camp at Trenton on April 26th, less than a week after the general 
meeting of citizens was held. 

" The war committee above named, after the departure of the regiment, cared for the 
families of the men, the citizens subscribing a large sum of money for that purpose." 



CHAPTER IV. 



HOSTILITIES COMMENCED— BULL RUN. 

At the time of which we write, communication with Washington 
by way of Baltimore had been cut off by the burning of bridges 
and the destruction of sections of the railway running through 
Maryland, and it became necessary, therefore, that the New Jersey 
troops should proceed thither by way of Annapolis. After consul- 
tation it was determined 1 to employ the propellers plying on the 
Delaware and Earitan Canal in their transportation by this route, 
no other means of conveyance being available. Accordingly, on 
the 2d of May, an order was issued to General Runyon directing 
the embarkation of the troops " as soon as possible," and on the 
same day, final instructions were issued to the commandant, 2 for his 
government while en route to the field. The day following, the 
fleet (Captain R. F. Loper in command,) left Trenton, and on the 
night of the 4th, arrived off Annapolis, having been greeted at all 
points along the route with manifestations of pleasure. 3 The ar- 
rival of the Brigade was at once reported to General Butler, who, 
after some ceremony, ordered its advance to Washington, 4 and on 

1 Mr. John G. Stevens is said to have first suggested the adoption of this route 
and method of transportation. 

2 In these instructions General Runyon was directed to proceed by way of the Dela- 
ware and Chesapeake Canal to Annapolis, and there report to the officer commanding 
for further orders. As soon as possible, he was directed to ascertain by careful inspec- 
tion any deficiencies which might exist in the arms, equipments and hospital stores of 
the brigade, and to notify the State as to what was needed, if the deficiency could not 
be supplied by the government. The instructions closed with this injunction : "The 
honor of New Jersey is in your keeping." 

8 At almost every farm-house along the route the stars and stripes were displayed, 
and the ladies appeared at the doors and windows, waving handkerchiefs as we passed. 
They were repeatedly cheered by the troops."— Major TarcVs Journal. 
I 4 A very full and accurate account of the events which had preceded the arrival of 
our troops at Annapolis, including the particulars of its seizure and occupation by 
Butler, is given in the 18th chapter (vol. 1) of Lossing's " Civil "War in America." 



40 



new jersey and the rebellion. 



the 5th, the First Kegiment, with six companies of the Second, and 
nine companies of the Third, started forward in two trains of cars. 
The first of these trains reached Washington about midnight, and 
the second at eight o'clock the following morning. The same 
evening, the Fourth Regiment, and the remaining company of the 
Third, reached the capital. The four companies of the Second, 
left at Annapolis, were detailed, by order of General Scott, to the 
service of guarding the telegraph and railroad track between Wash- 
ington and Annapolis Junction. 5 

On the 6th of May, the arrival of the Brigade was reported to 
General Scott, and no camps being provided, the troops went into 
such quarters as were available in Washington. On all sides the 
arrival of the troops was hailed with pleasure. Men felt that now 
th*e capital was safe. 6 These three thousand Jerseymen, thorough- 

s Captain W. B. Dunning, of the Third Regiment, furnishes the following outline of 
the experience of the detachment which was assigned for service in Maryland : 

" Upon arriving at Annapolis, companies D, E, I and K were detailed for guard duty 
at the Naval School, while the other six companies made themselves comfortable in 
the mansions formerly occupied hy the Professors. The Regiment was ordered to pro- 
ceed to Washington on the night of its arrival, and the companies on guard, not being 
relieved in time, were left behind. The next day, Captain Mulligan, of General Run- 
yon' s staff, arrived from Washington, and arranging for the relief of the remaining 
companies, they took cars for the Washington branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail- 
road; companies D and K were put off at Beltsville, thirteen miles from Washington, 
and E and I at Hyattsville, six miles from Washington, with orders to guard the rail- 
road from Laurel to the city of Washington, a distance of about seventeen miles. And 
here these four companies remained three months — the first month without tents, and 
nearly the same period of time without rations. Thanks to General Butler, however, 
these wants were soon supplied when brought to his notice. Occasional alarms, some 
real and others fancied, relieved the monotony of the lonely pickets as they patrolled 
their beats ; but nothing occurred of a serious nature during the term. Lieutenant - 
Colonel Speer was in command of the detachment, with his headquarters at the resi- 
dence of Mr. Hyatt (a Jerseyman), at Hyattsville, near Bladensburg." 

A letter from a member of this detachment, dated at Beltsville, Maryland (12 miles 
from Washington), May 8, gives the following glimpse of the impoverished commis- 
sariat: "Our first meal here — supper — consisted of smoked beef and crackers; our 
next— breakfast— of only coffee and crackers, or sea-bread. There was salt pork for 
dinner, and a pound and a-half of rice for twenty-five men. For breakfast this morn- 
ing we had a cup of coffee and three small crackers each. All this time we are doing- 
hard duty. * * * * The population about here is nearly equally divided between 
Unionists and secessionists. The latter don't like the presence of troops. It is said 
that two bridges which we guard would have been destroyed but for our timely ar- 
rival." 

e The National Intelligencer (Washington) thus referred to the brigade upon its arrival 
in that city : 

" The whole brigade, with its four pieces of artillery, arrived at Annapolis on Sun- 



\ HOSTILITIES COMMENCED— BULL KUN. 41 

i 

j ly armed and equipped, as no regiments previously arrived had 
been, could be relied upon to repel all assaults. New Jersey never 
stood higher in the estimation of the loyal people of the country 
than at that juncture, when she sent to the nation's defence the first 
full brigade of troops that reached the field. The Government was 
especially cordial in its expression of satisfaction. 7 Two days after j 
- its arrival, the Brigade paraded the city, and was everywhere hailed 
with the liveliest demonstrations of enthusiasm by the populace. 8 
As was, perhaps, to be expected, great difficuly was at first experi- 
enced in the commissariat, no adequate provision having been made 
by the Government for supplying the wants of the troops, and some 
days were required to produce system in the issue of rations, and 
remove all cause for complaint. 9 Some dissatisfaction also existed 

day, May 5th, in twenty' eight hours from Trenton, and proceeded direct for Washing- 
ton. It is stated that the fourteen transports, with a strong convoy, commander 
F. K. Loper, made a splendid appearance, steaming in two lines down the Chesapeake. 
They had been greeted by a great Union demonstration as they passed along the Chesa- 
peake and Delaware Canal. They are armed with the Minie musket, but are to have 
the Minie rifle and sword-bayonet. The splendid stand of colors brought with them 
was presented to the (First) Eegiment by the High School in Washington street, 
Newark, just prior to their departure for Washington. This regiment is composed of 
some of the best men in the State, and in athletic appearance, as well as general sol- 
dierly deportment, are a credit to the country." 

7 In a letter to the Executive, referring to the exertions of this State in aid of the . 
General Government, the Secretary of War used the following language: "For your / 
prompt and patriotic resjjonse to the call of the General Government, I tender to your - { 
self and the people of New Jersey my sincere and heartfelt thanks ;" and in a subse- 
~~quent letter he says : " Allow me to tender you the thanks of this department for the 
very prompt and efficient manner in which you, and the people of your State, have 
responded to the requisition made upon you." 

s "This afternoon (May 7), at short notice, the whole New Jersey Brigade was pa- 
raded and marched to the White House, where we were reviewed by the President, 
General Scott, and members of the Cabinet. It is seldom that four regiments of 
soldiers have appeared on parade together in this country, and it was a novel sight to 
the citizens of Washington. Some thought the whole force here was out, so large ap- 
peared the numbers under arms, and they were incredulous when informed that they 
were all Jerseymen. The troops all behaved well, and made a creditable appearance. 
All along the route they were cheered by the citizens, who lined the streets to witness 
the spectacle. I heard a great many compliments passed on their appearance, drill, 
equipments, &c, and all agreed that New Jersey had done nobly. It appears that 
most of the troops that have been sent here were without uniforms and other equip- 
ments, and in some cases were without arms — as one gentleman remarked, they looked 
more like a mob than like soldiers. The contrast, therefore, between them and the 
Jerseymen, was very great." — Major Yard's Journal. 

j 9 "May 12, 1861. — This morning, Captain George B. Baymond reported nimself with 
a commission from the Governor of New Jersey as Brigade Quartermaster." — Extract 
firom Journal of the New Jersey Brigade. Captain Baymond had been engaged for ten 

6 



42 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



among the men as to the quality of their arms, but the Government 
as rapidly as possible supplied them with percussion muskets, and 
deficiencies in clothing and equipments were also met by supplies 
forwarded by the State authorities. On the 9th, the Fourth Kegi- 
ment was ordered to go into camp at Meridian Hill, and within a 
few clays the entire Brigade was encamped at that point, where, on 
the 12th, it was honored by a visit from the President, who warmly 
complimented the appearance of the troops. 10 At this point, the 
army life of the volunteers commenced in earnest, the utmost ex- 
actness being required in all points of discipline. All the hard 
routine of camp duties was daily observed. The work of the sol- 
dier was found to be something more than mere festival employ- 
ment. It demanded every energy, the fullest devotion, the loftiest 
self-sacrifice. 

The Brigade remained at Camp Monmouth, perfecting its drill 
and general soldierly accomplishments, until May 22d, when an 
order was received from General Mansfield, commanding the De- 
partment of "Washington, directing that immediate preparations be 
made for a movement. The cla}^ following definite orders from the 
same authority supplied the needed information as to the objective 
of the proposed movement, and the camp was accordingly aban- 

days previous to this time in superintending the forwarding of supplies, and other simi- 
lar service, and was ordered to do duty as Brigade Quartermaster, at the request of 
General Runyon, with a view of organizing and giving efficiency to that department of 
the service. Colonel Joseph W. Allen, afterwards connected with the Ninth Regiment, 
was employed in the same service, as was also General N. N. Halsted, who was among 
the Governor's most valuable assistants in the organization of the early regiments, 
superintending the transportation of nearly all of them, and laboring incessantly for 
nearly two years without any compensation whatever, and to the neglect of his own 
interests. 

10 " During the afternoon, while busy in arranging the camp, we were surprised by a 
visit from Mr. Lincoln, Secretaries Chase and Seward, and C. M. Clay, of Kentucky. 
The party was recognized by the soldiers, the news spread, and they crowded eagerly 
around; directly they burst into three cheers for President Lincoln. He bowc ; d in 
acknowledgment of the compliment, and then in a free-and-easy way waved his hand 
toward Mr. Seward, saying: 'This is the Secretary of State— give him three cheers.' 
It was done, and he then turned towards Mr. Chase, saying: 'This is the paymaster, 
who gives you your pay— three cheers for him ; ' and again turning, pointed to Mr. 
Clay, saying : ' And now three cheers for Old Kentuck.' The boys responded heartily, 
and the President and his party seemed to enjoy it highly. After a few words of com- 
pliment, and interchange of bows, they walked off as unceremoniously as they came." 
— Journal of Major Yard. 



HOSTILITIES COMMENCED — BULL RUN. 



43 



doned. In order that this movement may be understood, reference 
must be had to events and operations elsewhere. 

From the outset of the rebellion, its chiefs had regarded the 
capture of Washington as of the highest importance, and had 
accordingly directed all their preparations to that end. By the 
tenth of May, some eighteen thousand troops, more or less effi- 
ciently equipped, were moving toward Virginia. As rapidly as 
possible, these troops were hurried to Manassas Junction, a point of 
great strategic importance, commanding the grand Southern rail- 
way route connecting Washington and Kichmond, and also the 
road leading to the Shenandoah Valley beyond the Blue Eidge. 
Being thirty miles distant in a direct line from the National Capi- 
tal, it had been foreseen by many Federal officers that the occupa- 
tion of this point was of the utmost consequence to us, as a key to 
our whole system of defence, but in the tardiness, amounting 
almost to paralysis, which characterized the movements of the 
Commander-in-Chief, the position was not seized, but left to be 
occupied by the enemy, who in after days was only dislodged at 
the cost of thousands of precious lives. Nor did the rebels stop 
here. Moving expeditiously and quickly, they pushed their lines 
almost to the border of the Potomac, and even sought to fortify 
Arlington Heights, whence heavy guns would command the cities 
of Washington and Georgetown. Had they succeeded in this 
purpose, it is not too much to say that the most fatal consequences 
must have followed. The Capital must have fallen into their 
hands, and the whole character of the war. with all the archives 
and property of the Government in their possession, would have 
been changed. Fortunately, however, their design was detected 
in time to prevent its consummation. The discovery showed, with 
startling clearness, the grave mistake of the purely defensive 
policy which General Scott had hitherto pursued, and he was at 
last induced to consent to an immediate advance into Virginia. 
There were then in and around Washington some 13,000 national 
troops, under command of General Mansfield, and to him, on the 
22d of May, orders were issued for the occupation of the Virginia 
Ashore of the Potomac, and also of the city of Alexandria, nine 

I 



44 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



miles below. It was to participate in this movement that the New 
Jersey troops, on the 23d of May, struck their tents and abandoned 
their camp on Meridian Hill. 

The order issued to General Runyon required him to have his 
brigade at the Long Bridge at 2 o'clock on the morning of the 
24th. Accordingly, at the evening parade, the Second, Third and 
Fourth Regiments 11 were paraded in heavy marching order, and 
being supplied with one day's rations, at about midnight took up 
the line of march in silence for the bridge, which was reached at 
the hour appointed. The invading column at this point numbered 
six regiments, with several companies of local militia, to whom 
was assigned the work of driving the insurgent pickets from the 
route over which the main body was to pass. The passage of the 
bridge was effected in silence, only the muffled tread of the troops 
disturbing the slumberous night. 12 The bridge being crossed, the 
Second Regiment was posted at Roach's Spring, and the Third and 
Fourth about half a mile beyond on the Alexandria road — the 
Third being located near Abingdon House, the mansion of Bushrod 
W. Hunter, formerly a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, 
Immediately upon the arrival of the brigade, details were made to 
construct a fortification which had been staked out by Government 
engineers at the junction of the Columbia and Alexandria roads — 
the remainder of the troops remaining under arms until daylight. 
The brigade headquarters were established near Columbia Springs, 
and tents being supplied by the Government, the troops went into 

n The First Regiment did not cross until the following day. 

12 "At twelve and a quarter o'clock, the regiment was formed on the parade ground, 
in silence. The moon was shining brightly, and there was not a cloud in the sky. At 
twelve and three-quarters the order to march was given. The long lines filed slowly 
out of camp and down the road, their bayonets gleaming in the moonlight, and no 
sound save the measured tramp of nearly a thousand feet. * * Through the city, 
past Willard's Hotel, tramp, tramp we went, and scarcely a soul to be seen outside of 
our dark column. As we left the encampment, the Second and Fourth Regiments fell 
in behind us. After passing Willard's, we found the Seventh New York Regiment, 
standing in line in the street ; we passed them, and presently passed a battery of flying 
artillery, and then a troop of cavalry, and then we came to the bridge over the Potomac. 
On we went, tramp, tramp, over the bridge. At ten minutes before three o'clock our 
feet struck the soil of old Virginia. The whole length of the bridge was guarded by 
armed men, and troops lined both sides of the road for some distance after we crossed. 
After proceeding along the line of a railroad about two miles, we took possession of a 
hill, and came to a halt."— Major Yard's Letters, 



HOSTILITIES COMMENCED- 



• — BULL RUN. 



45 



bamp along the Heights which had been, by this movement, saved 
from the rebel clutch. 

Thus at last a secure lodgment of national troops was effected 
on the soil of Virginia. Alexandria had been captured, and the 
enemy, for the time being, was driven from the line of the Poto- 
mac. No point occupied by our troops was of greater strategic 
importance than that held by the New Jersey Brigade, and this 
fact, while illustrating the confidence of the Commander-in-Chief 
in their trustworthiness, also imposed extraordinary responsibility 
as well as unexpected labors. Immediately upon the establish- 
ment of the lines on the 24th, details from all the regiments were 
put to work in constructing entrenchments and redoubts, 13 and it is 
among the chief honors of this brigade that the first regular work 
constructed by the national troops at the beginning of the war, and 
the first over which the nation's flag was flung out, was completed 
by the brawny arms of Jerseymen, many of whom were altogether 
unaccustomed to manual labor, but all of whom worked with un- 
flagging vigor and industry with the tools at their command. 14 
During the whole period of the war, these works stood as monu- 
ments of the muscular activity and vigor of our volunteers ; and 
it was only just that the principal fortification, having been built 
exclusively by Jerseymen, should be named, as it was. Fort Eunyon, 
and so known ever after. 15 

1 3 These defences extended from Roach's Spring, on the Washington and Alexandria 
road, across Arlington Heights. 

» " The whole of the New Jersey Brigade have been actively employed upon the 
fortifications ; their labors have been unceasing from six a. m. to seven p. m. every 
day since the work began. The men work three hours at a time, and every company in 
the brigade has to do its share of the labor, besides its other duties of guard, &c. There 
is very little, if any, complaint of the labor; as far as I can learn, the men do it cheer- 
fully. It is a work of considerable magnitude, and covers many acres of ground. It 
will command all the approaches to Washington from this quarter." — Extract from a 
letter dated June 1. 

A subsecpient letter by the same writer, dated June 10th, says : 

" The work on the fortifications is rapidly approaching completion. Several magazines 
for ammunition have been constructed during the past week." Five days later the 
same person writes: "Seventeen guns have been mounted at the fortifications, and 
several more are on the ground." 

15 This name was selected by the troops under authority of a letter from E. D. Town- 
send, Assistant Adjutant-General of the army, directing that the troops employed on 
the entrenchments be permitted to name them. 



46 



NEW JEKSEY AND THE BEBELLION. 



Being now, so to speak, in an enemy's country, extraordinary 
vigilance was at all points necessary, and General Kunyon prompt- 
ly put his command in trim for any emergency that might arise. 
The issue of passes was strictly forbidden, the discharge of fire-arms 
prohibited, and stated drills, with special reference to loadings and 
firings, bayonet practice, and resistance to cavalry, required of 
all the troops not otherwise employed. Orders looking to the 
prevention of pillage and violence were also issued, and the invio- 
lability of private property was sacredly maintained. 16 Attention 
was also given to the matter of sanitary police, and in other re- 
spects the exactest discipline and attention to soldierly duties was 
enforced. The result of this vigorous enforcement of military law 
was soon apparent in the improvement of the brigade in all the 
features of proficiency. Nor were the morals of the men overlook- 
ed. Religious services were frequently held, and care was taken to 
exclude from the camps everything calculated to lead the men 



16 Headquarters New Jersey Brigade, ) 
Camp Princeton, June 2d, 1861. f 

General Order No. 25. 

The peculiar character of the present service renders it proper that the attention of 
officers and men be directed to the necessity of observing, with the most scrupulous 
exactness, the rights of private property of the people of the States in which the 
troops may be. Our errand and purpose is to liberate the loyal from a reign of terror, 
and to restore to the Government that property which, belonging to the whole people 
of the United States, has been wrested from them by the traitorous hand of lawless and 
reckless violence. We are not in an enemy's country. We are bound by every consid- 
eration to regard the rights of persons and property here as elsewhere. There must be 
no plundering, pillage or wanton destruction. When discovered, it shall not go unpun- 
ished. Any interference with private property will be visited with speedy and exem- 
plary severity upon the offender, and it is especially enjoined upon all officers to report 
with the utmost dispatch all cases of illegal interference by persons belonging to their 
commands with the property of citizens of States where the force may be located. 
By command of 

Brigadier-General Theodore Bunyon." 
Subsequently, a board was constituted to estimate and report the amount, kind and 
value of all private property taken and used, and of the damage done in any way to 
such property by reason of the occupation of that section of country by New Jersey 
troops. All persons whose property had been occupied were notified to present their 
claims, when the board made a personal inspection of the damage done. One man 
handed in a claim for $1,900 for damages to his fences and crops, whose whole property, 
houses, lands and stock, was not found worth that amount. Attempts at imposition', 
of this nature, were frequent during the early stages of the war, and there was for a 
time a disposition to liberality in the estimate of damages, but this feeling in due time 
gave way for the rule that disloyal owners had no right to claim damages at the hands 
of a Government which they were endeavoring to destroy. 



HOSTILITIES COMMENCED — BULL RUN. 



47 



astray — a notable act of the commanding General in this direction 
being the destruction of all the liquor-shops within his reach. 17 

On the 18th of June an order was received from General Mc- 
Dowell (who on May 27th had notified General Kunyon that he 
had taken command of that department), directing that the head- 
quarters of the brigade be changed, and two regiments moved to a 
new position about three miles from Camp Princeton. According- 
ly, the First and Third Regiments were advanced to a point near 
Roach's Mill, on the line of the Alexandria and Loudon railway, 
leaving^the fortifications and Arlington Heights in the rear, and 
within five miles of the picket-guard of the enemy. On the 20th, 
a further order from General McDowell directed the command to 
be held in readiness to march. An engagement having occurred a 
few days before at Vienna, (June 17th) and the enemy being known 
to be in considerable force in front, this order was generally accept- 
ed as indicating an advance of our army, and the excitement among 
the troops was consequently great, all manifesting the utmost 
eagerness to march. But this expectation was not immediately 
realized. The brigade remained in the same position as before un- 
til July 16th, when the First Regiment was advanced to a point 
three miles beyond Springfield, and detachments from other Regi- 
ments were detailed for duty at other points in advance of the line 
then occupied. The first grand advance of the Army of the 
Potomac had commenced. 

We have seen that the insurgents, among their earliest offensive 
measures, took possession of Manassas Junction, with a view of 

17 Extracts from General Order No. 41 : 

"It is meet that we who come forth to battle in the name of civil and religious liber- 
ty, should acknowledge by external acts of devotion our dependence upon the Lord of 
Hosts. If He be with us, who can be against us ? The General commanding this 
brigade takes this occasion to express his deep gratification at the cheerful attention 
given to this matter by officers and men of the command." 

Meetings for prayer, as well as the regular Sabbath service, were held in all the regi- 
ments, the effect being most salutary. The Chaplains of the regiments were the follow- 
ing : Rev. A. St. John Chambre, appointed by the Colonel of the First Regiment ; Rev. 
Matthew B. Riddle, appointed by the Colonel of the Second Regiment ; Rev. John L. 
Jane way, appointed by the Colonel of the Third Regiment ; Rev. Martin E. Harmstead, 
appointed by the Colonel of the Fourth Regiment ; Rev. George H. Doane, appointed 
by the Governor. These appointments were made immediately upon the passage of an 
act authorizing the same, and the reverend gentlemen joined the brigade in Virginia. 



48 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



moving thence upon Washington. Disappointed in that design, 
they nevertheless held tenaciously to their position, and by the first 
of June had thirty thousand troops gathered at that point, or 
rather at Bull Eun. Considerable bodies of troops had also been 
concentrated in the Shenandoah Valley, having fallen back from 
Harper's Ferry and vicinity before an advancing column of Union 
troops under Major-Greneral Patterson. Along Bull Eun the lines 
of the enemy occupied a front of about eight miles, extending 
from Union Mill to the stone bridge of the Warranto wn turnpike. 
This position was admirable for defence, the rocky, wooded and 
precipitous banks of the stream, with its deep bed, forming — ex- 
cept at the fords, which were long distances apart — an almost im- 
passable barrier for troops. Ten miles in advance of this main 
line, the enemy had strong pickets and slight fortifications at the 
village of Fairfax Court House, while at Centreville, a village on 
the west side of a ridge running nearly parallel with the general 
course of Bull Eun, and some five or six miles east of that 
stream, they had constructed strong earth-works, which were occu- 
pied by a brigade of South Carolina troops. Thus the insurgents 
commanded a superior position, and were in sufficient force to 
dispute the advance of any force not their equal in numbers or 
judiciously handled. 

But while the enemy was thus marshalling his forces and pre- 
paring for decisive movements, the Government and loyal people 
had not been idle. The obstinate incredulity as to the imminence 
of civil war, which had at first prevailed, had been entirely dissi- 
pated by actual collisions at various points in the field, and from 
all the Northern and Eastern States troops had been rapidly poured 
into Washington and organized for actual service. By the middle 
of July, an army of at least fifty thousand men had been gathered 
in the vicinity of the Capital. Unfortunately, however, many of 
these troops had enlisted only for three months, and had but a 
week or two to serve at the date when it was determined to ad- 
vance. The regiments composed of volunteers for ''three years or 
the war," were for the most part without discipline, having but 
recently arrived, and some of them being not even brigaded. There 



HOSTILITIES COMMENCED— BULL RUN. 



49 



was, moreover, a lamentable deficiency in cavalry, and the regular 
troops, who had seen service, numbered less than one thousand. 
Thus, the only safe reliance of the Commanding General was the 
three months' contingent. But the exigency was pressing — the 
necessity for a movement imperative, and on the 15th of July, the 
order for an advance was given. 

It is safe to say that no army of modern times has marched 
afield with higher hopes or more lofty purpose than this. It was 
animated throughout by the truest spirit of patriotism. It rejoiced, 
with an almost romantic eagerness, in the opportunity to defend 
the flag ; rejoiced, as a child rejoices to do kindly offices for the 
mother whose love blesses and enriches it. It represented the in- 
stinct of national unity glowing in the hearts of the people, and 
longed to interpret into deeds the emotions of loyalty and pride 
which beat in the pulses of all true men and women everywhere. 
It meant to decorate death, if need be, in the Nation's defence, by 
the "braveries of faith" in that Nation's cause. It saluted the 
royal occasion which came to it, first of all our armies, with jubi- 
lant welcomes. It followed with undoubting confidence the stand- 
ards which led the way to the scene of conflict. This much the 
historian must, in the merest justice, say of this army of volun- 
teers, not a few of whom in that beginning of the strife sealed 
with their blood their devotion to the cause, and thousands of 
whom, in later days, displayed in the white battle-heats a heroism 
which has nowhere been matched. But with all this, that young 
army was not prepared for battle. Its spirit was noble ; but its 
organization was crude, lacking homogeneity — the one grand and 
essential requisite of all armies — and neither in its arms nor capacity 
for their use was it in any respect qualified for the work to which 
it was called. It was, as to organization, a great mob, and that it 
failed, in the crucial moment, was a misfortune, indeed, but hardly 
a dishonor. 18 

is " This army was composed of excellent material, in a very crude state. With the 
exception of the regulars, the men were instructed in only the rudiments of military 
tactics and discipline, and a large portion of their officers were no wiser than they. 
The cardinal virtue of a thorough soldier, obedience, had yet to be acquired. Officers 
and men, in many cases, had been social companions, and the latter were restive under 

f 7 

l 



50 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



The forces engaged in the advance were organized in five divi- 
sions. The first, under General Daniel Tyler, consisted of four 
brigades and four batteries ; the second, under Colonel David Hun- 
ter, consisted of two brigades and two eight-pounder batteries ; the 
third under Colonel S. P. Heintzelman, of three brigades and 
two batteries. The fourth and fifth divisions constituted the re- 
serve, and were commanded respectively by Brigadier-General 
Eunyon and Colonel Dixon S. Miles. The first of these reserve 
divisions consisted, originally, of the four New Jersey three months' 
regiments, and of the First, Second and Third three years' regi- 
ments, which had reached the field a few days previous to the 
movement. Being in the reserve, these troops were not expected 
to participate in active fighting unless the necessities of the case 
should require it, but were to be employed in other important ser- 
vices, such as guarding lines of communication and protecting am- 
munition and provision trains — services almost as hazardous, under 
some circumstances, as actual engagement. The advance having 
been ordered on the 15th, Tyler's Division moved forward, on the 
day following, to Yienna, where it encamped for the night, and on 
the 17th was followed by the whole army, marching in four 
columns, all having Fairfax Court House as their objective. This 
point was reached about noon, when Tyler's Division advanced 

restraints imposed by the former. In comparison with the same army two years later, 
McDowell's force appears little better than a huge mob, with noble instincts, but 
having no adequate concerjtion of the grave duties laid upon it." — Lossing's History. 

" I got everything with great difficulty. Some of my regiments came over very late ; 
some of them not till the very day I was to move the army. I had difficulty in getting 
transportation. In fact, I started out with no baggage train, with nothing at all for the 
tents, simply transportation for the sick and wounded and the munitions. The sup- 
plies were to go on afterwards. * * * * I had no opportunity to test my ma- 
chinery ; to move it around and see whether it would work smoothly or not. In fact, 
such was the feeling that when I had one body of eight regiments of troops reviewed 
together, the General (Scott) censured me for it, as if I was trying to make some show. 
I did not think so. There was not a man there who had ever manceuvered troops in 
large bodies. There was not one in the army; I did not believe there was one in the 
whole country ; at least, I knew there was no one there who had ever handled thirty 
thousand troops. I wanted very much a little time ; all of us wanted it. We did not 
have a bit of it. The answer was : ' You are green, it is true ; but they are green also ; 
you are all green alike.' We went on in that way."— General McDowell's testimony be- 
fore the -Committee on the Conduct of the War.. 

"The men were not used to marching; they stopped every moment to pick black- 
berries, or to get water." — Ibid. 



HOSTILITIES COMMENCED — BULL RTJJST. 51 

ft 

two miles further, going into camp at the little village of Grerman- 
town. Meanwhile, General Eunyon, as we have already seen, had 
on the 16th sent the First Kegiment of his brigade to a point occu- 
pied by our pickets on the Orange and Alexandria railroad three 
miles beyond Springfield, where they acted as a guard to a party 
engaged in repairing the railway. 19 On the same day four hundred 
and twenty -five men of the Third Eegiment were detailed as an es- 
cort to a provision train, en route for the main body of the army. 20 
At the same time, a guard was detailed from the Fourth Eegiment 
for another section of the railroad which it was important to hold. 
Another detail of one company from this regiment was then guard- 
ing the Long Bridge, and still another on duty at Arlington Mills. 
The remainder of the regiment was ordered to proceed to Alexan- 
dria, together with the Second (three months') Eegiment. Colonel 
Taylor, commanding the Third (three years') Eegiment was at the 
same time ordered to march to a point on the Orange and Alexan- 

19 The Brigade Journal has the following entry : 

" Headquarters, Camp Trenton, July 16th, 1861. 
" Received from the headquarters of the department this morning the following des- 
patch : 

' Order at once one of your regiments forward on the Orange and Alexandria railroad 
to a point occupied by our pickets, three miles beyond Springfield. The regiment is 
to act as a guard for the repairers of the road, now being pushed forward with the ut- 
most dispatch. Dated at Arlington, July 16th, and addressed to General Runyon. 

Signed J. B. Fry, A. A. G.' 

"In pursuance of this ordered the First (three months') Regiment to the duty re- 
quired, with one day's rations." 

20 The following entry appears on the same page of the Journal : 
" Received the following : 

' Alexandria, July 16, 1861. 

' To General Runyon : I am directed from the headquarters of the Department to 
send to you for an escort for two provision trains. If the number is not designated 
already, will you please have four hundred and twenty-five men here before sundown 
this evening? G. Bell, Captain and A. C. S.' 

" Pursuant to the above, issued an order to Colonel Napton (Third Regiment) to 
detail the required number under his own command or one of his field officers, with 
one day's rations." 

From a letter to the Monmouth Democrat, from Major Yard, of the Third Regiment, 
it appears that this detachment was detailed, and guarded two trains. The first train 
consisted of a herd of ninety-one beef cattle and fifty-seven large wagons heavily 
loaded, each drawn by four horses. The column started about nine o'clock at night, 
and at six the next morning entered Fairfax, the army having marched for Manassas. 
The second detachment of the same regiment conducted a train several miles beyond 
Fairfax — both detachments returning to camp upon the performance of the service 
assigned. 



52 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



dria Eailroad, 21 and during the night following the First and Second 
(three years') Regiments were moved forward to Vienna. On the 
same da}' the division headquarters were transferred to Alexandria, 
and instructions were issued to the DeKalb Regiment, which had 
become attached to the division, with other troops hereafter to be 
named, to keep a guard at all times on the railroad from Camp 
Trenton, the former headquarters, to Arlington Mills. On the 17th 
orders were issued to all the regiment in the command to provide 
themselves with two days' cooked rations, and on the 18th General 
Runyon formally assumed command of all the troops not on the 
march to the front. 22 

Meanwhile, operations at the front were going actively forward. 
On the morning of the 18th, General Tyler's Division moved for- 
ward from Germantown in the direction of Bull Run pushing un- 
opposed through Centreville, and halting in a valley beyond. 
Later in the day, he advanced toward Blackburn's Ford, where he 
found the insurgents in force and an engagement followed, result- 
ing in the withdrawal of our troops, with some loss, to Centreville. 
Here General McDowell at once concentrated all his available 
forces, some thirty thousand in all, not including the reserve under 
General Runyon, and made final dispositions for a formidable ad- 
vance. Intending to move on the 20th, the previous day was occu- 
pied in making a thorough reconnoissance, but his supplies failing 
to arrive, the movement was delayed until the morning of the 21st, 



21 "Headquarters Fourth Division, July 16th. 
Special Order No. 2. 

"Colonel Taylor of the Third Regiment of three years New Jersey volunteers will 
proceed with all practicable dispatch, in lteht marching- order, up the Orange and Alex- 
andria railroad to a point occupied by our pickets, about three miles beyond Spring- 
field, or thereabouts, to report to the railroad manager there for duty. 

"By order of Brigadier-General Theo. RrorroH." 

22 General Order No. 4, under date of "Headquarters Army of N. E. Virginia, Alex- 
andria, July 18th, 1861, announces this fact as follows : 

"In compliance with General Order No. 17 from the department of North East Vir- 
ginia, the undersigned, commanding the Fourth Division of the Army of North East 
Virginia, assumes command of all the troops not on the march to the front, including 
those within the various fortifications and camps. **.**"**"* 

Theodore Runton, 
Brigadier-General commanding Fourth Division." 



HOSTILITIES COMMENCED — BULL RUK 



53 



when the three divisions advanced, in the bright moonlight, to the 
attack of the enemy. 

In assuming command of all the troops not actually ordered to 
the front, General Eunyon's sphere of duties was greatly enlarged 
and his responsibilities correspondingly increased. He was expect- 
ed not only to keep open the line of communication with General 
McDowell's army, but from time to time, as he might be ordered, 
to forward reinforcements, thus diminishing steadily his available 
force while not relieving him in the least from the necessary per- 
formance of the principal task assigned him. Nor was this all. 
With many of the troops which now passed under his command, 
he had hitherto had no relation whatever ; and of course knew 
nothing as to their efficiency or the trustworthiness of their officers. 
Besides, the command being suddenly devolved upon him, he had 
not been able to consult with McDowell as to his general plans or 
the possible exigencies of the conflict, and was, in fact, during the 
actual progress of the battle, unsupplied with any information at 
all as to the real situation of affairs. Thus his position was one of 
the extremest difficulty, and his duties of a character requiring the 
very highest executive qualities. He did not, however, so far as 
the records show, shrink from the prodigious task imposed upon 
him. 

The troops actually under General Eunyon's command at this 
critical and important period, numbered thirteen regiments, com- 
prising, perhaps, ten thousand men. Of these, the term of service 
of some four thousand would expire within a week, and that of 
one regiment within two days after his assumption of the com- 
mand. 83 His preparations, however, went regularly forward, every 

23 "Headquarters, Alexandria, July 19, 1861.— Received the following despatch 
from Captain J. B. Fry, A. A. G., dated at Centreville, July 19 : 

' The General commanding directs you to send two regiments to Fairfax Station to 
guard it as soon as the railroad is open to that place, and that you station three other 
regiments at such places on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, and points to the left 
or south of it, as will best protect it. You will also see that the track and telegraph 
wires are protected. 

'Report what is the station of your troops, on receipt of this.' " 

"The following reply was sent: 

' Yours of this date is just at hand. I will, as directed, station two regiments at 
Fairfax Station as soon as the railroad is completed to that place. I will also station 



54 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



call upon Mm being promptly met. On the 21st of July, the day 
on which the army advanced to the attack, he forwarded the De- 
Kalb Regiment— -part of whom were Jersey men — together with 
the First, Second and Third (three years') New Jersey Regiments, 
and the First (three months') Regiment to Centreville, in obedience 
to orders from General McDowell. 21 In the evening of the same 
day, orders being received to cease sending reinforcements, the 
battle having been lost, the forts -were at once placed in readiness 
to receive the enemy should he pursue our retiring columns, and 
every possible preparation was made to retrieve, so far as possible, 
the misfortunes of the day. On the 22d, orders were sent to the 
guard at Long Bridge to pass neither officers nor privates of the 
retreating forces, nor others. The captain of the brig Perry, lying 

the other regiments on the left or south of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad for its 
protection. I go over the road this afternoon, for the purpose of making the dispo- 
sition. The tracks and wires are all well protected now. 

'My troops are now stationed as follows : First and Second three years' New Jersey 
Volunteers, at Vienna; Third three years' New Jersey Volunteers, guarding repair- 
ers and repairing the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, advancing to Fairfax Station^ 
and guarding railroad and telegraph repairers; Second three months' New Jersey 
Militia, six companies, at Alexandria; Third three months' New Jersey Militia (part, 
200,) guarding provision trains— balance at Camp Trenton; Fourth three months' New 
Jersey Militia, guarding the Orange and Alexandria Railroad from Alexandria to Spring- 
field—some companies on Loudon and Hampshire Railroad, and at Arlington Mills and 
Long Bridge; the DeKalb Regiment, part guarding Loudon and Hampshire Railroad > 
the balance at Camp Trenton; Fifth Pennsylvania (term of service expires next Friday), 
at Alexandria, to be replaced by the Mozart Regiment ; Seventeenth New York, in Fort 
Ellsworth ; Twenty-First New York, in Fort Runyon ; Twenty-Eighth New York, in 
Fort Corcoran ; Twenty-Fifth New York, at Fort Albany. These troops have all been 
stationed where they are pursuant to directions from Department Headquarters. The 
guard lor provision train was furnished at request of Captain Bell. 

' It will be seen that the DeKalb Regiment, part of Third New Jersey three months' 
Regiment (time expires 21st hist.), Fifth Pennsylvania and six companies of the Second 
New Jersey three months' Regiment (time expires 26th inst.), are all the troops I have 
left here out of earthworks, and it will take them all to comply with your order for 
three regiments on left or south of Orange and Alexandria Railroad.'"— General Mun- 
y oil's Journal. 

24 "Special Orders, JSo. 3. 
" To Colonel Von Gilsa, commanding DeKalb Regiment: You will proceed with your 
command immediately to Centreville, by the railroad to Fairfax Station, and thence to 
march. You will report to Captain James B. Fry, Assistant Adjutant-General." 
(Dated at Alexandria, July 21, and signed, "By command of Brigadier-General Theo- 
dore Runyon.") 

A similar order to Colonel Montgomery of the First New Jersey (three years') Regi- 
ment, directed him to "march his command to Centreville, by way of Germantown, 
starting as soon as possible after receipt of this order." Colonel Montgomery received 
this order early in the morning. A similar order reached the Second (three years' ) 
Regiment at eight o'clock. 



HOSTILITIES COMMENCED- 



» — BULL RUN. 



55 



off Alexandria, was also directed to remove all means of water 
communication, in order that stragglers might be brought to bay. 
Bodies of troops having, during the night, reached Alexandria in 
an unorganized condition, they were posted in position to render 
service. The pickets were strengthened, the garrisons placed on 
the alert, and a complete system of defence promptly organized. 
All these steps, it is to be remembered, were taken in the face of 
the gravest peril, and surrounded by all the confusion and panic of 
a disastrous retreat. The army which marched out with cour- 
ageous front to grapple with the enemy had been defeated, and was 
dissolving into disordered fragments which the highest skill could 
scarcely reunite. The story of that battle it is not for us to re- 
hearse in these pages, except in so far as our own troops were 
participants in it ; and we gladly abstain from the recital. The 
repulse was complete. With some regiments, when the decisive 
blow had been struck, the retreat was not an orderly flight, but a 
reckless, uncontrollable rout. Arms, ammunition, baggage, every- 
thing, was abandoned in the mad flight to a place of safety. 
Frightened teamsters cut loose their horses, mounted them, and 
rode affrighted awajr, leaving their wagons to obstruct the roads. 
Carriages in which civilians had gone out to witness the fight, as 
men flock to a race course on fete days, became entangled in the 
flying masses of men, and added to the confusion. It was, for a 
time, a saturnalia of panic, fright and disorder. The simple state- 
ment of these incidents of the day is sufficient to show that the 
task which fell to the share of New Jersey's General was one of 
most formidable magnitude. 

It has pleased some historians, speculating upon the events of 
that memorable day, to stigmatize the failure of General Runyon 
to despatch all his available reserves to the front, as evidence of 
incapacity and unfitness for command. Why, it has been enquired, 
were ten thousand effective men, who panted for the fray, held 
inactive far to the rear, when their presence on the field might have 
turned the tide of disaster, and broken, by one overwhelming blow, 
the power of the hostile Confederacy ? The answer to this enquiry, 
so repeatedly and, often so offensively made, is simple and conclu- 

I 



56 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



sive. The regiments in reserve were stationed in precise accordance 
with the orders of the commander-in-chief, and performed precisely 
the service to which they were assigned. All the evidence shows 
that, in this respect, every detail of the plan of battle so far as 
General Runyon was concerned and so far as he was apprised of 
the programme, was faithfully executed. 25 But he did not merely 
exhibit a rigid adherence to actual orders ; the moment that adverse 
reports were received from the field, he promptly anticipated the 
probable commands of his superior, and forwarded toward the 
front every regiment not actively employed on the necessaiy and 
vital duty of guarding important lines of communication. At the 
same time he sought, by all the means at his command, to open 
direct communication with McDowell, sending his aids in all direc- 
tions over the field in the hope of obtaining explicit orders. But 
all these efforts failed. General McDowell, shifting his headquar- 
ters from hour to hour, carried to and fro by the varying currents 
of the day, was not to be found, and it was only at a late hour in 
the afternoon of the day, as we shall presently see, that any of our 
regimental commanders were able to reach and communicate with 

25 Tlie following shows the estimation in which General Runyon's services were held 
by General McDowell: 

"Headquarters Department N. E. Virginia, I 
Arlington, July 28th, 1861. \ 

1 ' Brigadier-General Runyon, commanding Fourth Division Reserves — 

Sir : The General commanding directs me to express his appreciation of the industry, 
zeal and efficiency manifested by you in commanding the Fourth Division Reserves, 
during the late advance towards Manassas Junction. 

u The promptness with which troops and supplies were thrown forward on demand, 
and your efforts in collecting, controlling and providing for the stragglers after the re- 
treat, were of great service to the army and the people. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, 

James B. Frt, Adjutant General. 

The above is a complete answer to the intimation in Greeley's "American Conflict," 
that Runyon' s Division was not vigorously employed in arresting the fugitives from the 
battle field. Mr. Greeley says : 

" After the mischief was done Runyon' s Division was ordered forward from Fairfax — 
of course to no purpose. But it should at least, have been promptly employed to block 
completely with its bayonets the roads leading to Washington, sternly arresting the 
flight of the panic-stricken fugitives and gathering them into something which should 
bear once more the semblance of an army." 

The letter from General McDowell, above given, shows that Runyon not only obeyed 
orders, but did it with promptness, and that the duty of arresting the fugitives and 
gathering them together, of which the historian speaks, was performed by General 
Runyon in such a manner as to merit special commendation. 



HOSTILITIES COMMENCED — BULL RUN. 



57 



them. Then, the battle had been ended, and our forces were in 
full retreat toward the Potomac defences. But even then the troops 
of Eunyon's Division performed the work assigned them without "a 
tremor of unsteadiness amid all the panic and tumult. 

We have seen that the First and Second (three years') Regiments 
were, on the morning of the 21st, encamped at Vienna, Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel McAllister in command of the former, and Colonel 
McLean nominally, (but Lieutenant-Colonel Tucker, really,) com- 
manding the latter. Three of the companies of the First were 
absent on a reconnoisance, when orders came for an advance of 
the two regiments to Centreville. This order was promptly obeyed, 
the regiments hurrying forward with all possible haste, encounter- 
ing now and then a civilian anxious to get beyond the reach of 
possible harm, but unable to gather any satisfactory information as 
to the progress of the conflict. Presently, as they approached 
Centreville, the guns, whose sullen roar had rilled all the morning, 
suddenly ceased firing, and then, for the first time, these Jersey 
troops, marching steadily forward, knew that the battle was decided. 
But how decided, was still an anxious, fearful question. The an- 
swer was soon given by the confused masses of the retreating 
army, drifting down by every available channel from the disastrous 
field. It was a sad and bitter awakening to the advancing troops, 
whose exultant hopes were thus in a moment dashed to the ground. 
But they did not falter in their duty. The commandants of the 
regiments determined at once to employ all the means at their dis- 
posal to arrest the stampede, and, throwing their columns across 
the road, sought to stay the fugitives, appealing to their patriotism, 
their honor, their sense of duty, to gather once more in line and 
make another effort to save the day. But, for a time, so great was 
the panic, no attention was paid to these urgent appeals. Then, it 
being apparent that more vigorous persuasion was required, the 
regiments charged with fixed bayonets upon the bewildered mass, 
and soon effectually arrested the retreat, permitting only the 
wounded to pass through the lines. The First Eegiment, alone, 
turned, into its ranks some five hundred of the fugitives, march- 
ing straight through their retreating columns. In some cases the 



58 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



officers drew their swords and pistols on men and officers who 
refused, upon appeals to their sense of honor, to turn back. 25 As 
the regiments advanced, cheer upon cheer greeted them from the 
fugitives, who, as they saw help in sight, grew more calm and cour- 
ageous. Many fell into line, while others encouraged the advan- 
cing Jerseymen with applauding words. It was now nearly five 
o'clock in the afternoon, and the stampede was stopped, the road 
had been cleared and regulated ; the army wagons halted, still in 
line, on one side of the pike, and order had come out of chaos, 
solely through the efforts of two New Jerse}^ regiments. By this 
time the First Regiment had reached the heights of Centreville, 
and by sundown, the greater part of the retreating troops had found 
shelter behind the ridge. It then became a question whether an 
effort should, or should not, be made to hold the position and rally 
the demoralized commands for a fresh encounter. Colonel Mont- 
gomery sought out and had a conference with General McDowell, 



25 General McAllister, in a letter written at the time, says: "The whole scene beg- 
gars all description; and yet, strange to say, our officers and men, raw as they were, 
remained cool and collected, and marched through these retreating columns with a 
firmness which astonished all who saw the regiments, and which has since been a 
theme of universal praise." 

In the same letter, General McAllister gives the following amusing account of the 
manner in which William H. Russell, of the London Times, fled from the field. The 
account is a curious commentary on Mr. Russell's picture as presented in the Times, 
of the retreat of our troops, characterized by him as cowardly and disgraceful in the 
1 ast degree. General McAllister says : 

"A civilian, with abroad-rimmed hat, his face pale as death, came riding down the 
road at a furious rate. I ordered him to halt. He, very much agitated and frightened, 
said, ' I am a civilian, and must pass on.' ' No, you can't pass,' I replied ; " my orders 
are to stop everybody." He then said, "1 am a bearer of despatches to Washington, 
and it is imperative that I should go on." " You cannot pass until this panic is stopped ; 
every one who passes helps to increase the stampede," was my answer. " Here are my 
papers— look at them," at the same time pulling them out of his pocket, I replied, 
' ' No time to examine papers now ; wait 'till we are through with this job, and we will 
consider your case." He again implored me, in pitiful tones, to let him through, 
whereupon I said, " There is my commander, go to him," pointing to Colonel Mont- 
gomery. He went to the Colonel, had some conversation with him, when Montgom- 
ery, disgusted with the man's cowardice, raising himself up in his saddle, cried at the 
top of his voice, "Let that man go !" I did so, when the stranger put spurs to his 
horse, and made the very stones of the pike fly behind him. That man was no other 
than Russell, the correspondent of the London Times. 

" In contrast with this gallant Englishman, 1 saw a lady on my left, sitting in a buggy, 
amid the throng of soldiers, civilians, horses, mules, wagons, ambulances, right side up 
and wrong side up, quite calm and unconcerned. The Colonel enquired, 1 Madam, are 
you not afraid?' To which she replied, ' No, Colonel, I feel perfectly safe.' " 



HOSTILITIES COMMENCED — BULL RUN. 59 

strongly urging the propriety of making a stand. He suggested 
that breastworks should be thrown up, the freshest troops placed 
in the most exposed positions, and any attempt at pursuit on the 
part of the enemy resisted to the last extremity. There was really 
no reason why this course should not have been pursued, the heights 
forming an admirable position for defence, while several thousands 
of fresh troops, who, being in the reserves, had not been engaged, 
could in a few hours have been advanced to the front. General Mc- 
Dowell, while unwilling to commit himself to an attempt to hold the 
heights permanently, instead of falling back to the line of the Po- 
tomac, finally acquiesced in so far to Colonel Montgomery's sugges- 
tion as to permit an organized effort to defend the position for the 
present, in order to check the enemy, who were then supposed to 
be pursuing ; and the First Regiment was at once advanced to a 
point beyond Centreville, where it took up position on the hill, 
with its right resting on the road by which it would be necessary 
for the enemy to advance. The Second Regiment, meanwhile, 
being without orders, and supposing a general retreat had been de- 
cided upon, had retired. Two regiments, however, under command 
of Colonel Rlenker, still remained, and the Colonel of one of these 
at a consultation held during the night, agreed to stand by the First, 
whatever might occur, and fight to the last. Slowly the night 
waned. Silence, deep and profound, for a time reigned over the 
valle}^ disturbed only by the groans of the wounded and dying in 
the hospitals hard by. Pickets having been placed, the men, foot- 
sore and exhausted, laid down upon their arms. Presently there 
was a rustle, as of men marching by stealth, and the officers of the 
First were soon on the alert. An examination discovered the un- 
welcome fact that, notwithstanding the fair promises of an hour or 
so before, the Blenker regiments had moved off in the darkness, 
and the First were left alone in possession of the field. This dis- 
covery added, necessarily, to the anxiety of Colonel Montgomery 
and his associate officers, and they anxiously discussed the question 
as to what was next to be done ? Finally, it was determined to 
take up another position, close to one of the hospitals which it was 
desirable to protect to the last, but with the line still covering the 

ii 



60 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION 



road by which the enemy's advance was expected. The line being 
reformed, silence again fell upon the scene — Colonel Montgomery 
meanwhile proceeding to General McDowell's headquarters, some 
two miles distant, for the purpose of receiving further orders. Mc- 
Dowell, however, could not be found, and finally, Blenker's troops 
having retreated, it w T as decided that there was no alternative but 
to fall back, and directions accordingly were at once given. 26 

Slowly and not without regret, dangerous as their position un- 
questionably was, the men of the First marched away from the 
field where they had hoped to strike a telling blow in the nation's 
behalf. They had, indeed, performed bravely and well the duty 
assigned them ; the first to reach the heights whose defence was 
deemed important, they were the last, by several hours, to leave 
the position ; but they had hoped that they might do something- 
more — something that should brighten and redeem, in the eye of 
the world, the shameful record of a shameful day. After march- 
ing several miles, the regiment came up with the rear of the re- 
treating columns, and this afforded them a protection not before 
enjoyed. At two o'clock on the afternoon of Monday, the 22d, 
the command reached Fort Albany, near Alexandria, having been 
on duty for thirty hours, without provisions and exposed during a 
portion of the time to the blistering rays of a pitiless and burning 
sun. It was no wonder that many of the men dropped, exhausted, 
in the shelter of fences and friendly trees, and that when at last a 
refuge was reached, it was hailed with easrer deliarht. 27 

The battle of Bull Eun was lost. To the enemy, however, the 

26 " Before we moved off, I sent a messenger to inform Dr. Taylor, our Surgeon, of 
our orders to retreat. The Doctor came to me and asked permission to remain with 
the wounded, as all other surgeons had left with the retreating forces. I told him I 
knew not the moment we would want his services ourselves, but was willing to grant 
his request if the Colonel would agree to it. The Colonel did agree, and this is the 
last we have seen of that noble-hearted man. "—Letter of General McAllister, July 25, 1S61. 

Taylor was subsequently taken prisoner. 

27 Colonel McAllister, in a letter dated July 25, 1861, says of the performances of the 
First Regiment : " Had it not been for our regiment, an immense number of wagons 
would have been left along the road, and would now be in the hands of the enemy 
with all the stores they contained. We saved the Government, too, a large amount of 



HOSTILITIES COMMENCED — BULL RUN. 



61 



victory was by no means as complete as was supposed. It was, in 
point of fact, altogether destitute of substantial fruit. So severely 
did the confederates suffer, that their pursuit was not continued be- 
yond Centreville, and had our troops made a stand at that point, 
much of the disaster of the day might have been retrieved. Upon 
this point, the testimony of the confederate officers is conclusive. 28 
But this was unknown to our troops at the time, and to them the 
reverse seemed overwhelming. Upon the loyal people at large, 

other property. When we went up, parts of the road were literally covered with picks 
and shovels — in a word, with articles of every description usually belonging to an 
army. When we came back, nearly all was picked up, owing to our having stopped 
the retreat, and so given the fugitives confidence and inspired them with some sense of 
discipline." 

In the same letter, General McAllister establishes clearly the claim of the First 
Regiment to the honor of having been the last to quit the point of danger : " A great- 
many claim the credit of protecting the retreat, and being the last to leave the field ; 
but it is all in the imagination. We were tJie very last to leave Centreville. We remained 
two hours after Colonel Blenker left, and we would have been left to be cut to pieces 
had we not accidentally discovered that his command was retreating." 

2s Geiieral Joseph E. Johnston in a letter published in the winter of 1866-7, designed 
to correct certain statements in reference to Bull Run, made in a Life of Stonewall 
Jackson shows conclusively that the enemy did not dare to pursue even as far as Cen- 
treville, on account of our strong reserve, and the inference from what he says plainly 
is that had McDowell made a stand, the fortunes of the day might have been retrieved. 
General Johnston says : 

" The pursuit of the enemy was not continued, because our cavalry (a very small 
force) was driven back by the " solid resistance" of the United States infantry. Its rear 
guard was an entire division, which had not been engaged, and was twelve or fifteen 
times more numerous than our two little bodies of cavalry. The infantry was not re- 
quired to continue the pursuit because it would have beenharrassingit to no purpose." 

Referring to a statement that "it was expected that the confederate commanders 
would at least pursue the enemy to the gates of their entrenchments before Alexandria 
and Washington," &c, General Johnston says : " Such a pursuit would have been fruit- 
less. We could not have carried the intrenchments named by assault, and had none of 
the means to besiege them. Our assault would have been repulsed, and the enemy, 
then become the victorious party, would have resumed their march to Richmond. But 
if we had captured the intrenchments, a river a mile wide lay between them and Wash- 
ington, commanded by the heavy guns of a Federal fleet. If we had taken Alexandria, 
which stands on low and level ground, those guns would have driven us out in a few 
hours, at the same time killing our friends, the inhabitants. We could not cross the 
Potomac, and therefore it was impracticable to ' conquer the hostile capital' or ' eman- 
cipate oppressed Maryland.' " 

Here we have a candid confession of the weakness of the enemy, and a recognition 
of the fact that, with Runyon's reserve in his path, pursuit was fruitless. Indeed, 
General Johnston says in so many words that " Mansfield's, Miles' s and Runyon's divi- 
sions, a larger force than we could have brought against them, had not been beaten nor 
engaged — and the reports of the commanders of the brigades engaged, show that they 
entered the intrenchments organized, except those who fled individually from the field." 
After these admissions it is hardly worth while for any one to say that the New Jersey 
regiments failed to render most important service on that bloody day. 



62 



NEW JEKSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



after the first effects of the stunning blow had disappeared, its in- 
fluence was eminently salutary. It quickened everywhere the sen- 
timent of patriotic devotion to the Union, showed the importance 
of enlarged measures of defence, and, dissipating the last lingering 
hope of peace, brought the nation to an appreciation of the great 
work to which it was called. Thus, when the clouds of battle had 
cleared away, and the field once more appeared in view, the people 
arose as one man and embraced with a renewed consecration the 
solemn responsibilities which one day's disaster laid upon them. 

Meanwhile, the troops of the First (three months') Brigade, 
having faithfully discharged all the duties assigned them, prepared, 
their term of enlistment having expired, to return to their homes. 
On the 24th of July, the Third and Fourth Eegiments were order- 
ed to report to Greneral Mansfield for muster-out, and on the 25th 
similar orders were issued to the First and Second. Proceeding 
immediately to Washington, they delivered to the Government the 
arms received in exchange for those furnished originally by the 
State, and the usual formalities of discharge from the service having 
been had, departed by rail for the State from which, at the first 
call of the National Executive, they had eagerly gone to the na- 
tion's help. Their reception, upon their return, was most cordial 
and enthusiastic, and hundreds of the men, eager to serve the 
country still more efficiently, at once re-enlisted, and soon returned 
to the field, where many of them fell, in after days, bravely fight- 
ing, with their faces to the foe. 29 

29 General Runyon, before quitting the field, received the thanks of the President, 
tendered in the presence of the Cabinet, for his services in connexion with the New 
Jersey Brigade. Subsequently, resolutions complimentary to his patriotism and effi- 
ciency as a soldier were passed by the Legislature of the State, and he was made Brevet 
Major-General of Militia, by appointment of Governor Olden. 



CHAPTEE V. 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



We have seen that the people of New Jersey responded with 
the most eager alacrity to the first call for troops to defend the 
nation. So numerous, indeed, were the volunteers for active ser- 
vice that, within a fortnight after the proclamation of April 15, 
several additional regiments might have been furnished. The re- 
peated refusals, however, to allow the State to furnish more troops, 
and the urgent requests that the number already accepted should, 
if possible, be reduced, rendered it imperatively necessary to de- 
cline the patriotic offers so freely made, and as a result hundreds 
of young men, eager to participate in the public defence, hurried 
to other States and there enlisted in forming regiments. 1 In some 
cases, whole companies which had been recruited under the first 
call, finding that there was no probability of acceptance as part of 
the quota of New Jersey, were transferred to New York, and 
there became identified with the Excelsior Brigade and other or- 
ganizations which subsequently achieved great celebrity. The 
total number who were thus obliged to seek service elsewhere is 
stated by the Adjutant General to have reached nearly five thou- 
sand men. The State authorities were naturally impatient under 

1 " The State was thus deprived of the valuable services of many officers and men, 
Prominent among the former was Colonel Bayard, a graduate of West Point, from New 
Jersey, who offered his services to his native State to command a regiment of cavalry." 
— Adjutant- GeneraVs Report. 

The Adjutant-General, in his report for 1863, adds upon this point: "Large numbers 
of our citizens were obliged to seek service elsewhere, because the Governor could not 
accept them from this State : they may be found by companies in the Excelsior Bri- 
gade, in the Irish Brigade and other New York organizations, some in the Anderson 
Troop, and in other organizations from Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. 
These men preferred to enlist in New Jersey Regiments, but the General Government 
positively refused to accept them from this State." 



64 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



the restraints thus laid upon the patriotism of the people and their 
own ability to preserve to the State the benefit of its own military 
resources; and Governor Olden steadily persisted, notwithstanding 
refusals and rebuffs, in imploring the Government to permit him 
to place additional regiments in the field. 2 At length these impor- 
tunities were successful. Warned by the rapidly increasing pro- 
portions of the rebellion that a greater number of troops would 
be required, and for a longer period of service, than were at first 
called for, the President on the 3d of May, 1861, called for thirty- 
nine regiments of infantry and one of cavalry, to serve for three 
years or during the war, and on the 17th of the month a requi- 
sition was received for three regiments from New Jersey. This 
requisition was granted at the special request of Governor Olden, 
with the command that the number should in no case be exceeded. 3 
This number of over three thousand men was easily furnished — a 
sufficient number of companies to complete the regiments being 
already organized, waiting to be mustered into service. The first 
company mustered in under this call (May 21st) was from Elizabeth. 

2 " The Governor from time to time importuned the War Department to receive 
more troops from this State." — Report of Adjutant-General, 

3 The following reply to the requisition was immediately made : 

" Trenton, May 18, 1861. 

"Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War: 

"Dear Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 16th 
inst., enclosing plan of organization of the volunteers for three years or during the 
war, and assigning three regiments to this State. 

" The three regiments are now ready, and only await orders to the mustering officer, 
Major Laidley, who is now here awaiting orders, to he mustered into the service. I 
have not called out more than the three regiments, because I have not been authorized 
tc do so by you — but if the occasion required their services, this State would willingly 
furnish twice as many regiments to serve during the war. 

" I have consulted the mustering officer, Major Laidley, and it is our intention to en- 
camp these regiments here at Trenton as soon as they are mustered in, and I shall then 
proceed at once to furnish them with clothing, camp and garrison equipage, pursuant 
to the contract I have recently entered into with the Quartermaster-General of the 
United States. 

"Permit me to hope that the mustering officer will receive immediate orders to 
muster these regiments into service, that they may at once be daily and systematically 
drilled. It is my intention to officer these regiments with skillful and competent offi- 
cers ; the colonels will probably all be retired officers of the regular army, and I believe 
I shall be able to find experienced gentlemen to fill all the field appointments. It is 
my desire, and shall be my care, to make these regiments fit to take and keep the field 
against any enemy. 

"Your obedient servant, Charles S. Olden." 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



65 



It went immediately into camp at Camp Olden, near Trenton, 
where the various other companies of the respective 1 regiments 
were also encamped upon formally entering the service. The 
material of these regiments was excellent, many companies being 
almost entirely composed of men who had been identified with 
some of the best militia organizations of the State. This was 
especially the case with the Second Kegiment, which included in 
its ranks a large proportion of the members of the City Battalion 
of Newark — an organization whicli had a wide reputation for 
superiority of drill and general soldierly proficiency. All the 
regiments were well officered, and all furnished in after years in- 
stances of the rarest gallantry in the field. The regiments were 
uniformed, clothed, equipped and furnished with camp and garri- 
son equipage by the State, and were furnished with arms by the 
General Government, from which source it was arranged that they 
should also receive their baggage- wagons and ambulances upon 
their arrival in Washington. The regiments left Trenton on the 
28th of June, and reported to General Scott at Washington on 
the following day. One month later, another call for five addi- 
tional regiments was received,* and these also were promptly fur- 

* The following is the correspondence in reference to this call : 

"Washington, D. C, July 24, 1861. 

" The Governor of New Jersey, Trenton: 

" Sir : Together with the regiments of three years' volunteers whicli the Government 
already has in service from your State, enough to make eight in all, if tendered in a 
reasonable time, will be accepted ; the new regiments to be taken, as far as convenient 
from the three months' men and officers just discharged ; and to be organized, equip, 
ped and sent forward as fast as single regiments are ready, on the same terms as were 
those already in service from that State. 

" Your obedient servant, 

"A Lincoln." 

Upon this letter was endorsed : 

" This order is entered in the War Department, and the Governor of New Jersey is 
authorized to furnish the regiments with wagons and horses. 

Simon Cameron, Secretary of War. 

The letter of the President was replied to as follows : 

"State of New Jersey, Executive Department, ) 
" Trenton, August 3, 1861. j 

" To his Excellency, Hon. Abraham Lincoln : • 

"Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 
24th ultimo. 

" The State of New Jersey will respond with as much promptness as possible to the 

9 



66 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



nished — the regiments being numbered respectively, Fourth, Fifth, 
Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Kegiments of New Jersey volunteers. 
The Fourth Regiment reached Washington August 21st, being ac- 
companied by a battery of six pieces, famished by the State and 
commanded by Captain William Hexamer, who had been waiting 
for six months for an opportunity to enter the service. This regi- 
ment was assigned to the brigade of Brigadier-General Kearney, 
and with the First, Second and Third Regiments, composed the 
First Brigade of New Jersey Volunteers. The Fifth Regiment left 
Trenton on the 29th of August, and reported for duty in Washing- 
ton on the day following. The Sixth Regiment reached Washing- 
ton on the 11th of September, and was followed, on the 20th, by 
seven companies of the Seventh Regiment, the three remaining 
companies of which reported on October 4th. The Eighth Regi- 



requisition for five additional regiments for the war ; and will send each regiment for- 
ward as soon as equipped. 

"This State will at all times he ready to support to the extent of its power, the Gen- 
eral Government in its nohle effort to maintain our priceless institutions. We confi- 
dently trust, that hy the blessing of a protecting Providence, the labors of your 
administration, now attended with so much anxiety and care, will result in firmly 
establishing the Union. 

" With sentiments of great respect, I remain your obedient servant, 

" Charles S. Olden." 

The President's letter, as above, (received July 30th) was enclosed in the following, 
from the Secretary of War : 

"War Department, July 29, 1861. 

"Governor Olden, Trenton, N. J. 

"I have the honor to transmit herewith a letter from the President, with the endorse- 
ment of the Secretary of War. 

"This department will accept from you, in addition to the three years' regiments 
now in the field, five new regiments, if tendered within a reasonable time. I do not 
doubt that your patriotic State will promptly furnish the men. * ■ * # * 

" I trust you will lose no time in equipping and forwarding these regiments, as the 
Government needs them at the earliest moment. 

" I have the honor to be, dear sir, respectfully, 

"Simon Cameron, Secretary of Wary 

To this letter the following reply was made : 

"Trenton, August 3, 1861. 

"Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War: 

" Sir : The State of New Jersey will furnish, equip and forward, as soon as possible, 
five additional regiments of infantry, to serve in accordance with the request of the 
President and your instructions. The> regiments will be reported separately, as each is 
equipped and ready to be moved. 

" Your obedient servant, 

"Charles S. Olden." 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



67 



ment arrived on the second day of that month. To this regiment 
was attached a battery of six pieces, with one hundred and fifty 
nine non-commissioned officers and privates. These four regiments 
formed the Second Brigade of New Jersey Volunteers, Ind were 
commanded by Colonel Samuel H. Starr of the Fifth, he being 
senior Colonel.* 



*Tlie regiments were organized and composed as follows : 

First Regiment. — Colonel, William R. Montgomery; Lieuteuant-Colonel, Robert 
McAllister; Major, David Hatfield; Adjutant, William Henry, Jr.; Quartermaster, 
Samuel Read; Surgeon, Edward F. Taylor; Assistant Surgeon, Charles C. Gordon; 
Chaplain, Robert B. Yard. Company A — Captain, John W. Brown ; First Lieutenant, 
Thomas T. Tillou; Second Lieutenant, Luther Martin. Company _B— Captain, Sylves- 
ter Van Sickell ; First Lieutenant, William H. Tantum ; Second Lieutenant, John 
Parker. Company C— Captain, William Birney; First Lieutenant, Samuel H. Parisen; 
Second Lieutenant, Ephraim G. Brewster. Company B — Captain, Valentine Mutchler ; 
First Lieutenant, Henry A. McLaughlin; Second Lieutenant, Charles Sitgreaves, Jr 
Company E— Captain, Charles N. Pelouze ; First Lieutenant, James B. Shields ; Second 
Lieutenant, Francis B. Holt. Company F— Captain, Enos Fouratt; First Lieutenant, 
David Thompson; Second Lieutenant, John H. Voorhies. Company G — Captain, 
Alexander M. Way; First Lieutenant, Robert Boggs; Second Lieutenant, Jacob D 
Wycoff. Company E— Captain, Isaac H. Baker ; First Lieutenant, Edward C. Page ; 
Second Lieutenant, Joseph B. Eltringharn. Company I— Captain, John D. P. Mount ; 
First Lieutenant, Augustus O. Evans ; Second Lieutenant, Edward G. Brown. Com- 
pany K— Captain, Charles Consmiller; First Lieutenant, William R. Harrison; Second 
Lieutenant, Anthony C. Demling. 

Second Regiment. — Colonel, George W r . McLean; Lieutenant-Colonel, Isaac M. 
Tucker; Major, Samuel L. Buck ; Adjutant, Joseph W. Plume ; Quartermaster, William 
E. Sturges ; Surgeon, Gabriel Grant ; Assistant Surgeon, Lewis W. Oakley; Chaplain, 
Robert R. Proudtit. Company A — Captain, James Wilson ; First Lieutenant, Bradbury 
C. Chetwood; Second Lieutenant, William J. Cree. Company B — Captain, Henry O, 
Ryerson ; First Lieutenant, John A. Wildrick ; Second Lieutenant, Jacob H. Hoffman. 
Company C— Captain, James N. Duffy; First Lieutenant, Garret Brady; Second Lieu 
tenant, David Duffy. Company B — Captain, Albert Sigel ; First Lieutenant, Edward 
Schmidt; Second Lieutenant, Louis Helmer. Company E — Captain, Charles Wiebecke ; 
First Lieutenant, Ferdinand Stoll; Second Lieutenant, Albert Frank. Company F— 
Captain, Aaron Young ; First Lieutenant, Henry Vreeland ; Second Lieutenant, Wil- 
liam E. Blewitt. Company G — Captain, James H. Close; First Lieutenant, Horatio 
Leonard ; Second Lieutenant, Sargent E. Leonard. Company -B— Captain, Edwin 
Bishop; First Lieutenant, John F. W r . Crane; Second Lieutenant, John W. Root. 
pompany I— Captain, George Griffith ; First Lieutenant, John Allen; Second Lieuten- 
ant, Charles Danforth, Jr. Company K— Captain, Charles H. Tay; First Lieutenant, 
Richard Hopwood ; Second Lieutenant, Jacob Bogert. 

Third Regiment.— Colonel, George W. Taylor; Lieutenant-Colonel, Henry W- 
Brown; Major, Mark W. Collett; Adjutant, Robert T. Dunham; Quartermaster, Fran- 
cis Sayre; Surgeon, Lorenzo Lewis Cox; Assistant-Surgeon, Edward L. Welling; 
Chaplain, George R. Darrow. Company A— Captain, David Vickers, Jr.; First Lieu- 
tenant, John Roberts ; Second Lieutenant, Charles Wilson. Company B — Captain, 
Henry C. Gibson; First Lieutenant, Franklin L. Knight; Second Lieutenant, William 
N. Evans. Company C— Captain, Joseph F. Rowand ; First Lieutenant, Daniel P. 
Buckley ; Second Lieutanant, E. Burd Grubb. Company B— Captain, James G. Fitts ; 
First Lieutenant, John J. Jones ; Second Lieutenant, Hubert S. Linn. Company E— 



63 



NEW* jersey and the rebellion. 



It has already been seen, in another place, that three of the 
regiments of the First Brigade entered, almost immediately on their 
arrival in Yirginia, upon the active duties of the soldier, forming 
part of General Kunyon's Division of Eeserves in the battle of 
Bull Run, and aiding materially in arresting the retreat of our 
forces on that fateful day. Immediately subsequent to that battle, 
the First and Second Regiments went into camp near Alexandria, 
and here also the Third, which was stationed at Fairfax during the 
engagement, took position ; the Fourth, upon its arrival, being or- 
dered to the same vicinity. On the 25th of July, Major Philip 
Kearne} T , who had greatly distinguished himself in the Mexican 
war, was appointed a Brigadier-General of volunteers," and early 
in August he was assigned to the command of the New Jersey 
troops, who were attached to Franklin's Division, the brigade 
headquarters being established at St. John's Seminary, some three 



Captain, Edward L. Campbell; First Lieutenant, William P. Robeson, Jr.; Second 
Lientanant, George P. Saunders. • Company F— Captain, James W. H. Stickney ; First 
Lieutenant, Samuel T. Dubois ; Second Lieutenant, George Woodruff. Company G — 
Captain, Peter F. Rogers; First Lieutenant, Richard D. Cook; Second Lieutenant. 
Arthur S. Hardcastle. Company H— Captain, William E. Bryan; First Lieutenant, Wil- 
liam Spence; Second Lieutenant, John Frantz. Company /—Captain, Leonard H. 
Regur; First Lieutenant, Archy S. Taylor; Second Lieutenant, Lewis C. Spencer. 
Company K— Captain, John H. Whelan : First Lieutenant, John B. Lutz; Second Lieu- 
tenant, David Fairly. 

Fourth Regiment.— Colonel, James H. Simpson ; Lieutenant-Colonel, J. L. Kirby 
Smith; Major, William B. Hatch; Adjutant, Josiah S. Studdiford; Surgeon, Alexander 
N. Dougherty; Assistant-Surgeon, Joseph D. Osborne; Quartermaster, Samuel C. Har- 
bcrt; Chaplain, Rey. Norman W. Camp, D. D. Company A — Captain, Charles Meves; 
First Lieutenant, Charles Meyer ; Second Lieutenant, Charles Linsenbarth. Company 
B— Captain, William Seddon ; First Lieutenant, Robert S. Johnston; Second Lieuten- 
ant, John B. Warner. Company C— Captain, Heathcote J. Disbrow; First Lieutenant, 
Calvin T. Speer; Second Lieutenant, Robert W. Roberts. Company /—Captain, Sam- 
uel Mulford; First Lieutenant, Barzillai Ridgway; Second Lieutenant, John M. Pear- 
son. Company JE— Captain, Charles Hall; First Lieutenant, William H. Eldrido-e; 
Second Lieutenant, Samuel H. Ellis. Company F— Captain, Napoleon B. Aaronson ; 
First Lieutenant, Thomas M. Fetter; Second Lieutenant, Frederick G. Aaronson. 1 
Company G— Captain, Henry M. Jewett; First Lieutenant, Samuel M. Gaul; Second 
Lieutenant, Elias Wright. Company H— Captain, John Reynolds ; First Lieutenant, 
Thomas P. Grapewine ; Second Lieutenant, James T. Lowe. Company /—Captain, 
William Nippins ; First Lieutenant, John L. Ridgway; Second Lieutenant, Howard 
King. Company K— Captain, J. W. Lumley; First Lieutenant, William Stilling:- : 
Second Lieutenant, Charles W T . Johnson. 

5 This was done iipon the urgent solicitation of Cortlandt Parker and H. N. Congar, 
Esqs., of Newark, who personally interceded with the President in behalf of his~ap- 
pointment. 



TtfE FIRST BRiGAl>E. 



69 



miles from Alexandria. General Kearney, whose extraordinary 
capacity for organizing and moulding troops, was even then but 
partially understood, at once addressed himself to the task of ad- 
vancing his command to the highest possible state of efficiency, 
eq eating the officers in the most improved rules of military prac- 
tice, and laboring incessantly to introduce and popularize among 
the men correct views, and a just appreciation, of discipline. Him- 
self a thorough soldier, submitting cheerfulfy to all the exactions 
of military and camp life, he required his command to come fully 
up, in eveiy particular whatever, to the requirements of the ser- 
vice, tolerating no evasions, making no exceptions, accepting of no 
excuses. At the same time, by manifesting the deepest and most 
watchful interest in everything which concerned the welfare and 
comfort of his troops, freely drawing upon his own purse to pro- 
mote these ends, he inspired them with confidence and self-respect ; 
elevated in their perceptions the standards of duty, and before 
the close of the year had so attached officers and men alike to his 
person that, without exception, they were prepared to follow him 
into any danger, knowing that, in the midst of battle as on the 
peaceful parade, his eye would be upon them, eager at once to see 
how they performed their work and to guard them against un- 
necessary exposure and peril. 

The experience of the brigade during the fall and winter months 
was marked by but few incidents of importance, the time being 
mainly occupied in drill and the ordinary camp duties. There 
were now and then occasions, however, when the tedium was re- 
lieved by movements which served to test the mettle of the troops 
and prepare them for the dangers and hardships of future cam- 
paigns. The Third Regiment was among the first to come into di- 
rect collision with the pickets of the enemy and to suffer loss in 
its ranks from rebel bullets. On the 29th of August, this regiment, 
while reconnoitering near Cloud's Mills, fell into an ambuscade, and 

c A letter from an officer, published in the Newark Advertiser of September 23, 1861, 
says : lk I can compare his popularity with the men to nothing else but that of Napoleon 
1. with the French army; they almost worship him and would follow wherever — 
nay, they would go wherever he points as the path of duty. * * Their confidence in 
his military skill is unparalleled in t7iis country since the days of Washington^' 

( 



70 NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 

lost two men killed and four wounded! On the same day a com- 
pany of the Second Eegiment had a skirmish with a body of the 
enemy, in which one man was wounded, the rebel loss being twelve 
in killed and injured. On the 29th of September, General Kear- 
ney made the first important demonstration which had been nad 
since Bull Eun, in the nature of a reconnokance in force, the troops 
consisting of the First Brigade, Hexamer's Battery, and a company 
of Colonel Young's Kentucky Cavalry. The object of the move- 
ment being to ascertain the character of the enemy's works on Ma- 
son's hill, some distance from our lines, where he was supposed to 
be strongly fortifying, the expedition was conducted with the great- 
est caution, and, the troops behaving with the greatest steadiness, 
though within shelling distance of the enemy, it was eminently 
successful, General Kearney obtaining precisely the information he 
wanted, and information, too, which proved of the greatest value 
as a guide in future operations. On the loth of October, a detach - 
ment of the First Eegiment fell in with the enemy, mainly cavalry, 
and after a brisk skirmish, in which they emptied a number of 
saddles, retired with the loss of three or four killed. These skir- 
mishes, were only important in so far as they trained the men to 
vigilance and celerity of movement, though they undoubtedly 
gave a spice to the otherwise dull and monotonous life of the camps. 

Meanwhile the torpor which had characterized the War Depart- 
ment, and operated as a check upon all movements in the field, had 
been dissipated by the selection of Edwin M. Stanton, a man of 
rough but inexhaustible energy, as Secretary, in place of Simon 
Cameron, and a vast army having been accumulated on the South 
of the Potomac, on the 27th of January, 1862, an order was issued 
by the President, directing General McClellan to "impel all the 
disposable force of the army," on or before February 22d, for the 
seizure and occupation of a point upon the railroad northwestward 
of Manassas Junction. The Commander-in-chief, however, by indu- 
cing the President to consent to an advance upon Eichmond by 
way of the Peninsula, obtained a practical suspension of this order, 
and no advance, consequently, was made at the time designated by 
the Executive, All this time, however, General Kearney, restive 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



71 



under constrained inaction was watching with sleepless vigilance 
for opportunity to show the folly of inactivity, and at length he 
realized his desire. On the 7th of March, his brigade was ordered 
to Burke's Station, on the Orange and Alexandria railroad, for the 
purpose of guarding a party of laborers, and reaching there on the 
following day, made an extended reconnoisance of the country for 
several miles around. Subsequently, he was notified by some ne- 
groes that the enemy was preparing to leave Manassas. 7 He was 
not slow to act upon this hint. Apprising General Franklin of the 
information received, but without awaiting orders, he at once push- 
ed on with his troops, throwing out skirmishers over a wide extent 
of county, and driving steadily before him the scattered pickets of 
the enemy. On the 9th. the Second and Third Regiments, with a 
squadron of the Lincoln Cavalry, occupied Sangster's Station, a 
point on the Orange and Alexandria Eailroad about five miles from 
Bull Eun and nine from Manassas Junction, — the Fourth Eegiment 
acting as support to the advance. Here they surprised a detach- 
ment of rebel cavalry, killing three and capturing a Lieutenant and 
eleven men, and losing one officer of the cavalry, killed at the first 
fire. The First Eegiment had meanwhile advanced to Fairfax 
Court House, whence, on the morning of the 10th, a detachment 
under Major Hatfield and Captain Yansickle was sent forward to 
Centreville. whicn place was entered about noon — the remainder of 
the regiment coming up shortly after under Lieutenant-Colonel Mc- 
Allister.' On the same day, the remainder of the brigade, pushing 
cautiously forward, reached, and at ten o'clock in the morning, 
entered the abandoned works at Manassas Junction — eight com- 
panies of the Third Eegiment being the first to take possession 
and hoist the regimental flag. The withdrawal of the enemy 
at this point had evidently been precipitate, and an immense 
amount of hospital and commissary stores was found, together 
with, eighty baggage-wagons, several locomotives, four or five cars, 

" Rebel reports show that their evacuation of their "winter camps was completed on 
this very day, preparations therefor (according to Pollard's History) having been in 
progress for two or three weeks. 

8 This regiment, which was the last to leave Centreville at the first Bull Run, had 
thus the honor of being the first to occupy the place in the second advance. 



72 



XEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



two hundred tents, and other property of value. 9 Among the 
trophies also were seven flags, one of white silk, with the motto, 
11 Carolinians in the field — Traitors Beware," and another, bordered 
with heavy silver fringe, with the inscription, " State Eights : Sic 
semper ty rami is." 

Thus at all points the advance of the Brigade had been success 
ful. 10 It had demonstrated the feasibility of a forward movement " 
had discovered to the country the indefensibility of the policy of' 
i l masterly inactivity," and had, so to speak, lifted the army out of 
the slough of despond into which it was rapidly sinking. Pointing 
the way to success, its example stimulated in other commands a 
spirit of emulation and activity, and thus, while hanging its own 
standards with trophies, prepared the way for the grand campaign 
so close at hand. 

Early in April, the brigade was attached to the First Division of 
the First Army Corps, and on the 7th of that month proceeded to 
Bristoe Station, on the Orange and Alexandria Eailroad, whence 
it proceeded to Catlet's Station, two miles from Warrenton Junc- 
tion — the object of the movement being to engage the attention of 
the enemy while McClellan transferred the main body of bis arm}' 
by transports to the Peninsula, The command remained at Cat- 
let's until the 11th, when it returned to Alexandria, where, on 
the 17th, it embarked on steamers in waiting, and sailed for 
the rendezvous at the mouth of the York River, disembarking 
on the north-east side of Pequosin Bay, or, as otherwise known, 

9 " The smoke was still rising from the black ruins of the numerous quarters and 
store-houses recently fired. Some of the quarters, which had not been fired, were fill- 
ed with articles of value which time had not permitted their owners to cany away. 
There were provisions enough to last the regiment for weeks, and of good quality. 
The men were not slow to appropriate what lay before them. Among other things 
found were barrels of eggs, already cooked by the fire." — Letter to Philadelphia Inquirer. 

" General Kearney was with the advance all day, and gave the men free access to 
everything left behind. As he rode into the works, after their occupation, and drew up 
in front of our line, lifting his cap under the stars and stripes, three rounds of applause 
Avelcomed the hero of Chepultepec."— Ibid. 

10 " General McClellan, advancing in consequence of information received from General 
Kearney, accompanied by his staff and two thousand horse, was met by General Kear- 
ney as he was returning to Centreville. The advancing party had skirmishers in front , 
and were altogether unprepared, but, of course, greatly delighted, to find that they 
had encountered, not secessionists, but their own troops.-' — Newark Daily Advertiser, 
March 17, 1862. 



TSE FIRST BRIGADE. 



73 



York Point, At this time General Kearney, having been assigned 
to the command of a Division (Third) in the Third Corps, Colonel 
Taylor, of the Third Regiment, took charge of the brigade. On 
the 5th, Yorktown, having been evacuated the previous day, 
Franklin's Division was transferred to Yorktown, whence it pro- 
ceeded to West Point on the York River. Here the troops were 
disembarked, half a mile southward of the Point, and pickets im- 
mediately thrown out into the woods in front. During the night, 
skirmishing was briskly carried on between the opposing pickets, 
and at daylight the whole division was put under arms. Soon 
after the enemy advanced, and a sharp engagement ensued, but 
the New Jersey Brigade being held in reserve, sustained no loss. 11 
During the evening, the brigade relieved the troops in advance, 
and lay on their arms in line of battle until daylight, when it was 
ordered forward, the First, Second and Third Regiments acting as 
skirmishers, and the Fourth as a reserve. Advancing to a hill 
from which the enemy had the day previous shelled our transports, 
it was occupied and held until noon, when, the enemy having re- 
treated, the troops returned to their old position, whence the First 
and Second Regiments were advanced on the 9th to join Stone- 
man's forces. During the fighting at the Point, the brigade was 
confronted by some of the best troops in the rebel army, which 
embraced two divisions, but the men fully justified the expecta- 
tions of their commander, General Franklin cordially commending 
them for their gallantry. Hexamer's Battery (attached to the 
brigade) did splendid execution, at one time repulsing with heavy 
loss the Fifth Alabama, after it had pushed our line a considerable 
distance from its advanced position. 

On the 15th, Franklin's entire division effected a junction with 
McClellan's army, then near the White House, whence it advanced 

n Later in the evening, the First Regiment, led by Colonel McAllister, while making 
a charge in the woods, had four men slightly wounded. In this charge, the First 
took and held a position which two New York regiments had been unable to 
maintain. A correspondent of the New Vork Times said of this charge : " The line 
was as firm as a division in its column at a review. Not a man flinched. Lieutenant- 
Colonel McAllister, when the enemy broke, bravely pursued them some distance, when 
he received orders to return and hold the fence which ran across the forest. This firm 
and determined movement decided the result. The rebels made good their retreat," 
10 



74 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION". 



to the Chickahominy, where it remained for -a fortnight. Mean- 
while, the fighting about Kichmond had commenced. On the 
Chickahominy the first collision had occurred on the 24th. This 
was followed by a battle near Hanover Court House, in which the 
Fifth Corps repulsed the enemy with heavy loss. On the 31st, 
Casey's Division of Keyes' Corps had been beaten back upon Fair 
Oaks by an overwhelming force of the enemy, much of the lost 
ground, however, being subsequently recovered by Sedgwick, 
who was opportunely ordered to the front. The fighting continued 
more or less severely during the following day, the advantage at 
the close of the day resting with us, though our loss had been ver}r 
heavy. On the 6th of June, Franklin's Division was ordered for- 
ward to Mechanicsville, on the extreme right of our lines, and here 
it remained for several days, McClellan holding his position and 
awaiting reinforcements. During part of this time, the brigade 
was engaged in picket duty at the Meadow Bridge on the line of 
the Virginia Central Kailroad, being frequently disturbed by 
alarms, but not at any time actively engaged. On the 18th, the 
corps took position at Fair Oaks, near the battle field of May 
31st and June 1st. On the night of May 21st, the First Eegiment, 
under McAllister, was sent out to guard a working party. On the 
26th, Stonewall Jackson having engaged our forces at Mechanics- 
ville, was repulsed, though he did not abandon the field. On the 
following morning the battle was savagely renewed, the rebels 
pursuing our troops to Gaines' Mill, whither they had been ordered 
by McClellan to withdraw, and charging again and again upon our 
lines — compelling them at last to give way. 

On the afternoon of that day (the 27th) the New Jersey Brigade 
left its entrenched camp on the right bank of the Chickahominy, 
and, crossing that stream, moved down to Woodbury's Bridge, 
where it found both Fitz John Porter and McCall severely pressed. 
The brigade was at once formed in two lines, the Third and Fourth 
Regiments in front, and the First and Second in the second line, 
and in this order advanced to the brow of a hill in front, where the 
Third Regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Brown, was ordered 
into the woods to relieve Newton's Brigade, which was sorely 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



75 



pressed by the enemy. At this point the woods, some four hun- 
dred yards in front of our line of battle, swarmed with rebels, who 
fought with the greatest desperation and ferocity, handling their 
artillery, especially, in the most effective manner, and doing fearful 
execution in our ranks. The gallant Third, however, bravely stood 
its ground, opening a galling fire on the enemy, and remaining in 
the woods until the close of the action. About half an hour after 
reaching the field, the First Eegiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel 
McAllister, was also ordered into the woods, and took position 
under the eye of General Porter. The volleys of musketry from 
the enemy were at this time terribly rapid and destructive, but 
officers and men alike bravely held their ground. At length Gen- 
eral Taylor, dashing to the front, ordered a charge, and the line 
swept forward with a cheer, driving the rebels clear out of the 
woods into an open field. Here, however, the reserves of the ene- 
my were encountered, and our men were compelled to fall back 
and take a new position. Meanwhile, four companies of the second, 
under Colonel Simpson, had become engaged — the second, at first 
acting as a support to Hexamer's battery, but being subsequently 
sent by General Porter into a belt of woods on the right to support 
a Michigan Eegiment. Unfortunately, however, the latter fell back 
under some misapprehension, and the four companies of the second 
were left exposed to the full force of the rebel onset. About the 
same time, the Fourth Regiment was sent into the woods by order 
of an aid of General McClellan, and thus all the men of the brigade 
were engaged at the most dangerous and difficult parts of the field. 
The fighting was from first to last of the most desperate character. 
The belt of timber throuo-h which the storm of battle rolled was 
something like a mile in length, but not more than two hundred 
yards wide, having behind it, at the point where our troops were 
engaged, a large open field, where the enemy had posted their re- 
serves, which they threw into action from time to time. On either 
side of the open field, the enemy's artillery was placed, having a 
perfect range of our forces. But with all the odds of position and 
numbers against them, the " Jersey Blues " fought steadily on until 
nightfall, their ranks terribly thinned, indeed, but the survivors 



76 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



still bravely keeping heart. Three times the enemy were driven 
from the woods, but as often returned, reinforced, to renew the 
contest. One by one the officers of the stubbornly -righting regi- 
ments were shot down. Colonel Tucker fell at the head of his 
regiment, Major Eyerson, Captain Danforth and others were 
wounded ; and at last, wearied, bleeding, their ammunition ex- 
hausted, the brigade slowly retired, and crossing the bridge at 
eleven o'clock, reached its old camp about midnight, having sus- < 
tained a total loss of over one thousand men in killed and wound- 
ed, of whom some five hundred, belonging to the Fourth Eegiment, 
were captured in a body, having refused to retreat from the woods 
when it might have done so, and continued to fight until com- 
plete! y surrounded. 12 

12 A letter from Colonel Simpson, dated in prison at Richmond, July 8th, says : " The 
regiment was posted in the wood to sustain the centre in the battle near Gaines' Mill, 
and nobly did it hold its ground until about an hour after the right and left wings of the 
army had fallen back. Mine and the Eleventh Connecticut reserve were the last to 
leave the front, and only did so when we found that the rest of the army had given 
way, and we were literally surrounded by the infantry and batteries of the Confederate 
forces. 

"Being in the woods, and trusting to our superior officers to inform us when to re- 
treat, and not being able to see on account of the woods what was going on towards 
our right and left, we continued fighting art hour probably after every oilier regiment had 
left the ground. The consequence was inevitable. We were surrounded by ten times 
our number, and though we could have fought until every man of us was slain, yet 
humanity, and, as I think, wisdom dictated that we 6hould at last yield. Our casualties 
were one hundred and forty-nine killed and wounded, besides seventy-five missing, of 
whom a number probably were killed and wounded." 

In a subsequent letter, dated July 22d, addressed to his wife, Colonel Simpson wrote : 
' ' My regiment was engaged in the action of Friday June 27th, near Gaines' Mill, and only 
after incessant firing of three hours, and when I found that the right and left flanks of 
our army had given way, and my regiment was entirely surrounded, did we give up. It 
is a mortification to find ourselves prisoners of war, but as the Eleventh Pennsylvania 
Reserve, Colonel Gallagher, and my own regiment were the last to quit the field, having 
held the centre, probably as much as an hour after the flanks had retreated, and no aid 
or general came into the woods to tell us to retreat, (which, from our not being able to 
see what was going on towards the flanks, was necessary,) and as we only gave up when 
we had several regiments of the opposing force in our front, right and left flank and 
rear, and it would only have been certain destruction to us all to have continued the 
struggle, with nothing to gain, we cannot be blamed for the unfortunate position in 
which we now find ourselves. I am happy to say, however, that one captain has treated 
me courteously, and the rigor in which we are held as prisoners has been very much 
mitigated by the kindly offices of old army friends now in the Confederate service, who 
have called upon me. 

" The casualties of the regiment, so far as I have been able to ascertain, were as follows : 
Captain Charles Mervis, Co. A, killed; Second Lieutenant J. Shaw, Co. B, killed; 
Lieutenant Charles Meyer, Co. A, slightly wounded; Second Lieutenant R. W. Roberts, 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



77 



The day was lost, but not through any fault of the New Jersey 
Brigade. It was lost because the battle was shamefully misman- 
aged from first to last ; because at the most critical moments no 
superior officer could be found to furnish supports or to bring order 
out of chaos. Three several times General Taylor sent his aids 
through a fearful fire to procure from some commander necessary 
orders and support ; but none could be found, and so, abandoned, 
he was compelled to fight a force outnumbering him six to one, as 
long as the most obstinate courage could hold out. It was no 
wonder, under these circumstances, that the heroic brigade, the 
flower of the division, representing three thousand New Jersey 
households, where women wrestled in prayer through all those 
bitter days of blundering and disaster, was almost obliterated ; that 
out of the two thousand eight hundred stout-hearted men who 
marched a- field in the early afternoon, but nine hundred and sixty- 
five, wearied, scarred, and dark with the grime of battle, answered 
to their names in the solemn midnight when the morning's camp 
was reached. 13 



Co. C, slightly wounded ; First Lieutenant W. E. Eldridge, Co. E, slightly wounded ; 
First Lieutenant J. L. Ridgeway, wounded ; Second Lieutenant C. H. Hatch, wounded ; 
Captain Samuel Mulford, slightly wounded ; enlisted men killed, fifty-three ; enlisted 
men wounded, one hundred and twenty-one. This number will probably run up to 
two hundred, and possibly more when we shall have learned the fate of the missing 
and unaccounted for. The number, including the officers, I went into action with, was 
six hundred and twenty-seven; so far as positively known, the killed and wounded 
amounted to twenty-nine per cent, of the whole force engaged.' The only officers not 
in the fight were Captain Hall, sick at Camp Lincoln ; Lieutenant King, sick in New 
Jersey, and Lieutenant Camp, on signal duty." 

13 The correspondent of the Newark Daily Advertiser, who was present at this fight, 
says of the absence of good management in the affair: 

"The New Jersey troops bore the brunt of the whole fight from the time they ar- 
rived till our forces were withdrawn from the field. They had no support at all — no 
fresh troops were in reserve for them to fall back upon; and none were sent for until 
it was nearly dark, when the ground had been given up, and the whole right wing of 
the army was in full retreat — almost in a panic. It was folly — downright madness— to 
throw the troops into those woods at all until they had been effectually shelled by our 
artillery. We had artillery enough there to have torn the woods to pieces, and thus 
have forced the rebels to meet us in an open field, but it was not done. In fact, a large 
portion of our artillery was kept inactive all the afternoon, and much that was used — 
from the peculiar position of the combatants— killed almost as many of our own men 
as of the enemy. We also had a large force of cavalry which were held as idle spec- 
tators of the battle, when at several critical periods they might have been used most 
advantageously. Had a squadron of cavalry been on hand to charge upon the rebels 



78 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



The losses of the day fell heavily upon the shattered command, 
for not a few of those who went down in the storm had been men 
of mark, and held high social as well as military rank. In the 
First Eegiment, Major David Hatfield was wounded in the early 
part of the engagement, and subsequently died of his injuries ; 
Captain E. G. Brewster was killed, while Captains Way, Mount 
and others were wounded — the total loss in the regiment being 
twenty-one killed, seventy-eight wounded, and sixty missing. In 
the Second Eegiment, out of four companies, fifteen were killed, 
forty-eight wounded and forty-one missing, while in the Third, the 
loss was thirty-four killed, one hundred and thirty-six wounded, 
and forty -five missing. The Fourth, besides its loss in prisoners, 
lost thirty -eight killed and one hundred and eleven wounded. The 
six companies of the Second Eegiment not engaged in the battle, 
were on picket, holding a redoubt in an advanced position, where 
they were exposed to a constant fire of the enemy's shells, but 
suffered, fortunately only a single casualty. 14 The instances of gal- 



when General Taylor drove them out of the woods, he could have easily held the po- 
sition he had gained, and it would have been a material advantage to our side." 

14 The following is General Taylor's official report of this battle : 

"Headquarters, First Brigade, N. J. Volunteers, ) 
July 4th, 1862, V 
Camp on James River. ) 

"H. C. Rodgers, Captain and Acting Assistant Adjutant- General : 

" My command, "by order, left our entrenched camp on the right bank of the Chicka- 
hominy, on Friday afternoon, the 27th of June, and crossed the said stream by the 
Woodbury bridge. 

" The battle began the day previous, had been renewed near Gaines' Farm, where we 
arrived about four o'clock, p. m. I immediately formed my brigade in two lines, the 
Third and Fourth Regiments in front, and the First and Second Regiments in the 
second line. 

"My line was scarcely formed when the Third Regiment, under the command of 
Lieutenant-Colonel Brown, was ordered to advance forward into the woods, where a 
fierce combat was raging. 

" Colonel Brown immediately formed his regiment in line of battle, led it into the 
woods, and began a rapid fire upon the enemy. As this was the first of my regiments 
engaged, I will complete my report of it by saying that they continued the fight in the 
woods until the close of the action. They were all this time under a galling fire, often 
a cross fire, but maintained their ground until near sunset, when the whole line fell 
back. They had at this time expended (a large majority of the men) their last cart- 
ridge, sixty rounds to the man. It is but justice to say that this regiment bore itself 
most heroically throughout the entire action. Their conduct was all that could be de- 
sired. With their comrades falling around, they stood up like a wall of iron, losing 
over one-third of their number, and gave not an inch of ground until their ammunition 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



79 



lantry and daring among the troops actually engaged during the 
day were numerous and characteristic. Colonel Tucker, Who fell 

was expended, and the retrograde movement "became general; they were under this 
fire one hour and a half. 

" The First Regiment entered the woods about half an hour after the Third, and re- 
mained until the close of the action. Colonel Torbert being unwell, the regiment was 
led by Lieutenant-Colonel McAllister, and well sustained by his presence and courage _ 
I shall, however, say that Colonel Torbert, though suffering from low fever, followed 
us to the field and was present. 

"I take great pleasure in saying, for both these regiments fought under my own eye, 
that the First Regiment showed the same indomitable courage as the Third Regiment, 
exposing themselves to the leaden hail of an often unseen foe, advancing with the 
Third Regiment, and stood steadily under a most galling fire until the close of the 
action. Their loss was, enlisted men killed twenty, wounded eighty, missing fifty- 
seven. The loss of commissioned officers was one killed, four wounded, and one miss- 
ing — making a total of one hundred and sixty-three. 

" I have now to speak of the Second and Fourth Regiments, the first of which, under 
Colonel Tucker, numbered only four (4) companies, the other six (6) being on duty in 
the field works at Camp Lincoln, and left behind under Lieutenant-Colonel Buck. 
While absent to the front, these four companies, by order of General Porter, and with- 
out my knowledge, were sent into the woods, suffering a most galling fire. Their loss 
was, enlisted men killed twelve, wounded forty-five, missing forty ; making a total of 
ninety-seven enlisted men. I also regret to record the death of Colonel I. M. Tucker 
and probably Major Ryerson, both of whom were left upon the field; also Captain 
Danforth, mortally wounded, and Lieutenants Blewitt, Root and Bogert, severely 
wounded, and Lieutenant Callan missing. They however sustained themselves most 
gallantly, and proved their courage against superior numbers. The fate of the Fourth 
Regiment, Colonel Simpson, one of my most efficient regiments, as regards officers 
and men, was most painful. 

"At the moment when victory seemed wavering in the balance, an aid of General 
McClellan took them from my command and ordered them into the woods. All the 
account I can give of them is that but one officer (wounded) and eighty-two men have 
rejoined my command; all the rest, if living, are believed to be prisoners of war. 

"I learn from those who have come in, that up to the time that the regiment was 
surrounded, they had received from and returned the enemy a most galling fire. I 
annex a report of the casualties of the day, showing the total loss of my brigade. 

" In conclusion, I would say that so far as I am at present informed, my officers 
commissioned and non-commissioned, nobly performed their duties. And it might 
therefore be invidious to particularize. Still, in justice to the gallant dead who have 
devoted their lives to their country, I must record the names of Captain Brewster, of 
the First, and Captain Buckley, of the Third, also Second Lieutenant Howell, of the 
Third, all officers of distinguished merit. 

"These officers fought under my eye. As regards the conduct of the Second and 
Fourth Regiment officers, I am told that it was all that could be desired. But these 
regiments having been taken from me, I did not see them during the action. 

"It is eminently due to my staff officers to say that they carried out my orders, in- 
telligibly and promptly, and did not hesitate, and were often exposed to the hottest 
fire of the day. 

" I will forward a more detailed report in a few days. 

" I have the honor to be, very respectfully, &c, 

"George W. Taylor, Brigadier- General. 

The following is the report of Lieutenant-Colonel McAllister, of the First Regiment, 
in reference to the part which that regiment took in this engagement : • 

« * * -x- * The regiment, ordered with the division to the support of General 



80 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



while rallying his men, was cool and brave to tlie last. To one 
who spoke to him as his command entered the woods, he smilingly 

Porter's Corps, was hurried to the scene of action, and on forming line of battle was 
ordered to support a battery which was engaging the enemy. Soon after General 
Porter ordered me to advance in the woods to support the Third New Jersey ; reaching 
the position designated, I directed the men to lie down, but the three companies from 
the left being uncovered by any troops in front, I immediately ordered them forward 
to engage the enemy, which they did most gallantly — Captains Mutchler, Mount and 
Brewster in command. In a short time the whole regiment was engaged, and a most 
terrific fire was kept up on both sides for about an hour and a half while the regiment 
was en^ac-ed. The regiments on my right and left having fallen back, and the enemy 
making a manceuver to flank me on both sides, I ordered a retreat. During the early 
part of the action, Major Hatfield, while fighting bravely, was wounded in the head 
and had to leave the field. Soon after I lost the services of Lieutenants Holt, Company 
C, and Mutchler, Company D, who were wounded severely in the arm and leg. While 
retiring from the woods the regiment was under a cross fire from the enemy, and then 
it was that we lost largely both officers and men. Captain Brewster fell dead on the 
field while fighting heroically. Too much cannot be said in praise of Captains Pelouze, 
Fourat, Way, Baker and Brown, Adjutant Henry and all of the lieutenants engaged. 
To mention non-commissioned officers who distinguished themselves, would be to 
name nearly all, for neither officers nor men could have behaved better under fire." 

At the time of this engagement Colonel Torbert was confined to his bed with remit- 
tent fever, but being informed that his regiment was going into action, he started for 
the field at once. Arriving there, he succeeded after much difficulty in finding the 
regiment, and seeing part of the division falling back, went to work with other officers 
to rally and collect the men, including some of the First. In this task Sergeant- 
major Provost rendered much assistance. In transmitting the above report to head- 
quarters, Colonel Torbert says : "From all the information I can gather, Lieutenant- 
Colonel McAllister displayed great bravery and coolness during the action. Nor can I 
refrain from speaking of the valuable services of Chaplain Yard in looking after and 
caring for the wounded and helping to collect the regiment. The Surgeon (Gordon) 
and his assistants also did their duty nobly." 

The following is the report of Lieutenant-Colonel Buck, of the Second regiment. 

" On the 27th ult. this regiment engaged the enemy at two points. Companies A, B, 
C, E, F and G, under my command, were detailed on the 26th for picket duty, and on 
the 27th were attacked and held their ground against a much superior force, only one 
man being slightly wounded, which was truly providential, considering the perfect 
storm of shot and shell which rained over us. 

On the 27th, Colonel Tucker, with Companies D, H, I and K, were ordered with the 
brigade to cross the Chickahominy. They were soon ordered to the front to relieve a 
full regiment ; nothing daunted at the smallness of their numbers, they formed with 
perfect order, and fought the unequal contest with a cool determination worthy of all 
praise. Soon the superior numbers of the enemy enabled him to turn their flanks ; 
under this cross fire the remaining few, headed by Colonel Tucker, assisted by Major 
Ryerson, Captains Bishop and Tay, and Lieutenant Buckley, rallied around the colors, 
when a shower of balls poured upon the small force, wounding our brave Colonel in the 
breast. Lieutenant Root, of Company K, attempted to carry him off the field, when 
another volley wounded the Lieutenant in three places and the Colonel in two. He 
soon breathed his last, and it became necessary to abandon his remains. Sergeant 
Charles Pierson, of Company H, remained with the Colonel until the last, thoughtfully 
removing his papers. This fire also wounded the Major in the bowels, and he was left 
on the field with three men of Company I, who gallantly refused to leave him. 

Captain Danforth, of Company I, received his death wound early in the engagement 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



81 



said, " It is rather hot in there, and some of us will never come 
out, but the Jersey boys will do their duty." When, being wound- 
ed, some of his men were carrying him to the rear, he said, "Don't 
mind me, but go ahead and give it to them." Major Kyerson, of 
the same regiment, displayed the same unshrinking courage. As 
his men w T ere being forced back inch by inch, he rushed to the 
colors and waving his sword called to them to rally around him, 
and even as they did so, was shot down. 1 " A corporal of the Sec- 
ond Eegiment named James Marshall stood by the colors, bearing 
them defiantly aloft, until it was impossible longer to hold oat, 
when tearing them from the staff, he buried them out of sight. 16 

while gallantly leading his men. Where all behaved so well, it appears almost invidious 
to mention names, hut admiration of the cool courage of Colonel Tucker and other 
officers named is the universal sentiment of eye-witnesses. Adjutant Cook rendered 
efficient service in carrying orders, and had his horse shot under him." 

is Colonel Isaac M. Tucker, when he fell at the post of duty, was some thirty years of 
bge, and on the threshold, comparatively, of his military career. He entered the service 
as Lieutenant-Colonel of the Second Regiment, hut from the first, owing to the inca- 
pacity or indifference of the commanding officer, was practically the controlling spirit 
of the command. He possessed fine soldierly accomplishments, having been for many 
years connected with the military organizations of Newark, and was in some respects 
pecxdiaiiy fitted for the position to which he was soon advanced, as Colonel of his regi- 
ment. As a disciplinarian, he lacked, perhaps, that firmness Avhich in some cases is 
necessary to the enforcement of authority ; but happily he had the unbounded confi- 
dence of his men, and there being, therefore, little occasion for rigid severity, this one 
defect in his military character was little more, in actual outcome, than a foible. In 
personal courage, fertility of resource, and readiness of apprehension, Colonel Tucker 
had few superiors ; and from the first, his eminent social qualities, joined with his high 
intellectual attainments, made him a favorite with the best class of officers in the field. 
Before entering the service, he had been prominently identified for some years with the 
political movements of his State, exerting, especially in his own city, a commanding 
influence in the party to which he belonged ; and had he remained in civil life, many 
honors must undoubtedly have been his. But he was a believer in the principles 
which the rebellion imperilled ; he had helped largely to establish the Administration 
which was called upon to suppress the revolt ; and at the first call for men, he pre- 
pared to defend in the field the cause he had consistently maintained by pen, voice and 
vote during all the agitations of recent years. He fell, as brave men choose to fall, 
with his face to the foe, fighting with a bare handful of men against overwhelming 
numbers ; and his memory is revered by all who who knew him as he was, and how 
much he sacrificed in the country's cause. Frequent attempts have been made to re- 
cover his remains, but all without success. 

16 In this heroic act, Marshall was assisted by corporal Mauvel, of Company I, and 
Jesse Conover, of Company K, who stood by him when the regiment was ordered to 
fall back. After performing this act, they laid down, and just then Marshall had his 
thumb shot off, and Conover was struck by a spent ball, which did no injury. By this 
time the rebels came up and captured them ; and the next day they were taken to 
Richmond. Major Ryerson, cf the Second, who was also taken prisoner, remained 
on the battle field ten days, receiving little sustenance or care, although badly 
wounded. 

11 



82 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Lieutenant-Colonel McAllister, of the First Eegiment, displayed 
the utmost coolness throughout, and many other officers and pri- 
vates excited the warmest approbation by their steadiness under 
fire. 17 

The battle which has thus been described occurred on the 27th 
of June. During that night our forces were withdrawn across the 
Chickahominy to a strong position, having the stream on one side 
and elaborate works facing Richmond on the other. Here the army 
might still, beyond all question, have defeated the enemy. This, 
indeed, is frankly conceded by rebel generals, one of whom says, 
in his official report, that for two days after this last engagement 
the situation of their army "was extremely critical and perilous,'' 
adding " that had McClellan moved his whole force in column, and 
advanced it against any point of our (rebel) line of battle, though 
the head of his column would have suffered greatly, its momentum 
would have insured him success, and the occupation of our 
(rebel) works about Richmond; and consequently the city (of 
Richmond) might have been his reward." ls McClellan, however, 
again shutting his eyes to a great opportunity, decided, instead of 
once more delivering battle, to make a flank movement through 
White Oak Swamp to the James, and orders for the movement 

The correspondent of the Newark Advertiser mentions the following incidents : 
" Captain Erank S. Knight, of Company G, Third Regiment, was caught in a tight 
place during the engagement, and was obliged to offer to give himself up as a pris- 
oner. The nearest rebel to him said, 'I'll take you prisoner,' and immediately struck 
him in the back with the butt of his musket. Captain Knight drew his pistol and shot 
the ruffian dead ; and in the confusion managed to make his escape and got off the 
field. He was afterwards taken prisoner at Savage's Station, however, as he would 
not leave Lieutenant W. N. Evans, who was badly wounded in the spine and could 
not be removed. Captain Knight is a brave officer, and much beloved by the men 
of his company, who had but lately purchased a sword for him which was then on its 
way to him. 

" Lieutenant Thomas Howell, of Company I, Third Regiment, went all through the 
fight uninjured, and acted with great bravery. But after his regiment came out of the 
woods, and was forming to cross the bridge on its return to camp, he was struck in the 
stomach by a chance and nearly spent cannon ball, which went clear through him, 
killing him instantly. The Lieutenant was but seventeen years old and a talented and 
worthy young man. 

"During the battle, Captain R. T. Dunham, of General Taylor's staff, was sent to 
General Porter with a message, and while delivering it, a rebel shell flew just over their 
heads and struck in the midst of a group of five men, who were standing within twenty 
feet of them, and exploded instantly, killing the whole group." 

18 General Magruder's Official Report. 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



S3 



Were at once (on the night of the 27th) issued to the corps com- 
manders. On the morning of the 28th, the First Brigade was 
withdrawn to the woods in its rear, where it rested until midnight, 
when it marched silently through the darkness towards Savage 
Station, the terminus of the York and Richmond Railroad, and the 
general stores and ammunition depot of our army. Thence it 
proceeded (liable to ambuscade and assault at every turn) by heavy 
and painful marches — pausing to share in the battle of Malvern 
Hill — to Harrison's Landing, where at length the harrassed and 
wayworn army found a brief respite from hostilities, and gathered 
strength for conflicts yet to come. 19 During the campaign Frank - 

i9 On the 30th, while passing through "White Oak Swamp, the rear guard of our 
army was violently assailed by a large force of the enemy — McCall's Pennsylvania Re- 
serves, who held the front, being driven back after a desperate encounter, when the 
rebels rushed forward to capture our guns, and a succession of terrible struggles en- 
sued. Finally, our troops gradually falling back, General Kearney, who was also en- 
gaged, sent a request to General Franklin for the First Jersey Brigade, which was at 
once forwarded. As the men advanced at the call of their old leader, they were met 
by him and informed of the critical situation of affairs, when, forming in the edge of 
the woods, and throwing off their knapsacks, they dashed at a double quick toward the 
point of danger (Charles City Cross Roads), cheering as they went with the wildest 
enthusiasm. But now the rebels, exhausted by their struggles, and alarmed by the 
cheers of the Jerseymen, fell back in haste to the woods in their rear, and our forces 
were permitted to withdraw without further contest. Few events of the war illus- 
trated so well the character of our troops, and the attachment they felt for General 
Kearney, as this eager response to his call for help— a response in which everything 
was abandoned that he might once more win the day. Kearney himself never forgot 
that day, and to the men of the First Brigade the memory of the greeting he gave them 
as they hurried at his call, will be ever precious. 

The correspondent of the Newark Daily Advertiser (A. D. Fowler) furnished the 
following account of the incidents of the retreat : 

"It was about eight o'clock on the morning of Sunday, June 29th, when the First 
Xew Jersey Brigade passed through Savage's Station, and took a cross road, passing- 
over a part of the battle field of Fair Oaks, towards the Williamsburg road, which we 
entered near Seven Pines. We marched down this road some three or four miles, leav- 
ing Bottom's Bridge to the left, and then struck into a road leading through White 
Oak Swamp. * * * * 

" Just before noon we came to White Oak Swamp Creek, and here we found a regi- 
ment of engineers and mechanics at work building two bridges, side by side, across the 
creek. This duty was completed shortly after we got there, and our division passed 
over without difficulty. After crossing the bridge we halted for a few hours in a large 
peach orchard on the top of a high hill that commanded the crossing. When our 
artillery was brought over the creek it was placed in position along the whole summit 
of this hill, commanding the crossing over which we had just passed. The neighbor- 
ing woods were cut down for acres on each side of the creek, forming an abattis, and 
every preparation made for keeping the enemy in check at this point — a most import- 
ant one for us — until our forces got rest. Our division marched from here about three 
o'clock, leaving the artillery still guarding the bridges, supported by a large force of 
infantry from Sumner's and Heintzelman' s corps. 



84 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



lin's Corps had lost a total of two thousand seven hundred and 
thirty-seven men, of whom two hundred and forty -five were killed, 
and the entire loss of the army was fifteen thousand two hundred 
and forty-nine. Surely where so many had fallen, desperately and 
bravely fighting, there should have been other and grander results 
than any which McClellan had to show. An army as brave as 
ever marched, worsted and defeated, its dead abandoned, stark and 
gaunt behind it, its stores burned, its camp equipage destroyed, 
even the wounded left to die unattended in swamp and thicket ; 
this was not the result for which the nation prayed and waited, for 
which the men, living and dead, had fought. Whose was the 
fault? 

Movements in another part of the field now demand attention. 



" This day was very hot, hut the sim was fortunately overcast and the men stood the 
fatigues of the march most heroically. About fire o'clock p. m., the New Jersey Bri- 
gade was marched into a large clover field, and our General was informed that our 
division would he held there during the greater part of the night, while the wagon 
trains and a portion of the army were being pushed along. The men were immedi- 
ately ordered to stack arms, after which they took a bite of supper — at least those who 
had any did— and then spread their blankets upon the soft grass and stretched them- 
selves out for a little much needed rest. 

" On the morning of Monday, June 30, we were marched but two or three miles, and 
were then halted on a small road leading otf from the main road into White Oak Swamp. 
The First and Third Regiments were then sent out into a pine woods and there formed 
into line ; as an attack was looked for from that direction. The Second Regiment was 
sent down the road to support the Eighty-seventh New York (of Kearney's Division), 
who had been sent out to destroy a bridge in the swamp to our left, which movement 
was successfully executed. We here found that we had again become neighbors to the 
Second N. J. Brigade and Kearney's troops, being the first time we had seen them 
since leaving Camp Lincoln. 

"At one-fifteen P. M., a party of rebels came down to the bridge, which our forces 
were destroying, but were soon shelled back. At one-thirty-five, every thing being 
then quiet, our regiment had stacked arms -and were resting on the grass awaiting 
orders. The General and his staff selected a shady spot on a side hill, and were making 
a frugal lunch on the remains of the pig left from breakfast, when a large force of rebels 
came out of the woods in our front, with six pieces of artillery and immediately opened 
lire. The position of the Jersey troops at this time was a perilous one, being directly 
between the fire of the rebels and that of the main body of our forces. When the 
rebels opened fire their first shell fell plump in our headquarters. 

" The regiments of the New Jersey Brigade were quickly formed into line of battle, 
and General Taylor immediately sent one of his aids, Lieutenant E. B. Grubb, up the 
road to General Slocum's headquarters for orders. The road which the aid was com- 
pelled to take was directly in range of the rebel batteries, and the ride was consequently 
a most perilous one ; but he clashed on, reaching his destination safely. Not finding 
General Slocum, he was compelled to return ; but orders being imperatively necessary, 
he was again obliged to repeat his ride through that rain of shot and shell. 

"With death staring him in the face at every bound of his horse, the gallant aid 



THE FTEST BRIGADE. 



85 



On the 26th of July, General John Pope had been appointed to 
the command of a force designated the Army of Virginia, con- 
sisting of all the troops then covering Washington and holding the 
lower Shenandoah Yalley, with instructions to make a fresh demon- 
stration against Eichmond from the Rappahannock, in order thus 
to effect a diversion in favor of General McClellan's army, and 
enable it to abandon the Peninsula without farther loss. The entire 
strength of this newly organized command was nearly fifty thous- 
and men, of whom, probably, forty thousand could be employed in 
the field. The enemy showing a disposition to resist the advance 
with a strong force, Pope, on the 8th of August, ordered his in- 
fantry and artillery to concentrate upon Culpepper, the cavalry 
holding Madison Court House, and picketing the country in advance 
for a distance of several miles. On the day following, Stonewall 

again, went back, and this time succeeded in getting orders. Our regiments were 
ordered to a position in which they might serve partly as a support to a battery and 
partly as a repelling party, if it became necessary. This battle of Monday was one of 
the severest of the march, and lasted all the afternoon. The Jersey troops took no 
active part in it, although they were under a tremendous fire. In fact the storm of 
battle over them was furious — they were compelled to lay flat upon their faces, shelter- 
ing themselves behind logs as best they could, the whole afternoon. 

"At about midnight the army was again put in motion, and marched down the road 
to our left— the road for which we had fought so desperately — towards the James 
river. We were obliged to leave our wounded behind to fall into the enemy's hands, 
but there was no help for it ; we had no means of transporting them, and as our 
salvation depended upon our reaching the James river as soon as possible, we had to 
push on. 

" Our division marched down the road over the battle field in perfect silence — long 
lines of men — those whose turn it was to bring up the rear — being drawn up on either 
side as we passed through. Thus we went forward all night unmolested, at seven 
o'clock in the morning of July 1st, reaching a high hill or plateau of land, in sight 
of which was the long and ardently looked for James river. We rested on the brow 
of this hill about an hour and then again took up the march for Harrison's Landing — 
bearing down the river instead of going towards it. As w r e were leaving this hill the 
rebels came out of the woods to the brow of another hill some distance on the left and 
in the rear of us, and our brigade had hardly left the hill before they opened fire. 
Another battle — and the one in which the rebels confess to the greatest loss, that of 
Turkey Bend — occurred here, commencing but a short time after the New Jersey 
Brigade had left. We continued our march three or four miles and then camped in 
the woods by the side of the road until midnight, when we again pushed on, reaching 
this place (Harrison's Landing) about eight o'clock on the morning of Wednesday, 
July 2c\. 

" On arriving we were marched into a wheat field, comprising some six hundred or 
eight hundred acres, and immediately encamped. We now felt that our troubles were 
ended, for we were on the banks of the James, on the placid face of which, immediately 
in our front, lay the dreaded Monitor, the Galena and several other gunboats, under 
whose guns was assurance of perfect safety." 



86 



K"E"W JERSEY AKB THE REBELLION. 



Jackson, with a force of twenty thousand men, reached Cedar 
Mountain, in the vicinity of which he immediately offered battle, 
being confronted by Banks' Corps, numbering in all some eigh 
thousand men, who, after a desjDerate contest, were forced from the 
held with a considerable loss both of men and material. On the 
11th, aware that his communications were likely to be broken, 
Jackson hurriedly retreated across the Eapidan, and Pope, ascer- 
taining some four days after, that the whole rebel army was rapidly 
assembling to overwhelm him, retired across the Eappahannock, 
and there, guarding and fortifying the fords, awaited the enemy. 

Meanwhile, on the 3d, General McClellan had been ordered to 
withdraw his army from the Peninsula by water to Acquia Creek, 
but it was not until the 10th that he commenced vigorously to 
execute the order. Ten days later Porter's Corps embarked at 
Newport News, and on the 24th the entire force had landed at Alex- 
andria. Heintzelman's and Porter's Corps were at once pushed for- 
. ward to the relief of Pope, the latter taking position at Warrenton 
Junction, and the former in the neighborhood of Bealton Station. 
Franklin's Corps landing on the 24th, the First Brigade was marched 
to Cloud's Mills, where it remained until tbe 26th. By this time, 
Lee having brought up nearly his entire army, struck our lines 
^itk great force at various points, inflicting heavy loss, and gaining 
positive advantages — Jackson, as usual, being in the advance, and 
having carried Manassas Junction with all its stores, munitions and 
supplies. Two Ohio Eegiments, hearing of the disaster on the 
27th advanced upon the Junction, but were soon beaten back with 
loss, the rebel cavalry pursuing as far as Fairfax. Meantime, the 
First Brigade, now reduced to eleven hundred men 20 under orders 
from General Franklin, was sent forward (on the 27th) by rail to 
Bull Bun bridge, where, debarking, two regiments, together with 
the Eleventh and Twelfth Ohio, were disposed to guard the bridge, 
and the remainder of the command pushed forward to the old bat- 

20 The four regiments number now, fit for duty, one thousand one hundred men 
The First has about three hundred ; the Second two hundred and fifty ; the Third three 
hundred and seventy-five, and the Fourth seventy-five men."— Letter to Newark Adver- 
tiser, July 25th. 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



87 



tie-field. At this time it was supposed that no more formidable 
body of the enemy than gangs of guerrillas would be encountered 
at that point, but this was soon found to be a mistake. As the 
column neared the battle-field, the officers descried through their 
glasses considerable bodies of troops in front, showing, however, 
the American colors, and at first firing only blank cartridges. 
This, however, proved to be only a stratagem to draw our forces 
into their power ; and discovering the deception, General Taylor 
at once determined to charge and carry the enemy's battery, now in 
full view. Hardly, however, had he come within charging distance, 
when he was opened upon with a distructive fire from two other 
batteries on the right and left, which up to this time had been 
masked. At the same time the rebel infantry opened, and for an 
hour the little column was exposed to a fire of grape and balls, A 
which produced fearful havoc in the ranks — the men, however, stand- 
ing bravely up to their work, until it was no longer possible to en- 
dure the leaden storm. 21 Even then, they fell back deliberately 
and in good order, though sorely pressed by the enemy, with both 
artillery and .cavalry. Eeaching the Bull Kun bridge, the battle 
was again sharply renewed by the wasted regiments, who, however, 
were presently relieved by the Eleventh and Twelfth Ohio. About 
this time General Taylor was severely wounded in the leg, several 
officers and a large number of men had fallen, and the enemy press- 
ing down in overpowering force, the field was abandoned — the 
command marching to Fairfax Station, and thence to Cloud's Mills, 
where it arrived at noon on the 28th. 

Few engagements of that memorable and disastrous compaign 
were more hotly and desperately contested than this, and in none 
were the Union forces so largely outnumbered. Not only was 
General Taylor without cavalry and artillery, but his men were ex- 
hausted by rapid marching under a scorching sun, and were, more- 
over, at the very outset of the engagement surprised and ambushed 
by the enemy. It was said at the time by some carping critics, 

21 Stonewall Jackson, who was present on the field, afterwards said that he had rarely 
seen a body of men who stood up so gallantly, in the face of overwhelming odds, as 
did the Jersey troops on this occasion. 



88 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



anxious to find a target for their malignity," that general Taylor 
was criminally in fault in having undertaken such a movement 
without artillery and cavalry supports, but he did precisely as he 
was ordered, and the responsibility of the blunder, if blunder it 
was, rests elsewhere than with him. He, as brave a soldier as ever 
went a-field. fell a sacrifice to his habit of obeying orders, however 
unwelcome or perilous the service they imposed ;- 2 and mayhap, 
had the sneaking grumblers who then and all through the war 
dashed with venomed pens the reputation of every commander who 
failed to achieve the impossible, been with him in the ranks, in- 
stead of skulking out of reach of danger, on that bloody day, the 
field had been won instead of lost. The losses of the brigade 
during this engagement were nine killed, one hundred and eight 
wounded, forty-five missing, and one hundred and sixty-six taken 
prisoners — the latter being subsequently paroled." 5 

At other points of the field the battle still raged with growing 

22 General Taylor died at Alexandria September 1st, from the effects of the amputation 
of his wounded limb. 
- 3 The following is the official statement of losses : 

Killed. Wounded. Missing. Paroled. 

General and Staff — 2 — 

First Regiment 1 47 2 78 

Second " 8 39 31 45 

Third " — 14 7 43 

Fourth " — 6 5 — 

Among the officers wounded were Captains Wildrick, Bishop and Stahl, of the Sec- 
ond Regiment, Captain Stiekney and Lieutenants Carr and Taylor, (the latter a nephew 
of the General,) of the Third, and Captain Mppins, of the Fourth. Captain Nippins 
had just been released from prison in Richmond, and reached the camp of his regiment 
only the night before the advance. 

A correspondent of the Philadelphia Press says of the operations of General Taylor's 
force: " Their orders were to take the position held by the enemy, at all hazards, but 
they were not provided with a single piece of artillery. When General Taylor ap- 
proached the rebel batteries they pointed their guns in another direction, causing him 
to suppose they were our forces firing on the enemy. He then moved forward to sup- 
port them, when two batteries opened on Mm and disclosed their true character. 

"Finding out their true character, General Taylor gave the order to charge and take 
the battery by storm. They proceeded to within three hundred yards of the rebel 
battery, when the fire became so murderous and our men fell so fast, that Taylor found 
it would be impossible to take the battery, and therefore gave the order to march off 
the field in line of battle. This was done in an excellent manner. * * * During 
the whole of the charge on the rebel battery, the New Jersey Brigade did not fire a 
single gun, although they were under a murderous fire for an hour and a half. General 
Taylor wanted to take the place by the bayonet, Had he been supplied with a battery 
of artillery he could, no doubt, have driven the rebels out of their entrenchments." 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



80 



fury. On the 28th, Pope, who had awakened at last to a sense of 
his danger, pushed forward all his available forces upon Cehtreville, 
whence General Kearney's Division was on the following morning 
advanced against Stonewall Jackson, then near Gainesville. Here 
a large part of both armies became engaged, Kearney fighting with 
magnificent gallantly, and sweeping the enemy's first line clear 
from the field, being, however, later in the day, repulsed in turn, 
and night closing with both armies resting on the field. Pope, 
however, was really beaten, and from that time forward, expyected 
reinforcements not arriving, struggled against hope. On the 30th, 
Porter making a feeble attack, was repulsed, and the enemy pursu- 
ing his advantage, joined battle along the entire front, so crippling 
our recoiling columns, that at eight o'clock in the evening, the 
army was directed to withdraw, which it deliberately did, taking 
position near Centreville, where Franklin's Corps had by this time 
arrived. Lee, determining upon striking our right, advanced Jack- 
son toward Fairfax Court House, where, on the evening of Septem- 
ber 1st, he was confronted by two divisions of Sumner's Corps, and 
subsequently, also by Kearney's Division, the latter closing the 
fight by driving the enemy from the field. The victory, however, 
was a costly one — General Kearney, while riding forward on a 
reconnoissance, being shot dead, when almost within the rebel 
lines, while General Stevens and other gallant officers had also 
fallen. But Jackson's repulse secured the safe withdrawal of our 
shattered army, which, no longer annoyed, drew back within the 
entrenchments on the south bank of the Potomac — the First Bri- 
gade resuming its ©Id position at Camp Seminary. 24 

24 The following is Colonel Torbert's report of the operations ©f the brigade, after 
Colonel Taylor's death: 

" Headquarters First Brigade, ) 
First Division, Sixth Corps, [ 
November 26, 1862. j 
" Sir : 1 have the honor to report the following as the part taken by this brigade in 
General Pope's campaign in Virginia. The brigade, about sixteen hundred strong, 
marched from Alexandria August 29th, and camped at Benton's Tavern, (on the Little 
Kiver Turnpike,) about seven miles. August 30th, marched to Fairfax Court House ; 
there received orders from General Slocum to leave four companies and picket all of 
the roads running out of that place, and to encamp with the balance of my brigade and 
Captain Hexamer's Battery on the Centreville pike, about two miles from Fairfax Court 
House. Left four companies of the First Regiment, under command of Captain Baker, 

12 



90 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



But the weary and footsore soldiers were not yet to find rest. 
Lee, immediately upon Pope's retreat, dispatched Hill's fresh 
division, in the rear of his army, to Leesburg, thence crossing the 
Potomac and moving on Frederick, where his entire force was con- 
centrated on September 8th. General McClellan, who was again 
in supreme command, at once brought his several corps across the 
Potomac, and advanced upon Frederick, which he entered on the 
12th, the rebels having already moved westward, a portion to- 
ward^ Harper's Ferry, and the remainder towards Hagerstown. On 
the 13th, our advance came up with the enemy in force before Tur- 
ner's Gap of South Mountain, where, on the 14th, he was assailed 
and steadily pushed back, until the crest of the mountain was won, 
and the day at all points was ours. Meanwhile, Franklin's Corps 
had advanced cautiously by way of Kockville and Burkettsville, 
towards South Mountain, reaching, at noon on the 14th the pass 

who carried out the above instructions. Encamped as above ordered and sent one 
company of the First Regiment to Germantown, on the Little River Turnpike, and 
picketed from there across to the Centreville pike, and half a mile beyond, with de- 
tachments from my four regiments — the picket line running about half a mile in front 
of my position. August 31st, relieved the four companies of the First Regiment at 
Fairfax Court House by six companies of the Second Regiment, under command of 
Major Duffy, with orders to act as Provost Marshal and picket strongly on the Flint 
Hill and Vienna road, Falls Church road, and Fairfax Station road, and guard a number 
of prisoners there. Early in the morning I doubled my pickets, extending them to the 
right of Germantown and about a mile up the Little River pike. 

"About three p.m., I was in Fairfax Court House, where a dispatch was sent me 
that the enemy had captured Captain Hight's Second Cavalry, on the Little River pike, 
about three miles from Germantown, and were advancing on my pickets. I immediately 
started to my camp, and near the town met a few of the companj r above referred to 
and Lieutenant Harrison, of the cavalry, whom I took with me. I then took half of 
the Fourth Regiment, under Colonel Hatch, to reinforce the pickets, and arrived very 
opportunely at the picket line, as the enemy's cavalry were advancing on the Little 
River pike, but seeing my force, halted, and then retired. About dark, I received orders 
from General Pope to send two regiments and two pieces of artillery as a guard to the 
trains en route to Alexandria, as far as Cloud's Mills. I sent, accordingly, the First and 
Third Regiments, leaving me two regiments and four pieces of artillery. 

" Near 8 p. m., the enemy brought three pieces of artillery into position at the edge 
of a wood, between the two turnpikes, about three hundred yards from the pickets and 
the same distance from the Centreville pike, where the trains were moving. They fired 
six shots into the train and my camp, killing two or three horses and stampeding the 
train. Drivers deserted their wagons and the greatest confusion prevailed. My guards, 
stationed on the road to arrest stragglers, by great exertions stopped the train and re- 
stored order, forcing men to take charge of the wagons and drive them to Alexandria 
and towards Centreville. 

"I immediately advanced a part of my picket line opposite the (rebel) artillery, which 
retired ; prepared my own artillery for action, and sent the Second Regiment up on the 



THE FIEST BRIGADE. 



91 



through Crampton's Gap, just beyond Burkettsville, and several 
miles southwest of the point at which our advance was already en- 
gaged. Here, General Howell Cobb, with three brigades, was 
advantageously posted. The road at this point is narrow and 
winds up the mountain in long reaches ; and the enemy had availed 
himself of every advantage of his position, every crag, and tree, 
and rock, affording shelter to his men. At the foot of the most 
precipitous part of the hill 'his infantry was posted behind stone 
walls, while along the slopes were detachments of sharp-shooters, 
and the only point at which an attempt to scale the heights could 
possibly be made, was swept by eight pieces of artillery. Notwith- 
standing, however, the great strength of the position, it was de- 
termined to attack without delay, and Newton's Brigade of Slo- 
cum's Division was ordered up to strike the initial blow, while the 
New Jersey Brigade, now commanded by Colonel Torbert, was 
directed to support Newton's advance. Simultaneously with this 
movement, General Brook's Brigade of Smith's Division, was sent 
to skirmish the mountain, and advance upon the extreme right 
flank of the enemy. It had, however, a long distance to traverse, 



Centrevillc pike, opposite the point where the train was shelled. Then sent a staff 
officer to report to General Pope the state of affairs. General Pope ordered a brigade, 
five regiments, under command of Colonel Hinks, and two batteries from the rear to 
report to me that night. None of them arrived, however, until next morning (Septem- 
ber 1st) about o'clock, when I put two regiments on picket, and the others in 

position, with the right resting on Germantown, the latter place being about half a 
mile from my headquarters. About nine a. m. the enemy's cavalry pickets wounded 
one of mine ; a few shots being exchanged they retired. 

"Late in the afternoon, I received orders from General Pope to move my brigade to 
Germantown, with a notification that General Hooker had command of all troops at 
that point and Fairfax Court House. I then reported to General Hooker at the above 
mentioned place, where I remained in line of battle all night, the most of the time in a 
drenching rain. As I was going to Germantown I received a despatch from General 
Pope to send back on the road to Washington and hurry up all troops on the way to 
the front, and order up those in camp on the road. I at once started a staff officer 
to carry out the order, which he did, leaving the dispatch at General McCiellan's 
headquarters. 

"My other two regiments, and the six companies, under Major Duffy, from Fairfax 
Court House, joined me next morning, (September 2d,) and that afternoon and night 
my brigade was marched to Fairfax Seminary, near Alexandria. 

"Much credit is due to Major Duffy, Captain Dunham, A. A. A. G. ; Lieutenant 
Wilson, 6f the Third Kegiment, A. A. D. C, and also Lieutenant Harrison, of the 
Second Cavalry, who acted as aide de camp till September 2d. 

"A. T. A. Torbert." 



... 



92 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



and thus the engagement was a single straightforward attack by 
Slocum's Division, with a contingency on the rebel flank in case 
the resistance was insurmountable. Steadily the men of Newton's 
Brigade advanced to the charge, pushing the enemy before them, 
and leaping all the obstructions in the way. 25 Then, at the word 
of command, Torbert's Brigade moved promptly forward, pressing 
up to the foot of the steep declivity. Here the flying enemy ral- 
lied behind the wall, evidently expecting to hold it, and check our 
advance. But he was mistaken. Again the Brigade, with a 
cheer, rushed resistless! y forward, carrying the position ; and dash- 
ing up the rocky slopes, in the face of a perfect storm of bails, 
drove the enemy, crouching at every angle, from the very summit 
of the hill far down on the further side, 26 the pursuit only pausing 
when night closed upon the scene. During the pursuit a large 
number of prisoners were taken, 27 especially from Cobb's Brigade, 
nearly the whole of the Cobb Legion being captured, with their 
colors, bearing the inscription, " Cobb's Legion— in the name of the 
Lord." 2 * The colors of the Sixteenth Virginia Regiment were also 
taken, and the enemy, whose dead were thickly strewn along the 
stony slope, lost also one gun — saving the remaining pieces only with 
the greatest difficulty, so sudden and resistless was the charge of the 
Jersey veterans. The total loss of the Brigade during the day, in 
killed and wcunded, was one hundred and seventy-four, Adjutant 
Studdiford, of the Fourth Regiment, being among the former. 25 

23 These obstructions consisted of six rail fences and two stone walls, all of which 
were held by the enemy's infantry. 

26 Ellis's " Diary of an Army Surgeon " says of this charge : " It is hardly possible 
to conceive how this position could have been carried; but it was, with little delay and 
loss by our men. After the battle, it was found that it was a work of no small difficulty 
to climb the precipitous side of the hill." 

Major-General Newton informs the writer that this was one of the most gallant 
charges he ever witnessed, and others who witnessed it uniformly bear the same 
testimony. Had a force of cavalry been at command, the whole opposing force might, 
it is believed, have been captured. 

27 Our aggregate trophies were four hundred prisoners, one gun, and seven hundred 
small arms. 

2S " The Cobb Legion, commanded by the General's brother, was terribly cut up ; but 
few of its number came out of the action alive. Besides the fire of our advance col- 
umn, they suffered from an enfilading fire on both sides. Several rebel officers were 
killed, and many taken prisoners."— Diary of an Army Surgeon. 

29 The following were the losses by regiments : First Regiment, killed 7, wounded 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



Do 



We have seen that a part of Lee's army, upon its arrival at 
Frederick, had been detached to operate against Harper's Ferry. 
On the 15th, that post, after a show of resistance on the part of 
General Miles, who there held command, was surrendered to Jack- 
son, who, fearing that Lee was pressed, at once marched with his 
command to rejoin his chief, which he did on the following morning 
at Antietam. Meanwhile, McClellan pushing forward his advance, 



34 ; Second Regiment, killed 18, wounded 42 ; Third Regiment, killed 11, wounded 29 ; 
Fourth Regiment, killed 9, wounded 27. Total killed, 40 ; total wounded, 132. 

A letter from the Second Regiment to the Newark Advertiser, dated the day after the 
battle, says : " We pursued the enemy until we were so fatigued we could go no further, 
and achieved a complete victory — the rebels throwing down their arms and begging for 
mercy. A little squad of six, under the Adjutant of the Third Regiment, took a lieu- 
tenant and eleven men prisoners." Another correspondent, writing to the same paper, 
says: "When we relieved Newton's Brigade, and opened fire on the enemy, they were 
at the foot of the mountain, some three hundred yards from us. We had not fired 
over a dozen rounds, when Colonel Torbert ordered a charge over the fence, and at it 
we went, across the field at a double quick. The rebels stood their ground until we 
got within twenty yards of them, when they broke and ran like sheep, and* Ave after 
them. At some points the hill was so steep that we had to go upon ' all fours,' but we 
gained the top. Here they were reinforced by another brigade, but our boys were too 
much for the entire lot, and we soon got them running again, and kept right on in 
pursuit until we gained the opposite side of the mountain." 

The following is Colonel Torbert's congratulatory order to the brigade : 

* " Headquarters, First Brigade, First Division, \ 
Sixth Corps, Camp in Crampton's Pass, l 
Maryland, September 15, 1862. ) 

General Orders. 

"Soldiers of the First New Jersey Brigade: — The ;14th day of September, 1862, is 
one long to be remembered, for on that day you dashingly met and drove the enemy 
at every point. Your advance in line of battle, under a galling artillery fire, and final 
bayonet charge, was a feat seldom if ever surpassed. The heights you took show plainly 
what determined and well disciplined soldiers can do. 

"You have sustained the reputation of your State, and done great credit to your 
officers and yourselves. While we lament the death of our brave comrades who have 
fallen so gloriously, we can only commend their souls to God, and their sorrowing 
friends to his sure protection. May you go from victory to victory is the hope and 
wish of the Colonel Commanding Brigade. 

A. T. A. Torbert, 

Colonel Commanding. 
Colonel Torbert's official report of this brilliant affair, elated^ Sept ember 16 th, is as 
follows : 

"It being decided to attack the enemy posted in the Pass, the division was ordered 
to advance in six lines, two regiments front, the First Brigade in rear. About three 
o'clock, I marched my brigade in two lines, by the right flank, under cover till we 
gained the open ground, when the advance was made in line of battle as follows : 
First line, First and Second Regiments; second line, one hundred and fifty paces 
in rear, Third and Fourth Regiments. They advanced about half a mile with great 
regularity through clover and corn fields, intersected by high wood and stone fences, 
being exposed the greater part of the time to the enemy's artillery fire. Arriving 



94 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



came up with the enemy in front of Sharpsburg, posted across An- 
tietam Creek, and at once formed in line of battle. The following 
day, however, was suffered to pass without a general demonstra- 
tion, but on the morning of the 17th, the battle opened in earnest, 
raging with great vehemence and varjdng fortune until nightfall. 
The First Brigade, which had marched from its bivouac in Cramp- 
ton's Gap, took position about twelve o'clock in the night, in front 
of a belt of woods, relieving General Sumner's Corps, which had 

within supporting distance of Colonel Bartlett's Brigade, -which was engaging the 
enemy, I halted. Soon after, I ordered the Second Regiment forward to relieve one of 
Bartlett's regiments, which was out of ammunition, which they did with promptness. 

"The enemy was posted behind a stonewall at the base of the mountain, with a 
wood just behind them. At this time the distance between the contending parties 
was between three and four hundred yards, an open field intervening. Thinking the 
distance too great, General Newton ordered me to charge forward to the woods. 
Accordingly I ordered forward my second line, Third and Fourth Regiments, to charge 
across the open field into the woods. The first line was ordered to cease firing. A 
cheer, and the men went forward at double quick in a most gallant manner leaping 
the fence on the way, behind which our men had been fighting. When they had 
advanced about a hundred and fifty yards, I ordered the second line, First and Second 
Regiments, to charge in the same manner as the first, which they did most handsomely. 
The enemy, although holding a very strong position, and having the advantage of 
artillery, could not stand these charges, so broke and fled up the mountain-side in 
great disorder, closely pursued by our men, who drove them through the Pass and 
some distance in the valley on the other side, when night put an end to the 
pursuit. * 

" Too much cannot be said in praise of the bravery and gallantry of both officers and 
men; they certainly did credit to themselves and the State they represent. I am 
pleased to make particular mention of Lieutenant-Colonel Collett, (of Third Regiment,) 
commanding the First Regiment ; Colonel Buck, Second Regiment ; Colonel Brown, 
Third Regiment, and Colonel Hatch, for their bravery, coolness, and the admirable 
manner with which they handled their regiments. * * A great many of the enemy 
were taken prisoners, and among them several officers. The brigade captured nearly 
enough Springfield rifled muskets to arm the Fourth Regiment, who Avere before 
armed with the smooth-bore musket. I am happy to state that the Fourth Regiment, 
which lost its colors before Richmond, captured two colors during this engagement. 

"I regret to mention the death of Josiah S. Studdiford, First Lieutenant and Adju- 
tant of the Fourth Regiment, who fell while gallantly cheering on his men, just as we 
gained the top of the Pass. 

" The loss to the brigade has been as follows : One officer killed and nine wounded ; 
thirty-nine non-commissioned officers and privates killed, and one hundred and twenty- 
five wounded — total, ^ne hundred and seventy -four." 

Adjutant Studdiford, who was killed in this battle, was born July 2d, 1837". Gradua- 
ting at Princeton College in June, 1858, he entered the law office of Hon. A. G. Richey, 
of Trenton, and had almost completed his legal studies when, in response to the 
country's call, he volunteered as Adjutant of the Fourth Regiment in August, 1861. He 
was taken prisoner in the battle of Gaines' Mill, in June, 1862. After his release he 
served with marked distinction in the second battle of Bull Run, and finally fell, as 
already stated, bravely fighting for the nation's flag. A brave soldier and courteous 
gentleman, his memory is precious to all who knew his worth and can appreciate 
genuine nobility of character. 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



95 



been hotly engaged. Here it remained for some forty-two hours, 
until long after the battle had closed, being for six hours exposed 
to a very severe artillery fire, but not actually engaged — the re- 
mainder of the corps, however, performing gallant service. The 
casualties of the brigade during this time were two men killed 
and seventeen wounded. The ground in front of the brigade, and 
north of "the position held by it, was the scene of some of the 
bloodiest struggles of the day, Hexamer's battery, especially, doing 
fearful execution in the ranks of the enemy. 30 

Though this battle closed indecisively, it was one of the blood- 
iest, and to the enemy one of the costliest of the war, his loss being 
over thirteen thousand men, including many valuable officers, and 
it is not surprising that, during the night, Lee moved off across 
the Potomac, leaving his dead on the field. The pursuit not being 
vigorously pressed, the bleeding columns of the enemy effected a 
safe lodgment in Virginia, and moving leisurely down the valley, 
awaited the development of McClellan's programme. The Union 
forces finally crossing the Potomac, moved down to Warrentown, 
where McClellan was relieved of command, and Burnside succeed- 
ing, there was a brief cessation of hostilities. The First Brigade 
remained in Maryland until the 2d of October, when it crossed at 
Berlin, and after tedious marching and countermarching, went into 
camp on the 18th at Stafford Court House, where it remained until 
ordered to the Rappahannock to participate in the movement 
against Fredericksburg. 

In this movement, it will be remembered, Franklin's column, 
consisting of the First and Sixth Corps, and embracing the First 
Brigade occupied the left, his right wing resting on the outskirts of 
Fredericksburg, his left resting on the river some three miles below, 
and his centre advanced a mile in front. The First Brigade, which 
then included the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifteenth and 
Twenty-third Regiments, reached the north bank of the river on 
the night of the 11th of December, and crossing at daylight on 

80 The losses oy regiments were as follows : Eirst Regiment, killed none, wounded 6; 
Second Regiment, killed 2, wounded 7 ; Third Regiment, killed none, wounded 1 i 
Fourth Regiment, killed none ; wounded 3. Total killed, 2 ; wounded, 17. 



96 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



the following morning, was formed in two lines in rear of its Divi- 
sion, (the First,) as follows : first line, Fifteenth and Twenty-third 
Regiments, deployed ; second line, First, Second, Third and Fourth 
Eegiments, in line of masses, one hundred yards in rear of the 
first. Here it remained until two o'clock, when the brigade ad- 
vanced across the plain, exposed to a heavy fire, to support the 
second line of the division, then hotly engaged. Here* the men 
were posted in a deep ravine to shelter them as much as possible 
from the enemy's fire, and remained, lying on their arms, until 
the following morning, when the pickets of the division were re- 
lieved by the Fifteenth Regiment, supported by the remainder of 
the brigade. At this time, the battle was raging all along the line, 
but the brigade was not actually engaged until three o'clock, when 
Colonel Torbert was ordered to advance one regiment, supported 
by a second, for the purpose of drawing the enemy from a position 
which it was important*to occupy, 31 two regiments of the Third 
Brigade being at the same time placed under his orders. Colonel 
Torbert at once ordered Colonel Hatch, of the Fourth Regiment, 
about three hundred men, to advance and take the position, .simul- 
taneously directing the left of the picket line with its reserve, under 
Major Brown, of the Fifteenth, to support the movement. These 
troops promptly advanced in the most handsome manner, under a 
severe fire of grape and canister, and then, reaching favorable 
ground, led by the gallant Hatch, charged the enemy's position, 
driving him from it with great loss, and capturing twenty-five 
prisoners. Rallying, however, the rebels again returned to the fray, 
and the position becoming critical, the Twenty-third Regiment 
under Colonel Ryerson, and two regiments of the Third Brigade, 
were hurried forward as a support— six companies of the Twenty* 
third becoming immediately engaged, and fighting bravely. At 
this moment, however, when everything was favorable to our arms, 
General Torbert was ordered to halt the remainder of his supports 
and fall back from the railroad, holding it by pickets only. Reluc- 



3i " The enemy, at the point designated in the order for assault, were posted in a rail- 
road cnt behind the embankment, just where the railroad crossed a deep ravine, and on 
the extreme left of my picket line."— Colonel Torberfs Report. 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



97 



tantly the column, fighting with intrepid obstinacy, fell back, when, 
as was to have been expected, the enemy seeing only a feeble picket 
line in his immediate front, charged with a full brigade and re- 
covered the lost position, compelling Torbert's command to take up 
its original line. Why it was advanced at all by General Brooks, 
if the position was not to be held after being taken with serious 
loss, is perhaps susceptible of explanation, but was certainly not so 
regarded by the gallant fellows who fought, apparently, to no pur- 
pose. From this time forward until the night of the 15th, the 
brigade remained inactive in the position it had occupied, the First 
Regiment only being engaged on picket. Upon the recrossing of 
the army, after the battle, the brigade, with that of General Devins, 
covered the withdrawal, being the last to leave the field on the left 
of the lines. The brigade lost in hilled, wounded and missing, 
one hundred and seventy-two men. 32 

The battle of Fredericksburg terminated the campaign of 1862, 
and the army went into winter quarters near Falmouth, where for 

s 2 Second Regiment, killed none, wounded 1, missing- none ; Third Regiment, killed 
none, wounded 2, missing none ; Fourth. Regiment, killed 8, wounded 36, missing 36 ; 
Fifteenth Regiment, killed 4, wounded 20, missing 5 ; Twenty-Third Regiment, killed 
5, wounded 37, missing 9. Total killed 17, wounded 96, missing 50. 

Colonel Torbert, in his official report of the battle says : " Many of the missing were 
wounded and taken prisoners. The brigade has lost one of its best and most gallant 
officers in Colonel William B. Hatch, of the Fourth Regiment, who was wounded in 
the right leg, having to have it amputated near the thigh. (He died a day or two after? 
mourned by the whole brigade.) Captain Slater, of the Fifteenth, also lost a leg. I 
am pleased to speak in the highest terms of the conduct of the Twenty- Third Regi- 
ment, a nine months' regiment, and this being the first time they have been under fire. 
Their Colonel, (Ryerson,) formerly of the Second Regiment, who was badly wounded at 
Gaines' Mill, was to be seen in the thickest of the fight, cheering on his men. Major 
Grubb, of the Twenty-Third, deserves great credit for the manner in which he fought a 
part of his regiment. Major Brown, of the Fifteenth, in command of the pickets, (who 
was also wounded,) behaved with great coolness and bravery." 

The following may be mentioned as one of the many incidents of this battle : Private 
Mulvey, of the Fifteenth Regiment, a fine marksman, had been doing good service with 
his Enfield rifle, when he was cautioned by an officer against exposing himself to the 
fire of the enemy's skirmishers. With a patriotic answer, he sprang forward to a pile 
of railroad ties, where he presently discovered a rebel sharpshooter posted on the op- 
posite side of the stream, behind a tree. A moment afterwards, the rebel thrust his 
rifle and head out from the tree. Mulvey did the same above the pile of ties. There 
was a double explosion ; Mulvey fell back pierced through the brain with a Minie ball ; 
and at the same instant the rebel also tumbled over, his body in full view, pierced to 
the brain through the eye. At sundown, the regiment holding that part of the field, 
Mulvey was buried with his blanket around him, and left, without a monument, at 
the place where, with his last breath, he had struck down a foe of the flag he loved. 
16 



98 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



nearly four months it rested in comparative quiet The First 
Brigade, during this time, was stationed near White Oak Church, 
and being gradually strengthened by the return of the missing and 
wounded, was prepared, when spring opened, once more to grapple 
with the foe. 

On the 30th of April, General Hooker, commanding the army of 
the Potomac, having determined upon a movement, crossed the 
Eappahannock and Kapidan, and with the bulk of his forces took 
position at Chancellorsville — marking the movement by a feint of 
crossing below Fredericksburg, where Sedgwick, with the Sixth 
Corps, was left to divert attention from the operations of the main 
army. At this time, as before, the First Brigade was attached to 
this corps, and it is only with its operations, therefore, that we have 
to do. The brigade, commanded by Colonel Brown, in the absence 
of Colonel Torbert, who was ill, crossed to the south side of the 
Eappahannock, three miles below Fredericksburg, on the morning 
of the 29th — the Fifteenth Eegiment being in advance. Forming 
in line of battle, the command, late in the afternoon, moved to the 
front where it was placed on picket duty, being relieved, however, 
on the following morning, when it fell back to the line of the rifle- 
pits close to the river. This position was occupied until the even- 
ing of the second of May, when the First Eegiment attacked and 
drove in the enemy's pickets on the right, the ground thus taken 
being promptly occupied and held. Meanwhile, the remainder of 
the corps had crossed, and Sedgwick, urged to advance with all 
haste by Hooker, who, at Chancellorsville, had sustained heavy loss, 
prepared to push forward to the front. But the enemy, still on the 
alert, had by this time concentrated a considerable body of troops 
on Mary's Hill, west of Fredericksburg, where they had several 
guns in position and were prepared to make obstinate resistance. 
Promptly at daylight the First Brigade was advanced to the old 
Eichmond road, where it was put in position as support to a battery. 
Meantime, the heights had been carried, and the brigade about 
noon was ordered to advance — the Fifteenth Eegiment, however, 
and four companies of the Second, being detailed for special duty 
elsewhere. Moving rapidly through Fredericksburg, the command 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



99 



proceeded some three miles in the direction of Chancellorsville, 
when, forming in line of battle, it still steadily advanced, the enemy 
opening an artillery fire, until Salem Church was reached. Here 
the enemy was found strongly posted in a thick woods, behind 
brush fences and earthworks, both on the right and left of the road. 
But the men who had stormed and carried a still more formidable 
position at Crampton's Pass, did not falter here. Throwing out six 
companies of the Second as skirmishers, the brigade advanced with 
a shout and delivered a withering fire into the ranks of the foe, 
but. were in turn assailed with a storm of balls, which for a moment 
staggered the column. Still, however, the ground was stoutly 
held, and after a stubborn resistance, the enemy was driven 
through the thicket and into the rifle-pits beyond it, hundreds, 
however, having fallen in the conflict. Meanwhile, the Fifteenth 
Eegiment, Colonel Penrose, having hurried to the front, had ad- 
vanced into the thicket, and for a time fought four times its number 
with the utmost bravery, but without dislodging the enemy. The 
action on this and other parts of the line continued until nightfall, 
when firing ceased, and the brigade bivouacked on the field. It 
had lost largely, but it had fully sustained its exalted reputation. 
The batteries and muskets of the enemy, blazing never so furious- 
ly, thundered upon its ranks m vain. For two hours and a half, 
fighting on and on, not a face blanched before the tempest, not a 
foot turned away backwards. The severest and most desperate 
ffigkting of that bloody day, by common admission, was around 
that tangled thicket where the veterans of Longstreet stood reso- 
lutely at bay ; and the First Brigade, though it did not write a new 
victory on its banners, approved itself, once more, worthy to march 
and fight in the van of the battle-beaten army of the Potomac. 

The brigade remained on the field during the whole of the fol- 
lowing day, but was not engaged except as a support to batteries. 
On the night of the 4th, the entire army withdrew, crossing the 
river at Banks's Ford about dawn on the 5th, and proceeding by 
slow marches to its old camp, where, it arrived on the 8th. 

The loss of the command in this battle was five hundred and 
eleven men, in killed, wounded and missing, including seven com- 



100 



new jersey and the rebellion. 



missioned officers killed and nineteen wounded. Colonel Brown, 
who commanded the brigade during the early part of the engage- 
ment, was severely wounded; Colonel Collett, of the First, was 
killed in the thick of the fight, and Colonel Buck, of the Second, 
sustained an injury from the fall of his horse, devolving the com- 
mand upon Colonel Penrose, of the Fifteenth — the latter regiment 
suffering more severely than am r , owing to the difficult nature of 
the ground over which it fought. 33 The total loss of all the New 
Jersey Eegiments engaged in this movement, a number having par- 
ticipated in the fighting about Chanceliorsville, was nearly one 
thousand six hundred men. 34 

33 The following is the official table of losses : First Regiment, seven killed, seventy- 
one wounded, and twenty-seven missing; Second Regiment, four killed, thirty-six 
wounded, and nine missing ; Third Regiment, ten killed, sixty-nine wounded and six- 
teen missing; Fifteenth Regiment, twenty -four killed, one hundred and twenty-six 
wounded, and four missing ■ Twenty-third Regiment, twenty killed, fifty-seven wounded, 
and thirty-one missing. Total, sixty-five killed, three hundred and fifty-nine wounded 
and eighty-seven missing. Of the above, there were seven commissioned officers killed, 
nineteen wounded, and two missing; fifty-eight enlisted men killed, three hundred 
and forty wounded, and eighty-five missing. 

3i The following orders and reports furnish partial details in reference to the service 
of the First Brigade : 

" Headquarters First Brigade, j 
First Division, Sixth Corps, > 
May 5th, 1863. ) 

General Order, No. 60. 
" The sad casualty to the brave Colonel Brown, of the Third Regiment, having placed 
the brigade under my command, I cannot in justice to you or myself refrain from ex- 
pressing my heartfelt thanks for* the prompt and energetic manner in which you obeyed 
my commands. 

" Officers and men of the First New Jersey Brigade— You have earned for yourselves 
imperishable fame, and nobly redeemed the pledge you so recently made on th,e receipt 
of your new colors, which have been gallantly borne, and bravely defended, as the life- 
blood of the brave Colonel Collett and many others sadly testifies. 

"Where all behaved so well, it would be invidious to particularize, but I cannot re- 
frain from mentioning the conduct of four companies of the Second Regiment, who, at 
the command of their officers, bravely faced an overwhelming force and coolly received 
their deadly fire, thus enabling the regiment in the rear to reform and hold the enemy 
in check. 

"The thanks of the entire brigade arc eminently due to Captain Henry C. Cook, 
Brigade Inspector, Lieutenant Whitehead, A. A. A. G., Lieutenants Abeel and Gold- 
smith, for their bravery and coolness, which added much to our success. 
"By order, " Samuel L. Buck, 

" Colonel Second New Jersey Volunteers, 
"Commanding Brigade." 

Brigade Report. 

"Headquarters First Brigade, } 
First Division, Sixth Army Corps, > 
May 12th, 1863. ) 
"I have the honor, in the absence of Colonels Brown and Buck, the former wounded 



THE FIE ST BRIGADE. 



101 



General Lee, having defeated Hooker's movement against Kich- 
mond, again determined upon an offensive campaign, and early in 



and the latter injured by an accident, to submit the following report of the action 
taken by this brigade, in the recent movements on the south side of the Rappahannock, 
in compliance with orders received from Headquarters, First Division, Sixth Army 
Corps. 

"On the afternoon of the 28th of April, took up line ofmarch for Franklin's crossing, 
about two miles below Fredericksburg, reached the north bank of the Rappahannock, 
where we bivouacked for the night, with the exception of the First New Jersey Volun- 
teers, which was detached to support two batteries of the reserve artillery which were 
to be stationed near the Grey Farm, about three miles below White Oak Church, on 
the river. During that night, the regiment rejoined the brigade at Franklin's crossing. 

"Just before daylight, on the morning of the 29th, the brigade moved down to the 
river and crossed in pontoons, Fifteenth New Jersey Volunteers in the advance. The 
regiments were promptly formed in line of battle on the south bank, where they re- 
mained until sundown, when it moved to the front, relieving General Russell's Brigade, 
on picket duty immediately in front of the enemy. 

" During the night, the enemy's pickets withdrew some five hundred yards, and in 
the morning our pickets advanced and occupied their grounds, where we remained un- 
til dark, and being relieved by General Bartlett's Brigade we fell back to the line of 
rifle pits, on the bank of the river. This position we occupied until Saturday evening, 
when the Light Division moved to the front, the First New Jersey Volunteers being- 
detailed to extend their line to the right. Being deployed, they attacked and drove in 
the enemy's pickets to the line of the railroad. During the night, the First Regiment 
was relieved and returned to the brigade. On the morning of the 3d, the brigade was 
under arms at two o' clock, Soon after daylight, the Fifteenth Regiment was ordered for- 
ward to the old Richmond road, on arriving at which the Colonel commanding was in- 
formed by the officer commanding picket line that the enemy were in strong force in 
his immediate front, and preparing to attack. Information was immediately sent to 
General Brooks, commanding the division, when the balance of the brigade was brought 
up, and took position on and near the road, in support of two batteries — McCartney's 
and one other— which were brought up and put into position. This position was occu- 
pied until near noon, meeting with some loss from the enemy's shells, and from an 
enfilading fire from their pickets. 

"About this time the heights in front of Fredericksburg having been assaulted and 
carried, the brigade was ordered to fall in and march towards Fredericksburg, with 
the exception of four (4) companies of the Second New Jersey Volunteers, and the 
Fifteenth Regiment, the former relieving a portion of Russell's Brigade on picket, the 
latter to cover the withdrawal of the entire picket line. This latter was accomplished 
without loss, the enemy withdrawing £he same time as we did. 

"The brigade, with the exception of the Fifteenth Regiment, and the four (4) com- 
panies of the Second Regiment, marched through Fredericksburg, and out the plank 
road, about three miles, towards Chancellorsville, when they halted. Soon after the 
Second New Jersey Volunteers was deployed as skirmishers in our front, the First, 
Third and Twenty -third in line of battle two hundred yards in the rear. The brigade 
was then ordered to advance under fire of the enemy's skirmishers until arriving near 
Tabernacle Church, when the skirmishers retired, and the brigade taking the double 
quick, charged the enemy in the following order, the Twenty-third New Jersey Volun- 
teers on the left, and First and Third on fight of plank road. Here the enemy were 
found, strongly posted in a dense thicket, some three hundred yards in depth, protected 
on the opposite side by earthworks and rifle pits. 

"After a stubborn resistance for some time the enemy were driven through the 
thicket, and into the rifle pits ; here our further advance was checked, neither party 



102 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



June again crossed the Potomac and took position on free soil. 
Hooker, after some delay, also set his columns in motion, and on 



gaining or losing ground; about this time the Fifteenth New Jersey Volunteers, and 
four (4) companies of the Second, having learned the Brigade was engaged, pushed 
rapidly forward towards the scene of action, on arriving near which, the Colonel com- 
manding was ordered by General Sedgwick, commanding corps, to take his regiment 
in our extreme right, and, if possible, turn the enemy's left. The regiment moved 
forward immediately in compliance with this order, and when near the thicket was met 
by Colonel Brown, commanding brigade, and ordered to move to the left sufficient to 
move up in rear of the Third Regiment, which was being sorely pressed; this order was 
complied with, relieving the Third, which retired. Soon after this, the gallant Colonei 
Brown was wounded in the thigh which obliged him to be carried from the field. He 
then turned over the command temporarily to Colonel Penrose, senior officer present 
on the field. At this time the enemy heavily reinforced their whole line, the Twenty- 
third, supported by the One Hundred and Twenty -first New York, Bartlett's Brigade, 
on the left of the road, were obliged to fall back ; the right of the line held its ground 
until relieved just at dark, soon after which the action ceased. 

"In the withdrawing of the First New Jersey Volunteers they lost their gallant 
leader, Colonel M. W. Collett. 

" All the regiments behaved with the utmost gallantry, holding their ground against 
overwhelming odds, and when retiring, contesting every inch of the same. In this 
short fight, of some only two and a half hours duration, the brigade lost heavily in 
both officers and men. The brigade bivouacked for the night on the battle-field, 
when Colonel S. L. Buck, of the Second New Jersey Volunteers, assumed the 
command. 

"During the morning of the 4th inst., the regiments of the brigade were assigned to 
various positions in line of battle and supporting batteries, but were not engaged. At 
sundown took up line of march for Banks's Ford, on reaching the banks of the river, 
occupied the rifle^its abandoned by the enemy, where we remained till near daylight 
on the morning of the 5th inst., when we crossed the river; during this movement 
Colonel S. L. Buck met with an accident which unfitted him for duty. The command 
was again turned over to Colonel Penrose. After crossing the river, moved down about 
two miles, where we went into camp, remained there till the morning of the 7th inst., 
when we changed camp, remained there until the morning of the 8th inst., when we 
took up line of march for our present camp, arriving about two and a half p. m. Not 
being in command of brigade during action, I am unable to particularize in regard to 
regiments or officers, and I respectfully submit the enclosed regimental reports. 

"Very respectfully your obedient servant, 
"TV. H. Penrose, 
" Colonel Fifteenth New Jersey Volunteers.'' 

" Headquarters First RegementNew Jersey Volunteers, ) 

May 12th, 1863. \ 
"Sir: I have the honor to report, that on the 28th ult., orders were received by 
Colonel Collett, then commanding this regiment, to hold his command in readiness to 
move at three p. m., with the brigade. About two p. m., an order was received detail.- 
ing the regiment to support two batteries of the Reserve Artillery, which were to be 
stationed near Grey Farm, about three miles below White Oak Church, on the river. 
The regiment accordingly proceeded with the batteries, until ordered by General 
Brooks, the division commander, to rejoin the brigade, which it did about two a. m., 
the day following ; the division being then near the river below Falmouth, and about to 
cross. The crossing was accomplished at daylight, and the regiment remained on the 
south bank of the river until sunset, when it was ordered to the front with the brigade 
to occupy the picket until the following evening; we were relieved by Bartlett's 



THE FIEST BRIGADE. 



103 



the 1st of July, General Meade having meanwhile succeeded to the 
command, the advance came up with the enemy at Gettysburg. 

Brigade, and fell back to the second line. We occupied this position until Saturday, 
May 2d, when the line of pickets being ordered to advance, the regiment was thrown 
out on the extreme right of the line, and engaged the enemy's skirmishers, driving 
them back, being relieved after dark by the Thirty-third New York Regiment, and 
returning then to its former position. 

" On Saturday, the 3d hist., the regiment was under arms at two a. m., and soon after 
sunrise, the brigade having been ordered to the front, we advanced some distance 
across the plain, taking up a position on the side of the old Richmond road, on the left 
of the heights, and in the rear of our batteries, where we remained under fire of the 
enemy's artillery until about noon. 

" The heights above Fredericksburg having been carried, we now proceeded through 
the city, and passing over the heights, advanced along the plank road in the direction 
of Chancellorsville. The regiment was at this time in advance of the brigade. 

" Having advanced some three miles beyond Fredericksburg, the regiment was formed 
in line of battle on the right of the road, the Second Regiment having been deployed 
as skirmishers in our front. The Third Regiment formed on our right, both being 
under command of Colonel Collett. 

"Advancing in the rear of the skirmishers, the enemy opened upon us with artillery, 
being replied to by the batteries in our rear. The regiment advanced under fire from 
the enemy's skirmishers, until arriving near Salem Church, our skirmishers retired ; we 
advanced at a double quick, then the action became general, and we attacked the 
enemy, who was strongly posted behind brush fence and entrenchments, in a woods, 
on the right and left of the road, from which position destructive musketry fire was 
kept up on us. After severe fighting we were relieved, and fell back, having lost one 
hundred and five in killed, wounded and missing, besides the loss of our Colonel, M, 
W. Collett, who was killed while the regiment was retiring. 

" The following day, the regiment remained in support of Battery G, Second United 
States Artillery, until evening, when we were ordered to fall back and to follow the 
road leading to Banks's Ford, where we crossed the river. The regiment returned to 
its old camp, at White Oak Church, on the 8th inst. , with the brigade. 

" Respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"William Henry, Jr., 
"Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Regiment. 

"John T. Whitehead, A. A. A. G., 

"First Brigade, First Division, Sixth Corps." 

"Headquarters Second Regiment New Jersey Volunteers, i* 
Camp near White Oak Church, Va., 

May 10th, 1863. j 

" John T. Whitehead, A. A. A. G. : 

"Sir: The movements of this regiment since breaking camp, April 28th, 1863, are 
as follows : 

"Broke camp at two p. m. on Tuesday, the 28th ult., marched about three miles in 
the direction of the Rappahannock River, and about one mile from Fredericksburg, 
when the regiment halted and bivouacked for the night. 

"Wednesday, 29th, struck tents about one o'clock a.m., and lay on our arms till 
morning ; at six o'clock we advanced to and crossed the river in pontoon boats, formed 
line of battle on the river bank, remaining in the same position until sundown, when 
the regiment went on picket, relieving the One Hundred and Nineteenth Pennsylvania 
Volunteers. 

"Thursday, 30th, remained on picket until evening, when the regiment was relieved 
by the Twenty- Seventh New York Volunteers. We marched to the rifle pits in our 
rear and bivouacked for the night. 



104 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



The First Brigade, which prior to this movement, had participated 
in various apparently aimless marches in Virginia, was at this time 
attached to "Wright's Division of the Sixth Corps, and consisted of 
the First, Second, Third and Fifteenth Kegiments and Hexamer's 
Battery — the Fourth Regiment being detailed for provost duty in 
Washington. The brigade crossed the Potomac at Edward's Ferry 
on the afternoon of June 27th, and marched rapidly forward to 
Manchester, where it arrived July 1st. On the following day, by 

"Friday, May 1st, all day and all night in the rifle pits. 
"Saturday, 2d, still in the rifle pits. 

"Sunday, 3d, regiment underarms at three o'clock a. in. About eight a.m., the 
regiment was ordered to the front, and formed on the left of the First New Jersey 
Volunteers, where we were under a heavy fire from the enemy's artillery, hut met with 
no casualties. 

"About twelve a. m., six companies of the regiment were ordered to the right, the 
other four companies remaining as pickets, under command of Major Close. The six 
companies marched by way of Fredericksburg out on the Gordonsville road, where 
they deployed as skirmishers on the right and left of the road. Advanced about two 
miles, gallantly driving the enemy's skirmishers before them, and making several 
charges ; discovered and marched to within fifty paces of the enemy's line of battle } 
when they took an active part in the engagement, they being in front of our lines of 
battle, and picked off a number of the enemy's officers. 

"While the battle was raging the other four (4) companies of the regiment, under 
Major Close, arrived from the left in time to take an active part in the engagement: and 
I mention with pride that they behaved with the greatest bravery, checking the pursuit 
of the enemy when the other regiments were compelled to retire. As regards the con- 
duct of the officers and men, I would state that it was all that could be desired. Where 
all exhibited such determination and gallantry it would be invidious to particularize, 
but private Kichard M. Blake, of Company C, deserves special mention for his gallant 
and noble conduct in the engagement, and richly deserves to be rewarded. In the 
evening the regiment formed on the left of the road, being in excellent condition and 
ready for another engagement. 

"Casualties during the day: Commissioned officers, killed none; wounded five; 
missing none. Enlisted men, killed three ; wounded thirtj'-one ; missing seventeen. 
Aggregate loss, fifty-six. 

"Monday, 4th, remained in the same position until five p. m., when we were ordered 
to the left of the Fifteenth New Jersey Volunteers, where we remained until seven 
p. m., when we fell back towards the Rappahannock River. Marched to within three- 
fourths of a mile of Banks' Ford, when the regiment was ordered to the front, as a 
reserve to the pickets. 

"Lieutenant Whitehead, of Company I, and A. A. A. G. of the First Brigade, received a 
slight wound in the wrist. 

"Tuesday, 5th, the regiment was withdrawn about two a. m., and crossed the 
river at Banks's Ford. Marched about one mile, and bivouacked in the woods. 

"Wednesday, 7th, still in same place. 

" Thursday, 7th, about three p. m. changed camp ; moved about a mile. 
"Friday, 8th, ordered to march at seven a. m. ; started at eight, and marched back to 
our old camp, near White Oak Church— found it occupied by artillery. 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



105 



a forced march of thirty-six miles, it reached Gettysburg, with only 
twenty -five men absent, and was at once sent into position on the 
left of the line — being drawn up in two lines in reserve. In this 



" Ordered to occupy the old camp ground of the Fourth New Jersey Volunteers ; 
arriving about five p. m. 

"Very respectfully your obedient servant, 

" Charles Wiebecke, 
" Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Second Regiment, 
" New Jersey Volunteers." 

"Headquarters Third New Jersey Volunteers, } 
May 9th, 1863. f 

" Captain John T. Whitehead, A. A. A. G. 

"Sir: Report of the movements of the Third Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, 
attached to the First Brigade, First Division, Sixth Army Corps, Colonel H. W. Brown 
Commanding Brigade. 

"Broke up camp near White Oak Church, Stafford County, Va., April 28th, at two 
and half o'clock, p. m. ; at three o'clock, with three hundred and thirty-three (333) 
rifles, formed with the brigade and moved towards the Rappahannock River ; arrived to 
within about three-fourths of a mile of the same at near eight o'clock, and bivouacked 
with orders to be ready to move at eleven o'clock. April 29th, at five o'clock, a. m. ? 
received orders to move forward. Arrived at the river, crossed over in pontoons, and 
by seven o'clock were in line on the south bank, where we remained until five o'clock, 
p. m. We then moved to the front to relieve part of the first line (a regiment in 
Russell's Brigade), and threw out skirmishers. 

"April 30th, at six o'clock, p. m., we were relieved by the Ninety-Sixth Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, and moved back to line in rear of rifle pits on the banks of the river, 
where we remained until Sunday morning, May 3d, when we moved to left of front 
line in support of a battery; at eleven o'clock received orders and commenced move, 
rnent towards Fredericksburg; passed through that town, then moved in a southwest- 
erly direction ; having advanced about three miles, fell in with the enemy, formed in 
line of battle, advanced about two miles to a piece of woods, where we met them in 
considerable force and gave them battle, our engagement lasting about two and one- 
half hours, at a loss on our side of ninety-nine killed, wounded and missing, including 
four commissioned officers ; the Colonel commanding brigade, being close to our colors? 
was also severely wounded. Our men fought bravely, and it were useless to attempt 
to particularize among the officers, when all seemed determined to excel. 

' ' Having expended all our ammunition, we were ordered to retire ; fell back about one - 
half mile and bivouacked for the night. Next morning (May 4th), at about % seven 
o'clock, moved out to left front; remained until sundown, when, by order, we retired 
towards Banks's Ford ; arriving near there, were ordered to the front in support of the 
outer pickets, where we remained until three o'clock, a. m. of May 5th; then retired 
over the river, near Banks's Ford, to the north side, about daylight; marched down the 
same about two miles, and, by order, bivouacked in a wood. May 7th, received orders 
to change camp. At noon, moved out about one-half a mile and bivouacked until next 
morning (May 8th), when, by order, took up line of march for White Oak Church, 
where we arrived about half-past one o'clock, p. m., and went into camp in and near 
old headquarters. 

" Very respectfully, 

"James W. H. Stricknet, 

" Major Commanding." 
The official reports of the Fifteenth and Twenty-Third Regiments are given in con- 
nection with the history of those regiments. 

14 



106 NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 

position it remained until the morning of the 3d, when it was de- 
tailed from the corps and advanced to the front centre of the line, 
strongly picketing the front — connecting on the right with the 
First Corps and on the left with the Fifth. The fighting being 
mainly on the right and centre, the brigade did not become engaged 
on this decisive day except on the picket line, where it sustained a 
loss of eleven men wounded. During both the 3d and 4th, when 
the brigade held the same position, the picket line was in charge 
of Lieutenant-Colonel Wiebecke, of the Second Regiment, who 
displayed throughout the utmost coolness and skill in the diffi- 
cult command. On the 5th, the enemy having fled from the field, 
the brigade joined in the pursuit, marching several miles in line of 
battle, covered by a heavy line of skirmishers. Late in the after- 
noon, the lagging rear-guard of the enemy was overtaken near 
Fairfield, when a sharp skirmish ensued, the rebels being driven in 
disorder a distance of two miles, with a loss of two killed and six 
prisoners, two of whom were officers — the brigade losing one killed 
and two wounded. From this point the brigade slowly advanced 
to the vicinity of Hagerstown, where, on the afternoon of the 
11th, it again engaged the enemy, driving in his pickets, losing in 
the affair three officers and four men wounded. On the 14th, the 
march was renewed, and on the 19th, the Potomac was crossed at 
Berlin, the brigade reaching Warrenton on the 25th, and taking 
position on the Sulphur Springs Road. During all this time the 
men suffered uncomplainingly the rigors and severity of the march, 
and under all the circumstances in which, they were placed dis- 
played the high soldierly qualities for which the brigade had become 
conspicuous. 25 

The brigade remained in camp near Warrenton until the 15th of 
September, when it removed to Culpepper Court House. During 
the month of October it participated in the movements along the 
Rappahannock, but subsequently again went into camp at "Warren- 



*• Colonel Torbert, in his official report, says : "Too much praise cannot be given 
to officers and men for their patience and endurance on this long and tedious march of 
about two hundred and fifty miles. There was by far less straggling than was ever 
known in this brigade before." 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



107 



ton, whence it moved to Eappahannock Station, being constantly 
in an exposed position but fortunately escaping loss, though shar- 
ing, as a part of the corps, in the splendid successes which attended 
this demonstration against the enemy. Early in December, the 
brigade encamped near Brandy Station, where it remained in win- 
ter quarters until late in April. During this time, Major Henry 
succeeded to the command of the First Eegiment, and Colonel 
Torbert being assigned to the command of a cavalry division, 
Colonel Brown, of the Third, took charge, temporarily, of the 
brigade, to which the Tenth Eegiment was added before the grand 
advance under Grant. 



On the 4th of May, 1864, Grant having fully matured his plans, 
set all his columns in motion, moving straight across the Eapidan 
into the Wilderness, a broken table-land, covered with a dense under 
growth of hazel, with but few clearings, and intersected by numer- 
ous cross-roads, generally narrow, and bounded on either side by a 
thick growth of low-limbed and scraggy pines, stiff and bristling 
chinckapins, and scrub oaks. Grant hoped, if possible, to pass 
through the Wilderness without encountering the enemy, and con- 
centrate upon Spottsylvania Court House, thus turning Lee's posi- 
tion on the Eapidan ; but the latter, keenly on the alert, though de- 
ceived for a moment, soon became aware of our purpose and pre- 
pared vigorously to frustrate it. Crossing the Eapidan without 
opposition, the Fifth Corps rested on the night of the 4th five 
miles from Germania Ford, General Sedgwick with the Sixth 
Corps resting between Warren and the river. At this time the 
First Jersey Brigade formed part of the First Division of this 
corps. On the morning of the 5th, the head of the Fifth Corps 
being near Parker's Store, on the Orange and Fredericksburg plank 
road, information was received that the enemy were coming up in 
force on the Orange Turnpike, and disposition was at once made to 
meet the assault, or to attack as might be required. Sedgwick, 
meanwhile, was ordered to move up and support Warren by taking 



108 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



position on his right. Soon, the columns of the enemy under Hill 
and Ewell struck Warren 'heavily in front, the battle immediately 
becoming general. The battle-field in front of Warren at the time 
of assault, may be thus briefly described : In front was a brook, 
flowing northeasterly, spanned by a bridge at the turnpike — the 
road there rising to a ridge. On the southern slope was a house in 
the midst of a lawn and green meadows — beyond which were 
wooded hills and cedar thickets. On the right of the turnpike, by 
which the enemy advanced, the pines and cedars were thickly set, 
while still further to the right a ravine ran through — forming a 
ground of broken, irregular surface and almost impenetrable un- 
dergrowth. On either side of this ravine, the lines of Warren 
and Ewell were posted for battle. The Sixth Corps, moving into 
position, was attacked shortly after noon by Ewell's Corps, and the 
First Brigade being in the first line for a time sustained the brunt 
of the onset, expending one hundred rounds of ammunition before 
the conflict closed, and suffering severely. In this engagement, the 
brigade was formed on a ridge on the edge of the woods, the left 
resting; on Warren, and the right curving- off to the rear, winding; 
up in a skirmish line. At the time the brigade came up, Warren 
had lost two guns, and was hard pressed by the enemy. The posi- 
tion of the Jerseymen was in some respects almost impregnable, 
the wilderness in their rear being of the densest description ; the 
briers in some places being so thick that it was necessary to tramp 
them down before the men could pass through. Shortly after three 
o'clock, the enemy, who fought with the utmost desperation, was 
compelled to give ground, but our advance was again pushed back 
on the right, and though a later charge was made by our troops, no 
important advantage was gained. During all the operations of the 
day, the Jerseymen behaved with the greatest steadiness, Colonel 
Brown, of the Third Regiment, being in command. At length, 
darkness fell upon the scene. The losses on both sides had been 
severe, the fighting had been of the most stubborn character ; and 
most commanders would have been content merely to act upon the 
defensive. But Grant had other plans, and meant, at whatever 
cost, to "fight it out on that line." Accordingly, having received 



THE FIKST BRIGADE. 



109 



the reports of his commanders, he issued orders for a general attack 
at five o'clock on the morning of the 6th, each corps to assail what- 
ever force might appear in its front. At this time, the entire 
strength of the opposing armies was in close contact, and in one 
place so near were the lines that the combatants drew their water 
from the same stream. 

The enemy, however, did not wait for our assault. Before five 
o'clock, Sedgwick was attacked with great vigor, the rebels seeking 
to turn his right flank, held by the First Division, including three 
regiments of the First Brigade in the centre, with part of General 
Seymour's Provisional Division still nearer the Eapidan. The 
lighting at this part of the line was of the most sanguinary charac- 
ter, and as before, the Jerseymen were exposed to its greatest vio- 
lence. At one time, seven Louisiana regiments charged through 
the woods, pouring a raking fire into the ranks of the division, but 
not shaking the line of the brigade, nor indeed, of the division, 
although a part of the line of the Second Division, still further to 
the right, was broken. Later in the day, the First, Fourth and 
Tenth Eegiments, lying on the left of Neill's Brigade, were several 
times attacked with great ferocity by the rebels, but at nightfall 
still held substantially the ground occupied by them in the morn- 
ing — a heavy assault by the rebel General Gordon just at dusk, 
which at first promised to destroy the whole right wing of the 
army, being repulsed with heroic gallantry. The losses in killed, 
wounded and prisoners were very heavy. Among the killed of the 
two days were Colonel Eyerson, of the Tenth, Captain Henry H. 
Callen, of the Second Eegiment, and Lieutenant Swan of the First, 
— the former falling while leading his company into action. Cap- 
tain Callen entered the service in June, 1861, as Sergeant, and was 
subsequently promoted for gallant behavior. He was taken pris- 
oner daring the Peninsular campaign, but was exchanged after a 
brief imprisonment. He was wounded in a subsequent engage- 
ment, but soon recovered, and had but just rejoined his command, 
after a brief leave of absence, when the forward movement com- 
menced. Among the wounded were Major Way, Captains Warner, 
Sitgreaves, Blythe, and several Lieutenants of the First Eegiment ; 



110 



jSTEW jersey and the rebellion. 



Captain Bogart of the Second ; Lieutenant-Colonel Yan Syckel of 
the Fourth ; Captains Vanderveer and Hamilton of the Fifteenth, 
with many others. In fact, the brigade was left with only a hand- 
ful of officers and with terribly decimated ranks, the First Regiment 
especially being greatly thinned ; but it was as firm and indomitable 
on the morrow as when it first marched into the tangled thicket, 
where so many of its brave and noble ones gloriously fell. On the 
night of the 6th, . Colonel Campbell, of the Fifteenth Eegiment, 
took out the skirmish line of the division, establishing it in a new 
position which, before morning, was strongly fortified. 

Early on the morning of the 7th, the enemy finding our position 
of the day previous abandoned, sent a reconnoitering force towards 
the ford, supposing we had retreated, but finding that this was not 
the case, he felt cautiously all along our front, the skirmishers 
coming in contact shortly after daybreak. Hostilities at once be- 
came animated, our artillery opening on the rebel position ; but it 
was soon found that Lee was abandoning his entrenchments, and 
moving down rapidly by his right, on a road parallel to a move- 
ment ordered by Grant, in order to give the latter check at Spott- 
sylvania Court House. Desultory fighting continued during the 
day, both armies moving forward, but no general infantry engage- 
ment was had. The Fifth Corps, marching by the Brock road, 
with the cavalry in advance, and pushing the enemy before him, 
arrived on Sunday, the 8th, at Alsop's Farm, where the road crosses 
the river Po, and just beyond found the Corps of Longstreet, pre- 
pared to dispute the crossing of the river Ny. After some skir- 
mishing, posting his batteries, Warren advanced a division to the 
assault, but the column was repulsed, the enemy developing a strong 
line of works which it seemed impossible to carry. Later in the 
day, the Sixth Corps having come up, the First Brigade was ordered 
by Warren, to whom it had been sent, into a piece of woods, 
whence, subsequently, it was ordered to feel of the enemy's posi- 
tion. Accordingly, after some playing at cross-purposes, the Third 
and Fifteenth Regiments were advanced, the former, under Captain 
Duboise, deployed as skirmishers, and the latter under Colonel 
Campbell acting as a support. The enemy, who had not as Warner 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



Ill 



supposed, abandoned his line, held his fire until the skirmish line 
was within fifty yards, when he opened with great vigor. The 
Fifteenth, advancing, was met at the same distance by a storm of 
bullets, but undismayed, swept up gallantly on a charge. The 
rebel position being on the edge of the woods, with a swamp in 
front, was naturally strong, but the assailants, dashing through the 
swamp, rushed straight up to the earthworks, dashing themselves 
against them with headlong fury, and breaking the first line of 
battle. But that was all. They were no match for the enemy, 
posted in an impregnable position. Within five minutes, one 
hundred and one men of the Fifteenth Eegiment were stretched 
dead or dying upon the ground, and with one solitary prisoner, the 
column, exposed to a fire on both flanks, fell back. Warren, how- 
ever, did not desist from his purpose with this failure. Later in the 
evening, another column of assault was organized, composed of the 
First Division of the Fifth Corps, part of the Second Division of 
the Sixth, and the Tenth Xew Jersey Eegiment. At this time, the 
enemy was posted, with three lines of battle, across the creek. 
Forming to the left of the point first assaulted, the heavier column 
moved out bravely, being met by the enemy in advance of his 
works. Pushing on, however, we carried his outer fortified line : 
but recovering, the rebels again advanced, and striking the column 
in the flank, compelled it to give way in turn, which it did in good 
order. In this movement, we took some two hundred or three 
hundred prisoners, but the Tenth Eegiment had a large number of 
its men captured, including Lieutenant-Colonel Tay and several 
other officers. 30 After falling back a distance of perhaps one hun- 
dred yards, the column halted, and kept up a heavy musketry fire 
for some hours. The loss of the brigade during the clay was again 
severe, one company (D) in the Fifteenth Eegiment losing six killed 
and eleven wounded. This regiment, which commenced the cam- 
paign with four hundred and twenty-nine muskets, had now been 

36 These prisoners were at once sent to the rear by the enemy, and after being 
stripped of then valuables, were sent to Beaver Dam in charge of a guard Some 
days later, just as they were about to take the cars for Richmond, Sheridan s cavalry 
appeared upon the scene, and disposing of the guard, relieved the prisoners, wbo 
thereupon proceeded to Butler" s lines, and thence returned to their command. 



112 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



reduced to three hundred and six, and every other regiment had 
suffered correspondingly. 

On the 9th, Monday, the entire army concentrated about Spott- 
sylvania. Colonel Brown was here relieved of the command of 
the brigade by General Meade, and Colonel Penrose assumed com- 
mand, which he retained until the campaign in the Shenandoah, 
some months later. During the 9th, skirmishing was continued, 
the Fifth and -Sixth Corps pressing the enemy, developing his 
position, and seeking for points of attack for the deadly struggle. 
The fighting of the First Brigade was mainly on the skirmish line, 
where it took some prisoners. Daring the forenoon of the 9th, 
General Meade ordered two regiments to be advanced across a 
swamp on the left of the army, with a view of getting possession 
of a certain road, which it was deemed important to occupy. 
Colonel Campbell was accordingly detached with the First and 
Fifteenth Eegiments, and, moving across the swamp, pushing the 
enemy before him, advanced through the woods beyond it until he 
reached a ridge commanding the road in question. Here he re- 
mained during the night. [At this time, Hancock had moved up 
to the right, Warren held the! centre, and the Sixth Corps was on 
the left — the wings being thrown forward to envelope the corps of 
Hill and Ewell, which had reached the court house, and taken po- 
sition some distance in front of it. A small creek, a branch of the 
Ky River, lay between the position of the enemy and that of 
Warren and Sedgwick, and also separated Hancock from Warren. 
During the day, General Sedgwick was killed by the bullet of a 
sharpshooter, and the command of the corps thereupon devolved 
upon General Wright.] On the morning of the 10th, the Sixth 
Corps having extended its skirmish line so as to connect with 
Colonel Campbell, the whole line was ordered to advance. Por- 
tions of the Second and Fifth Corps promptly assailed the enemy's 
works, bringing on a general engagement. Two divisions, moving 
across the branch of the Ny which separated them from the enemy, 
assaulted his left, but finding it too strong, were obliged to retire, 
losing one gun, which could not be extricated from the under- 
growth* A second assault had a similar result, but later in the 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



113 



afternoon, Wright's First Division, including those regiments of 
the Jersey Brigade not with Colonel Campbell, with the Third 
Division made a charge as a column of assault under Colonel Upton, 
which, while one of the most gallant of the war, was also at all 
points fully successful. Heading the advance, the Jersey men 
dashed up with headlong courage to the enemy's works, and leap- 
ing over into the midst of the rebels, took over a thousand prison- 
ers, together with several guns — only retiring because they were 
so far in advance as to be beyond the reach of support. In with- 
drawing, the captured artillery was necessarily abandoned, but the 
prisoners were brought off. Had the expected supports come up 
in time, the position, perilous as it was, would no doubt have been 
held, greatly to our advantage ; but even as it was, the First Bri- 
gade had reason to be proud of its achievement — in all respects 
one of the grandest of that terrible series of battles. 

Meanwhile, Colonel Campbell, with the two regiments under his 
command, had not been idle. Advancing from the position held 
on the night of the 9th, he gradually pushed through a ravine up 
to a hill beyond, halting on the edge of a strip of woods, with the 
enemy in front. Here, two assaults having failed, two regiments 
were sent to him by General Mott, whose division had been or- 
dered to take position on his left, when, moving out into an open 
field, with the Fifteenth as skirmishers, he again encountered the 
enemy in force, but advanced some distance, until, being opened 
upon with artillery, and the rebels largely outnumbering his force, 
he again came to a halt, holding the position until the afternoon, 
when, as we have seen, a series of assaults were delivered. Camp- 
bell being ordered to report to General Mott, participated in the 
general attack — on this occasion only fighting with the Second New 
Jersey Brigade ; advancing over difficult ground against the 
enemy. Some of the troops, however, falling into confusion, the 
assault failed ; but Campbell, again deploying a skirmish line, held 
the ground, harrassing the enemy without cessation until late in 
the evening, when, being left alone, he was ordered to withdraw 
and take position with the rest of the brigade, which he did suc- 
cessfully. 

15 



114 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Wednesday, the 11th, was passed in maneuvering, reconnoiter- 
ing and desultory skirmishing. Kain fell during the afternoon, 
and under cover of the heavy weather, Hancock was shifted from 
his post in front of Hill to a position between the Sixth and Ninth 
Corps, with orders to attack early on the morning of the 12th. 
Meanwhile, Wright was directed to extend his left, to concentrate 
on that wing, and to be in readiness to assault. Warren and 
Burnside were also ordered to make diversionary attacks, with a 
view of keeping the enemy engaged at all points of the line. The 
morning of the 12th dawned, enveloped in a dense fog. The point 
against which our attack was to be directed was a salient angle of 
earthworks, held by Johnson's Division of Ewell's Corps — the 
same against which Colonel Campbell had operated. Silently the 
veterans of the Second moved upon the unsuspecting enemy. 
Sweeping over the rugged and densely-wooded space, with a storm 
of cheers they rushed up to the rebel works, scaled them in front 
and flank, surrounding the forces within, and capturing nearly the 
entire division, with its commander, Edward Johnson, and two 
brigades of other troops, commanded by General George H. Stuart, 
together with thirty guns. Still pushing on, Hancock reached and 
carried the second line of rifle pits. But now the enemy, recov- 
ered from his surprise, made desperate efforts to repossess himself 
of the ground he had lost, succeeding at one point of the line, and 
soon the battle became general. The Sixth Corps, with other 
troops, was promptly pushed forward ; Warren became hotly en- 
gaged on the right; and so, for fourteen hours, £C a battle raged 
over these entrenchments,'' to use the language of Pollard, "the 
intense fury, heroism and horror of which it is impossible to de- 
* scribe." Here, as on every other field, the First Brigade fought 
with the most heroic endurance. Early* in the morning, the bri- 
gade was massed and moved slowly forward through a pine thicket, 
in order to give Hancock time to send back the prisoners he had 
captured. Meanwhile, the enemy was also receiving reinforce- 
ments, with fresh supplies of ammunition. Finally, the brigade 
was massed for a charge— the First, Fourth and Fifteenth Kegi- 
ments in the first line, and four companies of the Second (six being 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



115 



on picket) and Third in the second line — and in this order pushed 
forward through the woods, with muskets at a trail, until within 
one hundred yards of the rebel works. Then, with a cheer, the 
men rushed upon the works, a terrific lire shattering the lines as 
they advanced. Captain Walker, of the Fifteenth, fell dead early 
in the action," with other good and true soldiers ; but the lines still 
surged on, the Fifteenth breaking; throuo-h the first line of rebel 
works, and advancing gallantly towards the second. Lieutenant 
Justice, a brave and valued officer, was killed beyond the first line 
by a rebel crouching in the works, who was in turn bayonetted on 
the spot. In this charge, the regiment lost one hundred and sixty- 
eight men, leaving only one hundred and one. Against these, the 
enemy at once hurried up reinforcements, and the gallant little 
band was at length compelled to fall back. Of the thirteen officers 
of this regiment who went into the fight, only four were left. 
Other reoiments of the brigade suffered no less severely : and night 
came down with our clutch upon the coveted position unshaken, 
indeed, but with thousands of dead and dying attesting the terrible 
cost of the victory. On the night cf the 12th, the Sixth Corps 
moved towards the right, where it remained during the night. On 
the 13th, it moved again into position before the " bloody angle," 
holding the ground until after dusk, when it moved to the ex- 
treme left of the army. There was no serious fighting on this 

3 " A member (James Mangan) of the regiment gives the following incident of this 
engagement : 

" Captain Walker fell, pierced ■with several bullets. Ah out the same time, my right 
arm was broken below the elbow, and my shoulder pierced by a bullet that laid me out 
in the trench, with nothing but a bank of earth between me and the enemy. I spoke to 
the Captain, but he was dead. Close by me lav a comrade whose leg was broken. He 
could load his musket, but could not get at his caps. So I capped his gun for him 
several times, and whenever a rebel showed his head he fired at him. "We thought we 
were 'gone' anyhow, and so agreed to sell our lives as dearly as possible. And*we 
kept on in this way until he (my comrade) was killed by a ball through the head. 1 ' 

Mangan was taken prisoner, and subsequently had his arm amputated, after which 
he remained for ten days and nights in the woods without any shelter whatever, 
exposed most of the time to a pitiless rain. As soon as he was able, lie buried his 
amputated arm in a grave with a dead soldier, and left it on the bloody field a pledge 
of his devotion to the good cause. After various experiences, he was taken to Gordons - 
ville, thence to Lynchburg, and finally to Richmond ; where, on the 1st of September, 
he was exchanged, "getting out once more/' in his own words, "under the old 
Stars and Stripes, and thanking God that brought him through all alive, with only the 
loss of an arm.'" 



116 



NEW JEESET AXE THE REBELLION. 



day, but on the 14th, the First Brigade was again engaged. At 
this time, Upton's Brigade, with the Second and Tenth Begiments, 
had possession of a house (known as the " Gait House ") across the 
~Ny Biver, near the termination of our line of battle — a command- 
ing and important position. The enemy, suddenly developing a 
line of battle on our left, burst through the woods, captured some 
of our pickets, and, after a brief contest, took the house, driving 
off the occupants. At the time of the assault, Generals Meade 
and Wright were in the building, and barely had time to mount 
their horses when the enemy came down like a pack of wolves. 
Falling back, fighting with stubborn tenacity, through an orchard 
and down the face of the hill, the men temporarily yielded the 
position. Later in the day, the brigade, with the rest of the divis- 
ion, charged up the hill and re-took the house, and held it, at a 
loss of but a few men in killed, wounded and missing. Among 
the killed was Lieutenant-Colonel Wiebecke, of the Second Begi- 
ment, a brave and efficient officer, who went out as a Captain and 
rose by merit. After the enemy bad been driven into his entrench- 
ments, the body of the dead officer was found lying in an orchard, 
stripped naked. 

The campaign had now been in progress for eleven days, and in 
that time the First Brigade had sustained the following losses: 
First Begiment, killed twenty -two, wounded one hundred and fifty- 
five, missing fifty -two ; Second Begiment, killed nine, wounded 
fifty-five, missing twenty-nine ; Third Begiment, killed twenty-one, 
wounded one hundred and two, missing thirty-three ; Fourth Begi- 
ment, killed twenty-six, wounded one hundred and twenty-six, 
missing forty-two; Tenth Begiment, killed eighteen, wounded 
ninety -five, missing thirty-three ; Fifteenth Begiment, killed fifty- 
nine, wounded one hundred and thirty -four, missing thirty-four. 

No description could give a better conception of the terrible ex- 
haustion and severe losses of the Wilderness campaign than is 
afforded by these ghastly figures. Yet, amid all their losses, all 
the hardships to which they were exposed, the survivors moved 
serenely forward in the path of duty, not covetous, indeed, of 
death, but willing calmly to die, if need be, for the flag and the 
principles it symbolized to the world. 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



117 



From the 14th until the 18th, the fighting was only desultory. 
On the 19th, Lee threw Ewell against our weakened right, but the 
assault was repulsed with serious loss to the enemy, and the move- 
ment of our army to the left, already commenced, was continued 
without further interruption, except an assault on Eussell's Division 
of the Sixth Corps, on the evening of the 21st which was hand- 
somely repelled. In this movement, which resulted in the transfer 
of our army to a position south of the Pamunkey Eiver, in unob- 
structed communication with its new base at the White House, the 
First Brigade did not engage the enemy except in skirmishing 
along the North Anna and Tolopotomy — the principal fighting 
being done by other corps than the Sixth. On the 29th of May, 
the Second Kegiment, its time having expired, left the front and 
proceeded to Washington, whence it was ordered to Trenton for 
muster out, the whole number of men who returned being three 
hundred and fifteen. The First and Third Kegiments, having 
fought, as we shall see, at Cold Harbor, also left the front on the 
3d of June— the two numbering, three hundred and forty men — 
and reached the State Capital on the night of the 7th. The men 
of these regiments who had re-enlisted, and whose terms had not 
expired, were at first transferred to the Fourth and Fifteenth, but 
were subsequently consolidated into the First, Second and Third 
Battalions, and with the Fourth, Tenth and Fifteenth Eegiments, 
from that time forward until February, 1865, constituted the First 
Brigade — the Fortieth Kegiment being added at the latter date. 

On the 30th of May, the advance of our army, moving towards 
Cold Harbor, was violently attacked by the enemy— the assailants, 
however, being repulsed, and our lines pushed forward — Sheridan 
on the following day seizing Cold Harbor and holding it until the 
Sixth and Eighteenth Corps came up and occupied the position. 
Wright, on coming up, immediately proceeded to attack, deploying 
his First Division, including the Jersey Brigade, as a skirmish line. 
Moving into position in four lines of battle, he charged by echelon 
of brigades, the First Brigade being on the left of the turnpike, 
and Upton's being on the right. In this assault, the First Kegiment 
was in the first line of battle, the Third, commanded by Captain 



118 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Frank Duboise in the second, the Fifteenth in the third, and the 
Tenth in the fourth line. The first line soon dissolved before the 
fire of the enemy, but the Second and Third pressed forward until 
opened upon by a battery, when the Fifteenth halted and replied 
by musketry, finally silencing the guns and holding the advanced 
ground. The Tenth then came up and took possession of a slight 
line of earthworks, the entire line being held during the night, the 
enemy in vain making vigorous attacks, and posting batteries 
enfilading our position. On the day following, the main line of 
the enemy was again assaulted, but without success. The men, 
lying down, threw up during the day a frail defence of earthworks, 
using their bayonets to loosen the earth and their cups to scoop it 
into the desired position. On the 3d, when a grand assault was 
made along the whole front, the brigade advanced and got posses- 
sion of a knoll, which they strengthened as rapidly as possible, 
clinging to the position with the utmost tenacity. The principal 
fighting of the day was in front of the Sixth and Eighteenth Corps, 
and though at some points the opposing works were carried, our 
troops were afterwards driven out and forced to throw up such de- 
fences as were possible. In ail respects, this was one of the most 
murderous battles of the war, our total losses amounting to some 
thirteen thousand ; but in its relations to the general-campaign, it 
was by no means a failure as some have contended. The loss of 
the First Brigade was principally in the Tenth and Fifteenth Kegi- 
ments, the former of which had an unusually large proportion of 
its men killed and wounded. For three clays and nights the men 
were constantly under fire, and without sleep fought and toiled 
with a steadiness and obstinacy which extorted the highest encom- 
iums from all superiors. 

During the 4th and 5th, work upon our entrenchments was 
continued, but on the 6th, the army commenced to move to the left, 
being extended, on the 7th, to the Chickahominy, which was crossed 
a few days after, the whole force marching to the James Kiver. 
Here the First Brigade (with its division) was left to guard the 
crossing, and the several corps having moved over, it was then put 
on transports and carried to Bermuda Hundred, where it was 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



119 



thrown into position. Thence it was moved forward to join the 
corps at Petersburg, which it did. Two or three days subsequently, 
it was ordered to the left of the line, and pushing up some distance, 
was engaged for ten days in skirmishing. In all these operations, 
the brigade suffered some losses; but they were inconsiderable 
compared with those before experienced. From this time forward 
to the middle of July, it was not seriously engaged — a brief period 
for rest and re-organization being considerately allowed by the 
Commander-in-Chief. (The total loss of the Tenth Eegiment up to 
June 26th, was forty-two killed, one hundred and forty-three 
wounded, and forty-eight missing.) 

Meanwhile, in another part of the field, serious trouble was 
brewing. On the 16th of June, General Hunter having, with his 
co-operative column, pushed up the Shenandoah, driving the 
enemy from Staunton, and at all points destroying the supplies 
and communications of the enemy, had invested Lynchburg, the 
reduction of which was important to the success of Grant's general 
plans. But Hunter's success, which up to this time had been unin- 
terrupted, here came to a sudden and disastrous pause. Lee, who 
could not afford to lose a position so important, rapidly poured 
in reinforcements, and on the 18th, Hunter, whose ammunition had 
given out, decided to retire, which, he did in haste, but by a 
mistaken course towards the Kanawha, thus leaving the Shenandoah 
Valley open to the enemy for raids across the frontier into the 
States of Maryland and Pennsylvania. The rebels were not slow 
to avail themselves of the opportunity thus afforded. A consider- 
able force was moved down the valley, with a view of invading 
the North, and, possibly, obliging Grant to abandon the siege of 
Petersburg. The latter, realizing the danger, promptly prepared 
to meet it. Early in July, the Sixth Corps was withdrawn from its 
position in front of Petersburg and sent to cover Washington — one 
division under Eicketts going to Baltimore. The Nineteenth. 
Corps, just arrived from the Gulf, was sent after the Sixth. Mean- 
while, the rebels, rushing down the valley, had pushed into Mary- 



120 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



land, sweeping everything before them — on the 8th of July, fight- 
ing and defeating General Wallace at Monocacy, and thence moving 
on Washington, their advance being encountered near the Capital 
on the 12th. But the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps had now arrived, 
and Early, apprized of the fact, speedily desisted and withdrew 
— Wright pursuing and overtaking the rebel rear-guard at Snicker's 
Ferry on the Shenandoah, where a sharp battle ensued, in which 
the enemy gained some advantage. In this engagement, the First 
Brigade lost several men. Subsequently, one regiment, (the Fif- 
teenth,) was detached on special service to discover a ford, proceed- 
ing some five miles, and performing the service acceptably to the 
officer in command. 

Deceived by advices, that Early was abandoning the valley, Gen- 
eral Grant ordered the Sixth and Nineteenth Corps by water to 
Petersburg, and they at once proceeded to Washington. But on 
the 24th of July, Early, once more concentrating his troops, 
attacked the forces of Crook and Averill, and flanking them, drove 
them through Winchester and across the Potomac. This compelled 
Grant to return the Sixth Corps to Harper's Ferry, whence it ad- 
vanced to Halltown, remaining there two or three days, and then 
being ordered to Frederick, Maryland, whence, however, it soon 
after returned. About the same time, two cavalry divisions were 
also ordered up from the army of the Potomac, and Hunter's troops 
having arrived, a formidable force was soon concentrated. On the 
6th of August, General Sheridan was placed in command of the 
entire force, and addressing himself to ^be task before him, at once 
pushed out a part of his troops in active demonstrations against 
the enemy. On the loth, the First Brigade had a sharp skirmish 
with the enemy at Strasburg, being at the time engaged on picket 
duty between that place and Cedar Creek^Early, then lying at 
Fisher's Hill, sending a force through the town to attack our posi- 
tion. After resisting the assault as long as practicable, the brigade 
retired towards Winchester, where, on the 17th, it was again en- 
gaged, having been placed as a support to Torbert's Cavalry, with 
instructions to hold three roads. The enemy at this time was 
posted on a hill partly hidden by forests, and largely outnumbered 



THE FIEST BRIGADE. 



121 



our force ; but the Jerseymen, fighting bravely, held the head of 
Early's entire army in check for six hours, fighting from dusk until 
after nine o'clock, when Early deployed into regular columns of 
assault, only to find that three weak regiments had kept his whole 
army at bay. 38 The brigade, in this engagement, was under com- 
mand of Colonel Penrose, who with Colonels Tay and Campbell, 
Major Boeman and others, displayed the greatest gallantry. The 
loss in killed and wounded was ninety -seven, as follows : Fourth 
Eegiment, two killed, twenty-two wounded ; Tenth, sixteen wound- 
ed ; Fifteenth, six killed, fifty-one wounded. The Tenth lost 
heavily in prisoners, being left on the field after the rest of the bri- 
gade had withdrawn, and so surrounded and exposed to capture in 
mass. The Third Cavalry also suffered severely. 

On the 20th, our army retired to the immediate front of Charles- 
town, where, on the day following, Early coming up, made a 
serious attack. At this time, we had only a slender picket line in 
front, and being struck heavily by the enemy, it was badly shat- 
tered. Colonel Campbell, however, being sent out to look after 
affairs, succeeded in promptly getting reinforcements into position, 
and soon recovered the ground we had lost, re-occupying with his 
men the outpost position. On the night of the 21st, Sheridan de- 
siring to lure Early forward, our army fell back to Halltown, where 

3 8 " Our brigade of nine hundred men, and one regiment of cavalry, the Third New 
Jersey, sustained the shock of an overwhelming force, estimated at five thousand. 
The enemy attacked with three lines of battle. Our men were deployed as skirmishers, 
fifteen feet apart. They would lie down behind a wall, waiting the enemy's approach, 
and fire to check him as much as possible. Then, at the order to retire, they would 
run to the next place of shelter, whether stone wall, hill or trees, and wait the rebel 
approach again, give them some deadly volleys, and again retire. This mode of fight- 
ing was kept up till Winchester was reached and passed. While passing through the 
town, many of our men were shot down by the citizens, who fired from the windows of 
the houses. In the darkness it was impossible always to tell friend from foe. Once 
Colonel Campbell found himself in the midst of a number of men pressing rapidly for- 
ward, or, as he supposed, hurrying away to the rear. He was on the point of halting 
them and calling them to rally at a point in a little graveyard, when an outcry from 
one of them proved they were rebels. Turning an angle in the wall, where he could 
be shielded from their fire, he left them in haste. A soldier came among our men and 
they demanded "Who are you?" to which he answered "I belong to Breckinridge's 
Division." They said, "Lay down your arms," but the fellow cried "IamaReb." 
"Very well," said our boys, "but we are Yanks;" and through all the confusion of 
the night some held fast to him, and jn the morning delivered him up a prisoner of 
war." — Chaplain Haines 1 Notes. 

16 



122 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



it entrenched. (While here the brigade received a number of 
recruits.) Early promptly moved down, and some skirmishing 
was had on the left of the line ; he soon after, however, retired, 
and our troops advanced to the vicinity of Berryville, where they 
remained until Sheridan was ready to strike. 

On the 19th of September, after some preliminary operations, 
looking to the development of the enemy's position, Sheridan 
proceeded to attack. The Sixth and Nineteenth Corps marching 
down a narrow ravine, winding among steep and thickly-wooded 
hills, debouched into an irregular vallej^, faced on the south by an 
amphitheater of stony heights. Sheridan's object was to amuse 
the enemy's right, attack his center vigorously, turn and force his 
left. The head of the Sixth Corps emerged from the ravine about 
ten o'clock, and speedily became engaged. The First Brigade, 
which was commanded by Colonel Campbell, after marching several 
miles, was advanced to the crest of a hill within easy range of the 
rebel batteries, where, exposed to a steady fire of shot and shell, 
it remained for some time. Presently, however, it was ordered to 
advance to an assault of the rebel position, and promptly at the 
word it moved forward — the fire of the enemy still continuing with 
undiminished fury. At this time the brigade was in the second 
line of battle, and unfortunately the first line, some seventy-five 
yards in advance, became confused and began to retreat. This 
made the situation a very critical one, and serious disaster seemed 
to be imminent. At the moment, Colonel Campbell was absent, 
having led the Fifteenth Eegiment to reinforce another part of the 
line, leaving Major Boeman temporarily in command of the Fourth 
and Tenth. The latter, perceiving the crisis, promptly ordered his 
men to fix bayonets and sternly check the retreat of the first line. 
The order was obeyed as promptly as it was given. Then rushing 
forward, the commandant called upon the first line to halt and 
renew their advance. Seconded by their officers, his appeal was 
successful, and the Fourth and Tenth Eegiments at that time 
advancing the first line joined them, and the whole pressing for- 
ward, swept up the opposite hill and forced the rebel line a con- 
siderable distance, obtaining permanent possession of the hill, and 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



123 



holding it, though constantly exposed to a fire which inflicted 
severe loss. Our general line of battle was now everywhere gain- 
ing ground, and the enemy gradually falling back. 39 Later in the 
day, the cavalry on the extreme right made a splendid charge, 
when the whole army advanced from one end of the line to the other, 
and almost instantly put the enemy to rout. In this movement, 
the First Brigade, with other portions of the corps, made a direct 
assault upon the rebel front, while another corps took their army 
on the left flank, and still further, the cavalry under Torbert, 
sweeping round with a sickle-shaped line, attacked the rebel rear, 
capturing a battery before it could be fired, with, many battle-flags 
and prisoners, and sending the enemy, in a disorganized mass, 
"whirling through Winchester" up the valley of the Shenandoah. 
The day was gloriously won, and no troops had contributed more 
largely to the grand success than the gallant First Brigade. The 
loss of the Tenth Kegiment in this battle was one killed, thirteen 
wounded, and one missing ; in the Fifteenth Regiment the loss was 
four killed, forty-one wounded, and twenty-two missing; the 
Fourth Kegiment had two killed, eighteen wounded, and one 
missing. 

Falling back rapidly, Early took position at Fisher's Hill, twenty - 
* two miles south of Winchester. Sheridan followed sharply, and on 
the 22d again delivered battle. Advancing the Sixth Corps against 
the front, and the Nineteenth on the left of the rebel stronghold, 
he again sent the Eighth by a long circuit around on the right, 
striking heavily in flank and rear, while a vigorous attack in front 
broke the enemy's center. The victory here was even more deci- 
sive, as well as far more cheaply purchased, than that achieved at 
the Opequan. We took over one thousand prisoners, sixteen guns, 

s 9 "At five p. m., a general advance was made. Both flanks were formed of cavalry. 
Previous to the charge, Sheridan rode along the whole front, speaking familiarly with 
the men, and telling what he expected to do. He roused the men to the greatest en- 
thusiasm, and made them certain of victoiy. It was a beautiful sight when the charging 
army, four miles from wing to wing, moved over the plain. The spectacle, which 
roused us to confidence, struck terror to the hearts of the enemy; offering but a slight 
resistance, they began falling back at the first onset, and when the cavalry were seen 
to capture the works on the right, the withdrawal of Early's troops became a flight, 
and the advance of Sheridan a hot pursuit." — Chaplain Haines' 1 Notes* 



124 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



and other valuable trophies. In this engagement the First Brigade 
displayed its usual gallantry. Some of the Tenth Eegiment were 
foremost in entering the rebel works ; one man capturing the Cap- 
tain of three hundred sharpshooters, posted in support of a rebel 
battery, shooting clown the rebel flag-bearer, and then, without 
stopping to capture the flag, pushing on to take another gun. 40 
Another private named Beach, a member of the Fourth Eegiment, 
compelled a rebel Lieutenant-Colonel to surrender his sword ; and 
there were other instances of daring, no less noteworthy. The 
pursuit of the enemy from this point was characterized by all the 
energy and celerity for which Sheridan was distinguished. Pushing 
down through New Market, Harrisonburg and other points, to 
Staunton, beating and dispersing the enemy at all points, he com- 
menced, October 6th, a retrograde movement down the valley. In 
this movement, he was followed by a large body of rebel cavalry, 
under a new leader, who, becoming annoying, were attacked on 
the 9th, at Strasburg by Torbert, and soundly beaten, with a loss 
of many guns, wagons and prisoners. The retreat was no further 
molested, but having halted near Fisher's Hill, Early attempted to 
steal upon us unawares, but found us ready, and, after a short 
struggle, the enemy drew off, badly worsted — our army taken posi- 
tion behind Cedar Creek. The total loss of the brigade in this 
series of operations was about one hundred and fifty men — eighty- 
eight being wounded, nine killed, and the remainder missing. 

But beaten as he had been, Early determined upon cne more 
effort to redeem his battered reputation, and, on the 18th of October, 
undertook one of the most daring operations of the war. With 
his force well in hand, he rapidly crossed the mountains which 
separate the forks of the river, forded the North Fork, came upon 
our left flank, which was not properly protected ; crept along the 
front of Crook's Corps, and, favored by darkness and fog, came 

40 " One battery was captured by our brigade, who carried the work which contained 
it, but the guns were dragged off by troops who came up when the fighting was over. 
We were marching most of the night, the men in fine spirits and regardless of fatigue, 
capturing prisoners till morning. Captain Cornish commanded the Fifteenth Regi- 
ment on this occasion, and acquitted himself with honor, and without the loss of a 
man." — Chaplain Haines* Notes. 



the first Brigade. 



125 



into position unobserved, so that just before dawn of the 19th, his 
men were lying in battle order not six hundred yards distant from 
our unsuspecting lines. Sheridan at this time was absent, and 
Early was not ignorant of the fact. The rebels also believed that 
the Sixth Corps had been withdrawn from the valley and sent to 
Grant. Their real advantages were great, while their supposed 
advantages strengthened their morale. At length, when fairly in 
position, they sprang forward with a startling yell, poured upon 
our sleeping troops, seized batteries which they turned upon us, 
enfilading our lines, and rolled back our left. Staggered and 
stunned, our men soon began to retreat, and, for a time, Early's 
star was everywhere in the ascendant. But presently Sheridan, 
lured by the ominous rumble of artillery, dashed upon the scene, 
encountering as he came up the ebbing tide. In an instant he com- 
prehended the situation, and acted upon the suggestions of the 
scene. Eallying the stragglers, consulting with his officers, cheering 
and encouraging all by promises of victory, he brought order out 
of chaos — not, indeed, in a moment or in an hour, but effectually 
and completely. Arranging and strengthening his lines while the 
enemy had paused to plunder our camps, he was just in readiness 
to move forward, when the rebels came to a new and overwhelming 
assault. Eesisting this manfully, he caught its surge and hurled it 
back ; then, assuming the offensive, attacked again in two columns, 
employing his cavalry in vigorous charges on both flanks, succeeding, 
with one division, in turning and rolling up their left, and again 
routing them at all points of the line, with a serious loss of men 
and material, including the guns and camps taken from us in the 
morning. 

In this magnificent battle, the First Jersey Brigade added fresh 
laurels to those already achieved. When the army was surprised 
by Early's assault, it was lying on the right. Ordered to the left, 
it formed its line in the face of the rebel fire in rear of the position 
lost, fightiog steadily to maintain its ground, but being finally 
overwhelmed and forced to retire. 41 Here fell Major Lambert 

41 "Bewildered and disordered "by the sudden assault, the troops yet gained their com- 
posure very quickly, after being pushed hack some distance from their camps. Major 



126 



jSTEW jersey and the rebellion. 



Boeman, of tlie Fifteenth, a brave and worthy officer, who, on 
many other fields, had displayed conspicuous gallantry. Major 
Boeman was a native of Hunterdon County, of a highly respected 
family, and was universally esteemed, possessing all the highest 
traits of manly Christian character. In the final charge, after the 
re-formation of the line, the brigade suffered severely, its entire 
losses during the day being seventeen killed, one hundred and 
twenty-eight wounded, and nineteen missing. 42 Among the 
wounded were Colonels Penrose and Campbell, and oth'er officers ; 
indeed, not a field officer was left. 

On the first of December, the Sixth Corps rejoined the army 
of the Potomac, and settled down for the winter before Petersburg. 
Two expeditions to Hatcher's Eun were participated in by the men 
of the First Brigade, but nothing of special moment occurred until 
the 1st of April, 1865, when a fierce cannonading was opened 
along the entire line at night, and at ten o'clock, p. m., the com- 
mand moved out of camp and marched to Fort Fisher. On the 
morning of April 2d, the Sixth Corps assaulted, sweeping every- 
thing before them. Turning to the left the brigade marclied 
within the captured works a considerable distance, capturing 
prisoners and artillery, and, having met the Twenty -fourth Corps, 
which had also broken through, advanced in an opposite direction 
along the Boydton plank road to within a mile of Petersburg. 
Our troops were eager to enter the town at once, but were re- 
strained from the -useless risk. The casualties were comparatively 
few. Night settled upon the camp with all in the highest 

Boeman was almost instantly killed by a bullet that struck bim in tbe lower part of 
the breast. Colonel Penrose sought to bring back the brigade to the top of a hill, and 
had his horse shot under him. He attempted to lead them on foot, when a bullet shat- 
tered his right arm. He went to the rear, and Colonel Campbell took command of the 
brigade. The men quickly formed on the hill, and behaved most gallantly. Though 
pressed by superior numbers, in the main, they held their ground. At one time, a 
battery near them was assailed, and two guns captured, a rebel regiment planting their 
flag over one of the pieces. The Colonel directed the men to cease firing, and for a 
moment there was a lull on our side. Then we charged, regained the ground lost, and 
drove the enemy far enough to allow the artillery men to drag away their pieces and 
capture the rebel colors."— Chaplain Haines 1 Notes. 

42 Fourth Regiment, killed 1 • wounded 29 ; missing 4. Tenth Regiment, killed 3 ; 
wounded 42; missing none. Fifteenth Regiment, killed 13 ; wounded 57; missing 15 >' 
Total, killed 17; wounded 128; missing 19. 



THE FIRST BRIGADE. 



127 



spirits, but while our troops rested, the rebels were active in 
evacuating Petersburg; and Eichmoncl, and when the morning 
dawned, were some fifteen miles away to the westward. Peters- 
burg was evacuated, but not yet were the Jersey men permitted to 
enter it. With something of disappointment, the column was 
headed, on the morning of the 3d of April, in the opposite direc- 
tion, and following the Cox road passed Sutherland Station. 
There was something exciting in this pursuit, but it ended at last, 
on the 9th, by the surrender of Lee and his army at Appomattox 
Court House. The First Brigade was not far from the place, 
when it was halted, and at three p. m., the announcement was 
made— being received with demonstrations of the wildest enthu- 
siasm all along the lines. • 

The fighting was ended, our cause victorious, and now all 
looked eagerly for a speedy discharge. But long and weary 
marches were still before the brigade, it being sent to Danville 
instead of "Washington. Xot until the 24th of May did it march 
through Eichmond on its way northward. On the 2d of June, it 
went into camp four miles from Georgetown, District of Columbia. 
In a short time, being mustered out, the regiments proceeded to 
Trenton, where, all formalities having been had, they were dis- 
solved, and the First Xew Jersey Brigade ceased to exist. 

But the memory of this scarred and storied command still 
remains. On a score of fields, it had exhibited the rarest heroism. 
In discipline, in sturdy, faultless courage, in unwavering and sub- 
lime devotion, it justified, down to the latest field, the high 
expectations of that knightly soldier who made it what it was. 
Tried in many a fierce and pitiless fire, it had never faltered. 
Exposed, sometimes, to peculiar hardships, thinned by disease, 
weakened by heavy loss, it never for an hour lost its faith in the 
Cause. The hospital devoured and the trench swallowed up many 
of its bravest and best, but the First Brigade, even when but a 
remnant of its strength remained, was still undaunted. ISTo danger 
appalled, no privation dismayed, no losses disheartened the veterans 
who with a lofty pride fought and died for Freedom's sake. When 
at last with torn standards and lean ranks, it marched from th e 



128 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



field where it had helped to achieve an honorable peace, it was 
welcomed home with right royal greeting ; the people hailing it 
with glad acclaim, and with it rejoicing that the sound of war had 
ceased from the land. To-day, scattered in all the walks of life, 
those of its members who yet survive, perform the old duties and 
bear the old burdens, familiar before they ever marched a-field ; but 
their proudest boast is that once they fought with Kearney and the 
grand old Army of the Potomac, for the flag which to him and 
to them was dearer than all things else. 



CHAPTER VI. 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 

The Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Regiments, as we have 
already seen, were raised under a requisition made by President 
Lincoln on the 24th of July, 1861, and reported at Washington 
during the months of August, September and October of that year, 
going into camp at Meridian Hill. 1 Early in December, the regi- 

1 The regiments of the brigade were officered as follows : 

Fifth Regiment.— Colonel, Sanmel H. Starr; Lieutenant-Colonel, Gershom Mott ; 
Major, William S. Truex; Adjutant, Caldwell K. Hall; Surgeon, James C. Fisher; 
Assistant Surgeon, Addison W. Woodhull ; Quartermaster, James F. Rusling ; Chap- 
lain, Thomas Sovereign. Company A — Captain, Ashbel W. Angel ; First Lieutenant, 
Charles A. Angel; Second Lieutenant, Theodore P. Large. Company B — Captain, 
John Ramsey ; First Lieutenant, Edward Kelly ; Second Lieutenant, Virgil M. Healey. 
Company C— Captain, William J. Sewell ; First Lieutenant, George S. Russell ; Second 
Lieutenant, William H. Hill. Company D — Captain, Hiram Cook ; First Lieutenant, 
James R. Sandford; Second Lieutenant, John L. Pierson. Company i?— Captain, 
Robert S. Gould ; First Lieutenant, DeKlyn Lalor ; Second Lieutenant, Henry H. 
Woolsey. Company F— Captain, Roswell S. Reynolds ; First Lieutenant, Edward A. 
Acton; Second Lieutenant, Thomas C. Godfrey. Company G — Captain, Edward C. 
Hopper; First Lieutenant, John Gamble; Second Lieutenant, Simon P. Whitty. 
Company H— Captain, John J. Cladek ; First Lieutenant, William C. Berry ; Second 
Lieutenant, John H. Moore. Company J— Captain, Guy Bryan ; First Lieutenant, T. 
W. Eayre ; Second Lieutenant, W. H. Champion. Company K— Captain, Vincent W. 
Mount ; First Lieutenant, John T. Cottrell ; Second Lieutenant, Theodore Young. 

This regiment left Camp Olden on the 29th of August, and reached Washington and 
reported for duty on the 30th of that month. 

Sixth Regiment. — Colonel, James T. Hatfield; Lieutenant-Colonel, Simpson R. 
Stroud; Major, John P. Van Leer; Adjutant, Leonard J. Gordon; Quartermaster, 
Joseph Woodward ; Surgeon, John Wiley ; Assistant Surgeon, Redford Sharpe ; Chap- 
lain, Samuel T. Moore. Company A— Captain, Stephen R. Gilkyson ; First Lieutenant, 

; Second Lieutenant, Charles C. McMichael. Company B — Captain, 

Charles Ewing; First Lieutenant, William C. McCall; Second Lieutenant, Aaron 
Wilks. Company C— Captain, James Hughes; First Lieutenant, Jacob J. Van Riper; 
Second Lieutenant, John Howeth. Company B — Captain, George E. Wilson; First 
Lieutenant, John Willian; Second Lieutenant, William H. Kinly. Company E— 
Captain, Edward G. Jackson; First Lieutenant, William H. Hemsing; Second Lieu- 
tenant, Frederick Homer. Company F— Captain, George C. Burling ; First Lieutenant, 
Joseph Hays ; Second Lieutenant, William F. Wilson. Company G — Captain, Theo- 
dore W. Baker ; First Lieutenant, Louis M. Morris ; ■ Second Lieutenant, John K, 
Brown. Company H— Captain, James Bird ; First Lieutenant, Samuel G. Stockton j 

17 " 



130 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



ments were ordered to report, under Colonel Starr, the senior officer, 
to General Hooker near Budd's Ferry, Maryland, some forty-five 
miles from Washington, being there brigaded and known as the Third 
Brigade, Hooker's Division, afterwards as the Third Brigade, Second 
Division, Third Corps. Here the brigade remained for several 

Second Lieutenant, Jonas T. Hull. Company 7— Captain, Richard H. Lee; First 
Lieutenant, Thomas M. K. Lee; Second Lieutenant, Theodore F. Fields. Company 
K— Captain, Timothy C. Moore ; First Lieutenant, Thomas Goodman ; Second Lieu- 
tenant, Benjamin D. Coley. 

This regiment left Camp Olden on the 10th of September, and arrived in Washington 
and reported for duty on the 11th. 

Seventh Regiment. — Colonel, Joseph W. Revere ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Ezra A. 
Carman ; Major, J. Dallas Mcintosh ; Adjutant, Francis Price, Jr. ; Quartermaster, 
Thomas P. Johnston; Surgeon, D. W. C. Hough; Assistant Surgeon, Alvin Satter- 
thwaite; Chaplain, Julius D. Rose. Company A — Captain, Louis R. Francine; First 
Lieutenant, Thomas C. Thompson; Second Lieutenant, Michael G. Bauer. Company 
JB— Captain, John Craven ; First Lieutenant, William N. Fitzgerald ; Second Lieutenant, 
Gardner E. Greene. Company C— Captain, Henry C. Bartlett ; First Lieutenant, War- 
ren McChesney ; Second Lieutenant, William J. Harrison. Company D — Captain, John 
J. Fritschy ; First Lieutenant, August Mueller ; Second Lieutenant, Henry Newhouse. 
Company F— Captain, Henry C. Cooper ; First Lieutenant, Joseph Abbott, Jr. ; Second 
Lieutenant, Daniel Hart. Company F— Captain, Frederick Cooper ; First Lieutenant, 
Alpheus Wetherell ; Second Lieutenant, Adolphus Charzotte. Company G — Captain, 
James McKiernan ; First Lieutenant, Thomas R. Agnew ; Second Lieutenant, William 
Evans. Company II— Captain, John M. Clark ; First Lieutenant, Francis M. Duboise ; 
Second Lieutenant, Joseph H. Johnson ; Company I— Captain, Lindsey D. Simmes ; 
First Lieutenant, Daniel R. Burrell; Second Lieutenant, Henry A. Coursin. Company 
AT— Captain, James M. Brown; First Lieutenant, William R. Hillyer; Second Lieu- 
tenant, Michael Mullery. 

Seven companies of this regiment left Camp Olden September 19th ; the remaining 
three companies left October 3d for Washington. 

Eighth Regiment.— Colonel, Adolphus J. Johnson; Lieutenant-Colonel, Thomas 
L. Martin; Major, Joseph Trawin; Adjutant, Charles W. Johnson; Quartermaster, 
Ralph Jefferson; Surgeon, Alexander J. McKelway; Assistant Surgeon, H. Genet Tay- 
lor ; Chaplain, A. St. John Chambre. Company J.— Captain, Peter M. Ryerson ; First 
Lieutenant, Abraham M. Freeland ; Second Lieutenant, William J. Roberts. Company B 
—Captain, William A. Henry ; First Lieutenant, Andrew S. Davis ; Second Lieutenant, 
John A. Brice. Company C— Captain, John Tuite ; First Lieutenant, Oliver S. John- 
son; Second Lieutenant, Charles W. Kennedy. Company D— Captain, William Ward ; 
First Lieutenant, John D. Buckley; Second Lieutenant, John B. Sine, Company E— 
Captain, William S. Tipson; First Lieutenant, James Long; Second Lieutenant, "Wil- 
liam Lackey. Company F— Captain, James B. Baird; First Lieutenant, William A. 
Jackson ; Second Lieutenant, Andrew F. Fuller. Company G— Captain, John H. Arey ; 
First Lieutenant, William G. Cunningham ; Second Lieutenant, David B. Ward. Com- 
pany II— Captain, George Hoffman; First Lieutenant, Andrew J. Mutchler; Second 
Lieutenant, Frederick Longer. Company I— Captain, David Pierson; First Lieu- 
tenant, George M. Stelle ; Second Lieutenant, Daniel Blauvelt, Jr. Company K— Cap- 
tain, John G. Langston; First Lieutenant, William Todd ; Second Lieutenant, James 
M. Simonson. 

To this regiment was attached a battery of six pieces, commanded by Captain John 
E. Beam. This regiment left Camp Olden on the 1st day of October, and arrived in 
Washington and reported for duty on the 2d. 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



131 



months, occupying the time in drill and in other duties incident to 
camp-life, General Hooker laboring with unceasing fidelity and 
zeal to promote its efficiency and prepare it for active campaigning. 
The winter was not marked by any extraordinary incidents, but 
the early spring saw the troops eager and ready for actual service. 

The first affair of importance in which the brigade was engaged, 
occurred on the 10th of March, 1862. During the winter the 
rebels had erected formidable batteries at Cockpit, Shipping and 
other Points, on the opposite side of the Potomac, by means of 
which they had effectually blockaded that important water approach 
to the Capital. They had also concentrated at Cockpit Point a 
considerable number of troops, as a support to the batteries in case 
of a land attack, and the position was generally one of much 
importance to them. "When, however, Beauregard determined to 
withdraw from Manassas, it became unnecessary to h Ad these 
batteries longer, and accordingly, on the 9th of March, they were 
abandoned, the enemy destroying a portion of his guns and so 
much of his stores as could not be conveniently removed. Acting 
with his usual promptitude, General Hooker determined at once to 
occupy the abandoned position, and in obedience to his orders, 
Lieutenant-Colonel Mott, on the 10th, crossed the Potomac with a 
detail of five hundred men of the Fifth Eegiment, and seized the 
deserted works, capturing four guns, together with a large quantity 
of shells, grape and canister and round shot, and other material of 
war. Three of the captured guns were loaded and spiked, and the 
other bursted and rendered worthless. Lieutenant- Colonel Mott 
promptly destroyed the remaining batteries, together with all other 
property not available for our use, and returned to his camp without 
my accident whatever — having been completely successful at all 
points in his untertaking. The enemy had evidently left the 
position in great haste, leaving behind a large quantity of fresh 
beef and other property, as well as the war material destroyed by 
our troops. The evacuation had, undoubtedly, been hastened by 
the advance of General Kearney towards Manassas, as detailed in 
the history of the First Brigade. 

During the month of April, General McClellan having determined 



132 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



his plans for an offensive movement, the brigade was transferred 
(with its division) to the Peninsula, General F. E. Patterson being 
placed in command shortly after its arrival. On the night of the 
3d of May, Yorktown was evacuated by the enemy, and on the 
following morning, the army was promptly ordered forward in pur- 
suit, Stoneman leading the advance with four regiments and a 
squadron of cavalry. About noon, Hooker's Division advanced on 
the Yorktown road to Williamsburg, where the enemy was ex- 
pected to make a stand, having a strong fort in front of that place, 
at the junction of several roads, which commanded, with some 
thirteen connecting works, all the roads leading further up the 
Peninsula. The Jersey Brigade, leaving Yorktown at two o'clock, 
pushed forward with all possible rapidity until eleven o'clock, when 
it bivouacked in a swamp some five miles from Williamsburg. 
The night was intensely dark and rainy, the roads were muddy and 
difficult, and the men were sorely exhausted by labor in the trenches 
and want of sleep ; but notwithstanding all obstacles and discour- 
agements the troops pressed eagerly forward, all anxious to partici- 
pate in the struggle which was felt to be imminent. At two o'clock 
on the morning of the 5th, the brigade, being in the advance, re- 
sumed its march, and three hours after, emerging from a forest, came 
in sight of the enemy's works. The position of the enemy, as de- 
scribed in General Hooker's report, was one of great strength. 
The main work, Fort Magruder, occupied the centre, at the junction 
of the Yorktown and Hampton roads, with a cordon of redoubts 
on either side, extending as far as the eye could reach. For a dis- 
tance of half a mile in front of these works, the forest had been 
felled to obstruct the advance of our infantry, while a belt of clear 
open land, six hundred or seven hundred yards in width, dotted all 
over with rifle-pits, stretched between the tangled abattis and the 
fort and redoubts. In the immediate front of the redoubts, the 
plain was furrowed by winding ravines, which were swept by 
the guns of the enemy. After a careful survey of the position, 
Hooker decided to attack at once, and at half-past seven o'clock, 
advanced his skirmishers on both sides of the road by which he 
had come up, at the same time throwing forward two batteries on 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



133 



the right, and sending in the Fifth New Jersey as their support. 
Almost simultaneously, the remaining regiments of the brigade 
— Sixth, Seventh and Eighth — were sent into the left of the road, 
occupying a wood in front of a line of field-works. At this time 
the rain was falling in torrents, and the men stood half-leg deep in 
mire and water. Steadily advancing through the underbrush, the 
gallant regiments soon came upon the enemy's forces, and at once 
opened a vigorous fire. Here, for three hours, the conflict raged 
with desperate fury. Commanding the ground at every point, the 
fire of the enemy was pitilessly destructive, and did not slacken for 
a moment. But the brave fellows into whose faces it was poured, 
stood firmly and unflinchingly, — sometimes, indeed, pushed back a 
little space, but as surely hurling the rebels, bleeding and shat- 
tered, back to their works. From the nature of the ground, there 
was no opportunity for the bayonet ; but the rapid volleys of our 
heroic troops were scarcely less effective. And thus the battle 
raged, the enemy reinforced again and again, directing against these 
three regiments all the fury of their attack ; but still for hours the 
little column stood immovable. At last, however, the enemy, 
driven now to desperation, rushed forward in overwhelming num- 
bers, pouring a terrific fire into our whole line. Then, at last, that 
brave line wavered. Their ammunition exhausted, their muskets 
rusted by the drenching rain, their ranks terribly thinned, exhausted 
by want of food and a difficult march, these heroes of the day, 
before this last overwhelmning onset, fell slowly back. But they 
were not defeated. They had held the enemy in check, had frus- 
trated every attempt to flank our position, and so had saved the 
division, which, but for this stubborn resistance, would have been 
swept in disaster from the field. 

Meanwhile, the Fifth Eegiment, supporting the batteries on the 
right of the road, had bravely maintained the reputation of the bri- 
gade. For six hours it had been exposed to the fire of the fort in 
front and that of an earthwork on the flank, and later in the day, 
our cannoneers being driven from their guns, charged forward and 
at once engaged the enemy, continuing its fire without cessation 
for four hours longer. During the whole of this time, officers and 



134 



NEW JEKSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



men alike fought with the utmost courage, and achieved the very 
highest place in the confidence of all who witnessed their gallantrj^. 

But with all the desperate fighting of Hooker's Division, the day 
was not yet ours. Pitted against it was nearly the whole of the 
rebel army, and though it had fought as bravely as any command 
of which we have record, it could not accomplish the impossible. 
But soon, Kearney, pushing impetuously forward with his division, 
hurled himself against the foe. Other commands came up, the 
fight redoubled in intensity and vigor, and a part of the rebel 
works being carried, the victory was soon ours — the enemy retreat- 
ing under cover of the night, leaving their dead and wounded on 
the field. But the victory was clearly purchased. Hooker alone 
had lost nearly one thousand six hundred men, and of these over 
five hundred were in the New Jersey Brigade. ' Among the killed 
were Lieutenant-Colonel John P. Yan Lear and Adjutant Aaron 
Wilks, of the Sixth, Major Eyerson, 2 of the Eighth and others; 



2 The following sketch of Major Eyerson, prepared hy Mr. A. Q. Keasbey, and pub- 
lished in the Newark Mercury, is at once just and appreciative : 

"New Jersey has lost one of her worthiest citizens and bravest soldiers in Major 
Peter M. Eyerson, of the Eighth Eegiment, killed in the late battle at Williamsburg. 

" The training of his whole life had fitted him for the gallant part he was to act in the 
service of his country. The qualities which marked him as a citizen were such as 
always make the soldier faithful and brave. He was born at Pompton, on the 20th of 
June, 1798. He inherited from his father a large property, and early came into pos- 
session of the extensive iron works at that place. He built the rolling mills and works 
at Pompton and at Winockie, and conducted the business on an extensive scale. He 
was a large stockholder and a director in the Morris Canal Company, and for several 
years was superintendent of the works of the company in that region. Soon 
after he had completed the iron works, and was prepared to reap the reward of 
his vast outlay and exertions, the reduction of the tariff embarrassed his operations, 
financial difficulties ensued, beneath which he struggled with the most untiring energy 
for many years, until at last, in the fall of 1859, he was forced to abandon the unequal 
contest, and giving up to his creditors the home of his ancestors, where he had passed 
so many years of toil and anxiety, he removed to Newark with his family. But his 
was not a spirit that could brook a life of idleness, even at sixty-three, if any field of 
honorable labor opened to him ; and such a field was opened in the war for the Union, 
and he entered upon it with all the zeal and vigor of his early manhood. He had 
always been a commander. With thousands of acres as his domain, and hundreds of 
men under his control, he had always shown those qualities that are sure to distinguish 
the soldier. And now his old energy awoke at the call of his country. He went up to 
the beautiful hills of his old home, and called upon his former retainers to join him or 
to send their sons to act again under his command. He formed Company A, of the 
Eighth Eegiment, chiefly from these sturdy forgemen and axemen of his native place. 
He was the senior captain of the regiment, and was afterwards promoted to be Major, 
which position he held at his death. 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



135 



while among the wounded were a large number of officers, inducting 
Lieutenant-Colonel Carman, of the Seventh, and Colonel Johnson 
of the Eighth. Major Eyerson was killed while in command of 
his regiment, being pierced by three balls. 3 

"He delighted in his military duties. He seemed as erect and vigorous as at any 
period of his life. Tall and athletic, of a fine soldierly appearance and bearing, prompt 
in word and act, attentive to all the requirements of his position— he had gained the 
reputation of a thorough and faithful soldier before he went upon his first battle-field, 
from which he was never to return. 

" Upon that field he met his death as he would have chosen to meet it. His regiment 
was sorely pressed by superior numbers on the left of the bloody field of Monday. 
At one o'clock, Colonel Johnson was severely wounded and the command of the 
regiment devolved on Major Eyerson. Their ammunition was exhausted and they were 
slowly falling back before the greater force of the enemy seeking to turn their flank. 
The fate of the day, and perhaps of the army, depended on their firmness. Major 
Ryerson, with his old habit of command, rallied them to the charge. Again they 
wavered, having nothing to fight with, and again and again he rallied them, standing 
in advance, a too conspicuous mark for the foe. At two o'clock, he was struck by a 
bullet in the side as he was cheering on his men. Lieutenant Sines came to him and 
led him to a tree. He felt that the wound was fatal, he saw that the enemy were 
approaching in overwhelming force, and calmly begged Lieutenant Sines to leave him, 
and not uselessly sacrifice his own life. 

••Brief interval remained for the last thoughts of the dying soldier — but enough for 
the Christian Patriot. The hosts of the enemy came rushing over him, 

' So underneath the belly of their steeds 
That stained their fetlocks in his smoking blood. 
The noble gentleman gave up the ghost.' 

" New Jersey will honor his familiar name as that of the first of her field officers who 
fell in the war for the Union." 

3 There was no question in any mind after that bloody day, as to whether New Jersey 
troops would fight. The whole country rang with their praises. General Hooker, in 
his official report, bore the very highest testimony to then gallantry, and General 
Heintzelman was profuse in his praises. Even the newspaper correspondents, usually 
ignoring the services of New Jersey troops, for once wrote in terms of the warmest 
commendation. A correspondent of the Philadelphia Inquirer, writing at the time, 
said : " New Jersey may well be proud of her sons in this battle. Men never stood up 
more bravely to their work, and the conflict at Williamsburg proves that the Jersey 
Blues of our day are worthy descendants of the heroes who made her name and soil 
sacred for all time in the dark hours of the Revolution." A correspondent of the 
Philadelphia Press said that our ''brave boys fought like tigers, driving back the enemy 
with great -slaughter." As to the reports of the brigade and regimental officers, all, 
without exception, commended the behavior of the troops. These reports are as fol- 
lows, that of General Patterson, commanding the brigade, being first given : 

" Sir : In obedience to the orders of the General of the Division, on the morning of 
the 5th inst., I followed the First Brigade and found it engaged on the right of the Wil- 
liamsburg road. The Fifth New Jersey Eegiment, Colonel Starr, was detached from 
the brigade by order of the General, and deployed to the right of the road to support 
the batteries of the division. The Sixth Eegiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Van Leer, and 
the Seventh, Lieutenant-Colonel Caiman, were deployed on the left of the road; the 
Eighth Regiment, Colonel Johnson, had not yet come up. A wood extended from the 
road, northwesterly to a line of field-works that extended perpendicularly across the 
road front. The Sixth and Seventh Regiments occupied this wood by a flank march > 



136 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



The day following this sanguinary conflict, the brigade encamped 
on the battle-field, being engaged in burying the dead and other sad 
duties consequent upon the battle. Three days afterwards, it took 
up the line of march, towards Kichmond, arriving on the 26th at 
Turner's Farm, some distance beyond Bottom's Bridge, and about 
four miles from Seven Pines, or Fair Oaks. At this time Casey's 
Division, of the Fourth Corps, (Keyes') was stationed at Fair Oaks, 
and the Third, (to which the brigade belonged,) upon its arrival, 
took position in rear of the former. On the 31st, Casey's Division 
was suddenly attacked by the enemy in large force, and after a 
brief resistance, was driven back in confusion, some of his troops 
retreating in the most shameful disorder. Fresh troops, however, 
opportunely arriving, the enemy was held in check, though the 
battle became general all along the line, and the assailants, at the 
main point of attack, had gained a considerable advantage. Late 
in the afternoon, orders were received to advance the Third Corps, 
which was promptly done. The Seventh and Eighth New Jersey 
being detailed as a reserve for the performance of specific duties 
of an important character, the Fifth and Sixth (the latter under 
Colonel Mott) moved forward under Colonel Starr, (General Pat- 

and moved to the front by the right of companies, about two-thirds the distance to the 
line of field-works in front, when our skirmishers came upon the enemy's forces, as we 
could not see them, the woods haying a growth of under-brush. The skirmishers 
being re-called, the two regiments advanced until met by a warm fire, when the com- 
panies were formed forward into line and marched rapidly to the front, some hundred 
paces, halted and a file fire opened and kept up until- the opposing fire was silenced, 
when we again advanced, and were again met by a heavy fire, and the command was 
ordered to lie down. It was now patent that we were outnumbered, as, in addition to 
a heavy fire in front, it was spreading around our left flank. Colonel Johnson, with 
the Eighth, having come up, was deployed on the left of the regiments already in line, 
and for a time silenced their fire. The heaviest fire that had yet occurred was now 
opened on our right ; it was met by a direct fire from our right and an oblique fire from 
our center and silenced. During this time the commands of officers in a large column 
moving in our front and to our left were heard, and the efforts to outflank us was 
continued. There being no more men available, and having sent twice for reinforce- 
ments, Colonel Johnson was ordered to change front obliquely to the rear on his right 
company ; this, for a time, preserved the flank. Keinforcements had been twice ap- 
plied for — none came — outnumbered five to one, outflanked, and out of ammunition, 
the Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Regiments, numbering when they entered the field 
seventeen hundred and sixty-seven men for duty, to avoid being surrounded, fell 
slowly back by my orders, before a division consisting of Pryor's Virginia and North 
Carolina, Gholson's Mississippi and Alabama, and Pickett's Virginia Brigades, forming 
a division of six thousand men, with a loss of one hundred and seventeen killed, two 



THE SECOND BRIGADE* 



137 



terson being ill,) cutting their way through the mass of panic- 
stricken fugitives. Eeaching the field at dark, the regiments' went 

hundred and eighty-four wounded, and two hundred and thirty-five missing, from the 
ground they had taken and held, within one hundred yards of the end of the woods, 
from eight until half-past one o'clock, to their original position on the left of the road. 
The conduct of the officers and men of the brigade, including my personal staff, was, 
without exception, marked by coolness, steadiness, and valor. Their loss, in this, their 
first engagement, bears ample testimony to the proverbial gallantry of the State they 
came from. The Fifth Regiment, Colonel Starr, was separated from the brigade, and 
placed, by order of the General of the division on the right of the road and removed from 
my observation. Its loss was eight killed, seventy wounded, including the Colonel, 
and thirty-seven missing. It was under fire from morning until night. Since writing 
the above, I have obtained the list of casualties. 

" Fifth Regiment, Colonel Starr commanding. Killed, two lieutenants, seven non- 
commissioned ofiicersand privates ; wounded, one colonel, one captain, seven lieuten- 
ants, fifty-eight non-commissioned officers and men; missing, twenty-eight non- 
commissioned officers and men. 

" Sixth Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel John P. Van Leer commanding. Killed, one 
lieutenant-colonel, one lieutenant, thirty-seven non-commissioned officers and privates ; 
wourided, four captains, thfee lieutenants, seventy-one non-commissioned officers and 
privates ; missing, twenty-six non-commissioned officers and privates. 

"Seventh Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel E. A. Carman commanding. Killed, one 
lieutenant, twenty-seven non-commissioned officers and privates ; wounded, one lieuten- 
ant-colonel, three captains, five lieutenants, seventy-seven non-commissioned officers 
and privates ; missing, nine non-commissioned officers and privates. 

"Eighth Regiment, Colonel Adolphus J. Johnson commanding. Killed, one major, 
one lieutenant, thirty-four non-commissioned officers and privates ; wounded, one 
colonel, four captains, six lieutenants, one hundred and seventeen non-commissioned 
officers and privates ; missing, four non-commissioned officers and privates. 

"Recapitulation: Killed, wounded and missing, two colonels, two lieutenant- 
colonels, one major, twelve captains, twenty-five subalterns, four hundred and fifty- 
six non-commissioned officers and privates. Aggregate, four hundred and eighty-eight- 

"The loss of the services of Colonel Johnson and Lieutenant-Colonels Van Leer and 
Carman, and Major Ryerson, is a very serious one, in so far as the future service of the 
brigade is concerned. They had the respect and confidence of their commands, and 
proved they well deserved it. I have yet to learn if the brigade can be handled in 
evolutions of the line with such a destitution of field officers. To risk a reputation so 
dearly earned, without them, until those taking their places have learned their duties, 
would be injustice. I append hereto a list of casualties. 
"I have the honor to be, 

"Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"F. E. Patterson, 
"Brig. -Gen. U. S. Volunteers, Commanding Brigade!" 

In a supplemental report, General Patterson says : 

"The Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Regiments were under my immediate command; 
their commanders all join in praise of the steadiness and bravery of their commands, 
and say that they are able to name but few as having particularly distinguished them- 
selves, because all seemed animated with the desire to do their whole duty, and all 
succeeded. Major Burling, now in command of the Sixth Regiment, in his report 
speaks in high terms of praise of the heroic conduct of Lieutenant-Colonel John P. 
Van Leer and of Adjutant Aaron Wilks, both of whom were killed, while in the act of 
cheering and encouraging their men; and Major Price of the Seventh speaks in the 
highest terms of the conduct of Lieutenant-Colonel Carman, who was severely 

18 



138 NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 

into position and so remained during the night. On the morning 
of June 1st, the battle was renewed, and again, as at "Williamsburg, 

wounded, and of Captains L. R. Francine, Bartlett, Sims, First Lieutenants Thomson 
and Wetherall, Second Lieutenant Wm. Harrison, Sergeant-Major Crane, Color-Ser- 
geant Onslow and Sergeant Molloy. The Lieutenant-Colonel of the Eighth pays a just 
tribute to the gallantry of Colonel A. J. J ohnson, who was dangerously wounded ; and 
to the memory of Major Peter M. Ryerson who fell dead while directing the operations 
of the regiment after Colonel Johnson had been carried from the field. The conduct 
of Captains Wm. A. Henry, Company B, and Tuite, Company C, who (after the regi- 
ment had fallen hack and were about being replaced by the Excelsior Brigade,) col- 
lected together a number of volunteers and again entered the contest in company with 
that brigade, cannot, I think, be too highly commended. These officers were unani- 
mous in their expressions of approbation of the skill and indefatigable exertion of the 
medical staff, and of the Chaplain, who fearlessly rushed into danger to assist in bear- 
ing off the wounded. 

" I may be permitted to say, in conclusion, that when it is remembered that the bri- 
gade had been worn down by labor in the trenches before Torktown, by their long and 
wearisome march, which extended into the night before the battle, and by the weight 
of one hundred rounds of ammunition which each man carried, joined to the fact that 
for the preceding thirty-six hours they had had but little to eat, entering the battle 
wet, cold and hungry— it will be conceived that the performance of the brigade has 
never been surpassed, and rarely equalled, by men for the first time under fire." 

The report of Colonel Starr, of the Fifth Regiment, was as follows : 

" Sir : In compliance with a circular from Headquarters Army of the Potomac, of the 
10th inst., I have the honor to report the part taken by my regiment in the action be- 
fore Williamsburg, Va., on the 5th of May. 

"Early on the morning of the 5th, the regiment, worn out by labor in the trenches 
at Torktown, and by the preceding day's march with a hundred rounds of ammunition 
in their knapsacks and cartridge boxes, suffering from privations and exposure, was 
marched to the front along a road completely enfiladed by the enemy's cannon. De- 
bouching from the woods which lined the road on either hand, I received orders from 
General Hooker, in person, to march my regiment to the support of a battery, (manned 
by regular troops, I have been informed,) which was engaged with the enemy's chief 
defensive work in front. On receiving this order, I marched my regiment at right 
angles to the road, and took up a position to its right, on the edge of the fallen timber 
or abattis, in the rear of the battery I was to support, at the distance of about sixty 
yards. This position was one of great difficulty for raw troops, owing to the fact that 
the regiment was compelled to remain inactive, exposed to a severe fire of shell, grape 
and musketry from the work in front, and from a raking fire from a redoubt on its 
left flank. In this position the regiment remained from about eight o'clock, a. m., till 
about two o'clock, p. m., losing many men. The battery I was supporting was aban- 
doned by its cannoneers at about half-past twelve o'clock, the men retiring through my 
lines. The cannoneers were driven from their guns by the cannon of the enemy, as 
they were threatened at no time after I had taken my position, by either cavalry or in- 
fantry. The enemy had turned the left flank of our position, upon which were en- 
gaged the Sixth, Seventh and Eighth New Jersey Regiments, (Patterson's Brigade, 
Hooker's Division,) and was slowly pressing these regiments back. Seeing this, and 
perceiving that defeat was probable, unless reinforced immediately, (owing to the 
greatly superior force of the enemy,) and also seeing that the deserted and now use- 
less battery would be best protected by moving my regiment forward, covering the 
left flank of the battery, where alone it was threatened, without orders I changed front 
forward on my left and took up a position on the before-mentioned road, (still enfiladed 
by the enemy's batteries,) on the right of the regiment above-named. The new line of 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 139 

the Jersey Regiments had the post of honor in the advance. As 
upon that memorable field they had saved the division from de- 
struction, so now they were called upon to retrieve the broken for- 
tunes of the previous day. Placing himself at their head, General 

battle was at right angles with and to the old. In this position my regiment was ac- 
tively engaged, and suffered severely, and I "believe contributed considerably to the 
final result. My loss was one hundred and three killed, wounded and missing. A list 
of the names of these I have had the honor already to submit. The regiment was 
under fire ten hours, without intermission, viz: from eight o'clock, a. m., till six 
o'clock, p. m. Myself and officers were without food for sixty hours, except four or 
five small crackers each. 

" The regiment was braue, and I have reason to congratulate myself in having com- 
mand of as gallant a regiment as any in the seiwice. Some distinguished themselves 
above others for their coolness, many for their courage and zeal. At present, from 
want of information, I can only mention those by name who distinguished themselves 
under my own observation and that of the officers in whose reports I place great con- 
fidence: Lieutenant-Colonel G. Mott, Lieutenant and Adjutant V. M. Healy, (severely 
wounded), Lieutenant Edward A. Acton, (severely wounded,) Captains John Ramsey, 
E. C. Hopper, J. J. Cladek, Robert S. Gould, Lieutenants Wm. H. Hill, (severely 
wounded,) Simon P. Whitly, (dangerously wounded,) Geo. S. Russell, Henry H. Wool- 
ley, Thomas W. Eayre, John H. Moore, John L. Pierson. The following non-com- 
missioned officers and privates are also commended for their coinage and gallantry : 
Sergeant -Major William P. Wheeler, First Sergeant Geo. Bryan, Company I ; Sergeants 
Chas. W. Amett and Sam'l Mustard, Company A ; First Sergeant Robt. H. Bancroft, 
Sergeants John N. Flannigan and Archibald M. Kaig, Corporals Jas. McConnell and 
David Miller, privates Patrick Kane and John Irving, Company G ; First Sergeant Jno. 
K. Simonds, and Corporal I. Z. Taylor, Company D ; First Sergeant F. A. Brill, Ser- 
geants F. Cmre and J. Habie, and Corporal Wm. M. Blaise, privates Chas. Dally, G. 
W. Dally, Chas. Richter, Dallas Xoe, John Johnson and others, of Company H. 

"It will give me pleasure to do justice to other gallant men in a subsequent report, 
whose names are omitted here for want of space or information. It would be a gross 
neglect on my part were I to omit to mention in this place the names of the Rev. 
Thos. Sovereign and Assistant-Surgeon Henry F. Vanderveer, whose indefatigable labors 
and untiring zeal in attending the wounded and ministering to their comfort, merit 
higher commendation than I can bestow. The names of the gallant dead of the regi- 
ment will be cherished in the history of their country and State. 

" The casualties were, killed 10; wounded 65 ; missing 2S. 

"S. H. Starr, 
" Colonel Fifth Regiment Xew Jersey Volunteers. 1 ' 

The following is the report of the Seventh Regiment : 

" Sir : I have the honor to report our loss in killed, wounded and missing, in the late 
engagement with the enemy. Lieutenant-Colonel E. A. Carman wounded; killed, 
27; wounded, 86; missing, 10. Where all behaved gallantly, it is very difficult to 
make distinction, but I cannot but notice the coolness and bravery of Captain H. C. 
Bartlett, Company C, Captain S. D. Sims, Company I, Captain James M. Brown, Com- 
pany K, Lieutenant Witherall, Company F, Lieutenant Thompson, Company A, Lieu- 
tenant Hart, Company E, Lieutenant Harrison, Company C, Sergeant Crane, Company 
C, (Acting Sergeant-Major,) Sergeant Mallory, Company C, Acting Color-Sergeant 
Onslow, Company F, and private Jno. Taylor ; who] all displayed nnflinching courage, 
coupled with remarkable coolness, under the heavy fire to which they were exposed. 

"Very respectfully submitted, 

"Francis Price, Jr., 
'• Major Seventh Regiment New Jersey Volunteers Commanding." 



140 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION". 



Hooker called upon them to follow him against the foe, and with a 
shout they swept on to the fray. At this time the firing had com- 
menced on the right, and was rapidly running down the line of the 
railroad upon which our troops advanced. Soon the enemy were 
found in a strip of woods close to the railroad, and going into 
position, both regiments were speedily engaged, having the Excel- 
sior Brigade on their right. The fight was a furious one, continuing 
for two hours and a half without a moment's abatement. The 
Jersey regiments, indomitable in their pluck, not only held their 
ground, but by a continuous deadly fire and charges with the bayo- 
net, inflicted terrible loss upon the rebel ranks. At length, deter- 
mined to strike a decisive blow, Hooker, again placing himself at 
the head of the gallant command, charged straight into and through 
the woods, breaking the rebel lines and driving the enemy in great 
confusion for a considerable distance, recovering all the ground lost 
by Casey's Division, and ending the fight for the day on that part 
of the line. In this conflict, the loss of the Fifth Regiment was 
four men killed, fifty-one wounded and two missing. The loss of 
the Sixth was seven killed and fourteen wounded. General Hooker 
in his report of this battle again testified in the most emphatic 
terms to the gallantly of both regiments, and adds that the service 
assigned to the Seventh and Eighth, in the rear, was also performed 
to his entire satisfaction. 4 

4 [Extracts from General Hookers Report.'] 

" It gives me great pleasure to bear testimony to the continued good conduct of the 
Fifth and Sixth New Jersey Regiments. Their ranks have been greatly thinned by 
battle and sickness, and they had been encamped in the immediate neighborhood of 
troops partially demoralized from the events of the preceding day, yet on the first in- 
dication of a renewal of the conflict, I found their lines formed, and they were as ready 
to meet it as though our arms had been crowned with success. This is also true of the 
regiments of the Second Brigade. Brigadier-General F. E. Patterson was prevented 
from participating in these operations on Sunday, by sickness, and his command de- 
volved on Colonel S. H. Starr, of the Fifth New Jersey Regiment, whose energy and 
courage were conspicuous on every part of the field. Especial mention is also due to 
Colonel G. Mott and Lieutenant-Colonel George C. Burling, of the Sixth New Jersey 
Regiment, for their distinguished services on this field. Here, as elsewhere, they have 
shown themselves to be officers of uncommon merit. To these bright names I must 
also add that of Chaplain Samuel T. Moore, of the Sixth New Jersey Regiment, whose 
care and devotion to the sick will endear him to the remembrance of every soldier. He 
was the last to quit the field."- 

The brigade report of this battle is as follows : 

" Sib : I have the honor to report the part taken by this brigade in the affair with the 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



141 



The enemy having fled, the Fifth and Sixth went into camp for 
the night in their old position, but on the morrow advanced and 

— 

enemy on the 1st instant. Two regiments of the brigade (the Seventh and Eighth New 
Jersey) were sent back as a guard for the depot of supplies, at Bottom's Bridge, 
and took no part in the engagement. The other two, (the Fifth and Sixth New Jersey,) 
under General Patterson, marched forward from our late camp, late on the afternoon of 
the 31st ultimo. General Patterson was very ill, and unable to take active command, 
but accompanied us in the advance. 

" The road and fields, on both sides of the road, were thronged with flying regiments 
from the battle-ground, two or three miles in front, through whose routed and dis- 
orderly masses I was compelled to force my way with bayonet and sabre. At seven 
a, m., on the 1st instant, the Fifth and Sixth New Jersey marched forward, (General 
Patterson still being very Dl,) and were actively engaged from about quarter past seven 
a. m. until a quarter to ten a. m., two and a half hours, with the enemy ; the Fifth 
Regiment losing four privates killed, three officers and fifty-one men, commissioned 
officers and privates wounded, and two privates missing. Total, sixty. I have the 
honor of transmitting herewith a list of their names. The loss of the Sixth Regiment 
has not yet been reported to me, but is considerable less. General Hooker was himself 
a witness a part of the time of the behavior of the two regiments under my command, 
and to him I leave the comments thereon. Credit being but reluctantly recorded this 
brigade for its services, its members look inwards and upwards for their reward. The 
Fifth and Sixth Regiments have been for four days and nights under arms — in* bat- 
tle, reconnoissance, and in holding the most advanced position on this flank of the 
army. They are still under arms and see no prospect of an hour's rest for days to 
come. They have been exposed night and day to deluges of rain, and have suffered 
every species of privation incident to an army in an enemy's country. But among 
the greatest of their sufferings may be ranked the intolerable stench to which they 
have been and are exposed, arising from the unburied dead bodies of men and horses 
that were and are thickly scattered over the ground for hundreds of acres around. I 
have caused to be buried all my men's strength and time enabled them to bury, but I 
suffered many to lie unburied not many hundred yards distant. The following named 
officers deserve particular mention for their coolness under fire ; Major John Ramsey ; 
Captains W. J. Sewell, E. C. Hopper and Roswell S. Reynolds ; Lieutenants T. Kelly, 
E. P. Berry, T. P. Large and others, of the Fifth Regiment ; Colonel G. Mott, Lieut. - 
Colonel Bushing and Lieutenant Crawford of the Sixth Regiment. All these came 
under my personal observation. For want of information I am unable to name any 
othei-s of the Sixth Regiment. Lieutenant G. S. Russell (Fifth), my Adjutant, was com- 
pelled to retire from the field during action on account of illness ; while in action his 
bearing met my approval. Captain Gould (Fifth), also, from the same cause, withdrew 
by my permission, but bore himself well during the engagement. First Sergeant Wil- 
liam Newman, Fifth New Jersey Volunteers, commanded the company after Captain 
Gould withdrew from the field, and deserves high commendation. 

"S. H. Stark, 
"Colonel Fifth New Jersey Volunteers, 

' ' Commanding Brigade. ' ' 

In a private note to Governor Olden, dated " Seven Pines, June 6th," Colonel Stan- 
says: 

"I beg leave to refer to the telegram, purporting to be from General McClellan, pub- 
lished in the New York Herald, of the 2d instant. That article gives the credit to a 
regiment of Sickles' Brigade of driving back the enemy in a bayonet charge in the 
affair of the 1st. The facts are these: The Fifth and Sixth New Jersey marched upon 
the field of battle at seven a. m., and remained upon the field as long as there was an 
enemy within musket-range, in sight or within reach. The enemy was entirely re- 



142 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



occupied the ground recovered from the enemy, where they re- 
mained, being joined by the Seventh and Eighth, 5 until the 25th of 
June, being almost constantly on duty at the front. At this time 
the position was about as follows : Immediately in front of Hooker 
there was a wide field and entanglement, which was commanded 
by our troops. Beyond this, there was a belt of timber and thicket, 
perhaps five hundred yards wide, which had been bloodily debated 



pulsed along my whole front. The Eighth Alabama Regiment, a crack and pet regi- 
ment of the enemy, numbering thirteen hundred men, were the troops with which my 
men were engaged. The enemy were so careful to preserve this regiment in the best 
order for action, that it was not permitted to march upon the field like other regi- 
ments, but was brought forward by rail. The Colonel of the regiment was killed ; I 
have his horse now in my possession. The enemy having fled from before us, and my 
men lying idle, upon their arms, * * * two or three regiments of the Sickles' Bri- 
gade came up in a loose manner and formed in my rear, and, after I had left under 
orders, occupied my ground ; but there was no enemy there, nor within their reach. 
The bayonet charge with which the regiment of Sickles' Brigade is credited, if made at 
all, was made upon an empty forest, in which was not an enemy. * * * It is re- 
pugnant to me to ' fight my battles o'er again.' I am no writer; only a soldier. But 
as the Jersey troops are not mentioned in General McClellan's telegram, and credit is 
given by him where it is not due, my duty to my brave men— to the dead as well as the 
living— requires of me this explanation." 

e The Seventh and Eighth Regiments were ordered to occupy the entrenchments 
which held the roads leading to the main bridges of the Chickahominy, the bridges 
over which all the supplies from the White House reached the army, and over which 
the retreat would take place if there should be a retreat. The post was, therefore, one 
of the greatest importance. There were three entrenchments. In one was a battalion 
of the Seventh Regiment, under Major Price ; in another, detachments from the Sev- 
enth and Eighth Regiments, under Major Henry, of the Eighth Regiment ; and in the 
center was the greater part of the Eighth Regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Martin, 
who commanded the post. The troops rested on their arms during Saturday night, and 
through the day were on the qui vive. But the battle did not reach this point. The 
design of the enemy was to drive back the Union army, and then to cut a dam they had 
constructed so as to flood the swamp and swell the river, and thus destroy our army 
either by cutting it to pieces or drowning it. They did succeed in cutting the dam, de- 
signing to at least prevent supplies reaching our forces. The swamp was flooded, and 
the bridges of the Chickahominy were carried away. This was on Sunday. For a time 
there was great danger, as all the supplies were beyond the river, as also all camp furni- 
ture and a great portion of the ammunition. Lieutenant-Colonel Martin at once sent 
large details from the troops under his command, weakening the post to obviate, if 
possible, a greater disaster than even the loss of the position he held. These details 
were relieved at regular intervals. Under the charge of competent engineers, they re- 
paired the bridges, though at the expense of severe labor and great fatigue — working 
nearly all the time in the water. Not in vain, therefore, were the Seventh and Eighth 
Regiments on the field. But for their labors very serious trouble would, in all proba- 
bility, have ensued. They did another good work. A large number of stragglers, 
especially from the unfortunate division commanded by General Casey, attempted to 
reach the rear. They were arrested at the entrenchments, which, at one time, consisted 
of quite an army of these fugitives. A large number of the wounded also found refuge 
here, whose wants were kindly attended to by the regimental surgeons. 



THE SECOND BKlGrADE. 



143 



for three weeks or more, while still further beyond was another 
broad field, intersected by a stage road and railroad, and commanded 
by rifle-pits and a redoubt. For reasons known to himself, General 
McClellan desired to advance his lines so as to secure the woods, 
and obtain command of the rifle-pits beyond, and General Heint- 
zelman was accordingly ordered to push Hooker's Division into the 
disputed territory, and hold a line near the enemy's esplanade. On 
the 25th, at seven, o'clock in the morning, Hooker advanced two 
brigades— Grover's and Sickles'— into the woods, and the enemy's 
pickets being pushed back on the picket-reserve, the engagement 
soon became general and severe. The enemy having the advantage 
of position, and fighting with great obstinacy, Sickles, after a 
struggle of an hour and a half was brought to a stand still. At, 
this juncture the New Jersey Brigade was sent in as a support, and 
the fight became yet more severe and desperate. At length, charg- 
ing with Sickles' men, the brigade drove the enemy entirely 
through the woods, capturing the camp of their reserve pickets, 
and holding the position until Kearney, coming upon the scene 
with Birney's Brigade, finished the work of the day. The con- 
duct of the New Jersey troops in this engagement, known as the 
1 affair" of Fair Oaks Farm, was no less admirable than on pre- 
vious occasions, and elicited warm expressions of approval from 
Hooker and his subordinates. 6 The losses of the brigade were as 
follows : Fifth Eegiment, two killed, thirteen wounded, two mis- 
sing ; Seventh Eegiment, one killed, five wounded, one missing ; 
Eighth Eegiment, one killed and six wounded. 

From this time the brigade remained in camp until the 29th, 
when it was ordered to the rear, McClellan having determined on 
a flank movement — or more properly, a retreat — through the White 
Oak Swamp to the James Eiver. On the following morning, having 
marched until ten o'clock the previous night, the enemy cautiously 
pursuing, the brigade was ordered into position as a second line of 
battle to support Generals Kearney and McCall, who had made a 
stand at Glendale. During the afternoon of that day, McCall's 

6 General McClellan said of the affair in his report, "Hooker's Division has behaved 
as usual; that is, most handsomely." 



144 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Division was attacked with great violence by the enemy, and after 
an ineffectual attempt to resist the assault his lines gave way, and 
the entire division fled from the field, some of the fugitives rushing 
through Hooker's lines, while others rushed down the road on 
which his right was resting. Close upon the heels of these demoral- 
ized troops, came the broken masses of the enemy, pressing furiously 
on towards Hooker's ranks, under cover of a woods in front. But 
the veterans of Williamsburg and Seven Pines were ready for the 
exultant columns. Opening a rapid fire, they speedily checked 
the pursuit and then advancing, the enemy were rolled back through 
a part of McCall's camp, where they were assailed vigorously by 
Kearney and so severely crippled as to abandon, for the time, all 
operations upon our flank. In this combat, the New Jersey Brigade 
was not directly engaged, but the Sixth Eegiment had two men 
wounded by the shells of the enemy. The brigade remained in 
position until the following day, July 1st, when it fell back to 
Malvern Hill and halted under shelter of a bluff, where it was en- 
gaged as a support to our batteries, being exposed all day to a 
heavy fire of shot and shell, and losing eighteen men in killed, 
wounded and missing. 7 On the 2d, it resumed its march towards 
Harrison's Landing, reaching that point on the 3d, and going at 
once into camp. On the 20th of August, the brigade was again 
ordered on duty, proceeding (with its division) on a reconnoissance 
to Malvern Hill, where the enemy were found in small force and an 
engagement resulted, during which the brigade made a charge and 
carried the opposing works, capturing also a number of prisoners. 
This was the last engagement in which the New Jersey regiments 
participated during the Peninsula campaign, and they gladly wel- 
comed the fortnight of rest which now followed. 

No troops who fought in that terrible campaign made a more 
brilliant record than these. From the hour when, footsore and 
worn, they closed with the enemy at Williamsburg, meeting bravely 
all the fury of his attack, until the new base on the James was 

i The casualties were as follows : Eif th Regiment, killed 2 ; missing 1. Sixth Regi- 
ment, wounded 1. Seventh Regiment, wounded 4; missing 9. Eighth Regiment, 
wounded 1. 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



145 



reached, they were almost continuously engaged, their ranks growing- 
thinner with every battle ; even in the retreat, while other com- 
mands marched unmolested, they were kept night and day on the 
alert, now wading painfully through the swamps and forests, now 
halting to fight and repulse the pursuing enemy, but through all 
maintaining a serene and lofty courage, their hearts and their arms 
nerved unfailingly by the thought that, whatever might be the 
disaster of to-day, the sun would shine to-morrow, and the Cause 
surely triumph in the End. It was no wonder that such men, 
displaying such a spirit, as they marched grandly on in that 
campaign, came at last to challenge universal homage, and that, in 
the crisis of every sore and critical conflict, Hooker was wont to 
cry out for his old brigade, and when its standards came fluttering 
into view, grew hopeful in the very midst of disaster. 

The losses of the brigade in this consuming campaign are alone 
sufficient to illustrate its bravery and the estimate placed upon it 
by those in command. When it reached Yorktown, early in April, 
it numbered some two thousand seven hundred men. When it 
went into camp at Harrison's Landing, it had been reduced by one- 
third; its losses in killed and wounded alone amounting to six 
hundred and thirty-four. Of the killed, nine were commissioned 
officers, while of the wounded, thirty-nine were officers mainly of 
the higher ranks. 

On the 21st of July, General McClellan having been ordered to 
transfer his army to Alexandria, the brigade marched to Yorktown, 
and there embarking on transports, proceeded to the point desig- 
nated. Immediately upon its arrival, it was ordered to Warrenton 
Junction, whither it proceeded by rail on the 25th. At this time, 
G-eneral Pope had already been engaged with the enemy, who had 
hurried up from the Peninsula in strong force, and on the very day 
on which the Third Corps reached Warrenton, Stonewall Jackson 
had moved around our army so as to strike the railroad in its rear, 
which he did at dusk on the following day, taking position at 
Bristow Station (on the Alexandria Eailroad), whence he com- 
19 



146 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



menced at once to operate on our communications. Information 
of this movement reaching Hooker, he at once ordered the destruc- 
tion of the property at "Warrenton Junction not needed for his use, 
and advanced to meet the enemy. At Bristow Station, on the 27th, 
he found E well's Division, of Jackson's command, and immediately 
delivered battle. Here, once more, the Jersey Brigade was called 
to the most dangerous service. Being ordered to charge, the 
men rushed upon the foe with eager impetuosity, putting them to 
speedy flight, and pursuing them for a long distance with unspar- 
ing vigor and determination. In this engagement, Ewell lost a 
part of his baggage, and was decidedly worsted. Night coming on, 
he escaped total rout. On the following morning, (28th) Hooker 
and Kearney again opened the ball, the enemy falling back towards 
Bull Eun, in the vicinity of which a severe battle ensued on the 
following day, lasting until dark, with heavy losses on both sides. 
Several charges were made by the New Jersey Brigade during the 
day, but the enemy, having a strong position, were not dislodged, 
and night came down with both armies resting on the field. During 
this engagement Colonel Mott, of the Sixth Eegiment, was badly 
wounded in the fore-arm, and Lieutenant-Colonel Ward, of the 
Eighth, in the arm and side, while Captain J. Tuite, of the Eighth, 
and Captain Abbott of the Seventh, were killed, and a considerable 
number wounded. At one time during the struggle, the rebels, 
seeing that our columns were wavering, charged upon them, break- 
ing the lines both on the right and left of the brigade, and creating 
a momentary panic. But the brigade, standing firmly, marched 
out of the woods in which it had been stationed, in solid column, 
and formed another line of battle' as coolly as on dress-parade. 
The steadiness of the men in this emergency was invaluable, its 
example alone having prevented a stampede. The fighting was 
continued on the 30th, the brigade again participating, as also on 
September 1st, but the enemy being largely reinforced, Pope's army 
slowly fell back to its entrenchments, and there was a pause in 
the tumult of battle. In this series of engagements, the brigade 
suffered severely, losing at Bristow Station forty-four men in killed, 
wounded, and missing ; at Bull Eun, one hundred and ninety-nine 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



147 



men ; and at Chantilly, five ; making a total of two hundred and 
forty-eight, as follows: Fifth Kegirnent, fifty-one; Sixth, one 
hundred and four ; Seventh, thirty-six ; Eighth, twenty-five. 8 

Going into camp at Alexandria, the brigade remained undisturbed 
until the 1st of November, when Lee having been driven from 
Maryland, it proceeded towards Bristow Station, where it arrived 
on the 4th, the Fifth and Sixth Kegiments being in advance. 
Thence, on the following day, it moved on a reconnoissance to 
Oatlett Station, but, having accomplished its object, at once returned 
to its old camp, whence, shortly after, it withdrew to Manassas 
J unction. This last march was made in the midst of a snow storm, 
and the men suffered severely. On the 20th, General Burnside 
having meanwhile been appointed to the command of the army, 



8 The following is the report of the part taken by the Sixth Regiment in the battles 
of the 27th, 29th and 30th of August : 

" On Tuesday, August 26th, in compliance with orders from headquarters, the Sixth 
Regiment left Camp near Alexandria, and embarked on the cars. Arriving at Warren- 
ton Junction, we disembarked and encamped for the night. 

" Wednesday morning, August 27th, received orders to march, with three days' ra- 
tions; left camp near seven o'clock, a. m., and marched in the direction of Manassas, 
and when near Bristow' s Station found the enemy in force. After crossing a stream, 
the Sixth and Seventh Regiments were temporarily detached from the brigade by 
General Hooker in person. We then marched forward, deploying skirmishers on our 
left. In a short time we met the pickets and drove them in. We were then ordered 
to take an advanced position on a hill, to the right in front of us, which position we 
gained without loss, under a terrible fire of shell from the enemy. We were then 
ordered to relieve the Second New York, Eighth New Jersey, and One Hundred and 
Fifteenth Pennsylvania Regiments, who were engaged on the right. Immediately on 
reaching our new position, the enemy fled in great confusion, leaving their dead and 
wounded in great numbers on the field. We pursued them for two miles, and encamped 
for the night. 

" Thursday^ August 28th, pursued the enemy through the day and encamped near 
Blackburn's Ford (Bull Run) that night. 

"Friday, August 29th, left camp at 3 o'clock, a. m., pursuing the enemy through 
Centreville, down the Warrenton road. Crossing Bull Run at ten o'clock, a. m., we 
formed a line of battle and advanced in the woods to relieve one of General Sigel's 
regiments, where we found the enemy in force behind the embankment of an old rail- 
road. After delivering and receiving several volleys, we charged and drove them from 
their position, when he received reinforcements, and we were compelled to fall back 
nearly fifty yards, which position we held until we were relieved by the Second Mary- 
land Regiment. During this engagement. Colonel G. Mott and Major S. R. Gilkyson, 
while gallantly encouraging their men, were wounded. We encamped in the open field 
for the night. 

" Saturday, August 30th, formed a line of battle about four o'clock, p. m., and were 
ordered to support batteries to the right and rear of the position we had held the day 
before. Through some misunderstanding, my regiment being on the right, the other 
regiments composing the brigade were withdrawn without my knowledge, leaving me 



148 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION". 



the brigade took up its line of march for Falmouth, where it 
arrived, after various experiences, on the night of the 28th — many 
of the men being without shoes and all short of rations. During 
this march, while lying at Fairfax Station, on the morning of the 
22d, General Patterson, commanding the brigade, died suddenly in 
his tent, and Colonel Eevere, of the Seventh Eegiment, succeeded 
to the command. General Patterson was a brave and efficient 
soldier, and was highly esteemed by his command. He was 
appointed from civil life into the Second Artillery on June 24, 
1847, serving as a second lieutenant until March, 1855, when he 
was made a captain in the Ninth Infantry, remaining until 1857, 
when he resigned and retired from the service. Upon the outbreak 
of the rebellion, he was among the first to enter the field, serving 
as colonel of a three months' regiment,' and subsequently enlisting 



in a very critical position. The enemy making a charge upon the batteries in front, 
compelling them to fall back, I determined to resist their advance, when to my aston- 
ishment I found we were flanked right and left ; I then ordered the regiment to fall 
back in the woods, which was done in order, and thus checked the advance of the 
enemy in front. 

"At this time, finding the flanks of the enemy rapidly closing round us, the only 
safety for my command was to retreat. In trying to extricate ourselves from the critical 
position in which we were placed, my command suffered severely. I was enabled to 
rally my regiment on a hill, in close proximity to the battle-field, under the shell of 
the enemy, where we remained in line of battle with several other regiments until 
ordered by the ranking officer to fall back to Centreville, where we joined the brigade 
the following morning. We remained here until Monday afternoon, September 1st, 
when orders were received to march with the brigade. Near sunset we halted and 
formed a line of battle and remained in this position until daylight, when we again 
took up our line of march to Fairfax Court House. 

" I am under obligations to Captain Raker, Acting Major, who rendered efficient ser- 
vice after Colonel G. Mott and Major S. R. Gilkyson were wounded. 

" I must also mention Adjutant C. F. Moore, who, throughout the different engage- 
ments, displayed unusual courage, rendering efficient service. Captains T. C. Moore, I. 
U. Crawford and W. William, and Lieutenants J. Howeth, Thomas Lee, R. Coley, C. 
Merriam, J. W. Cogswell, J. Tallow, West, Field and Joseph C. Lee, are deserving of 
great praise for gallantry displayed in these battles, as in former ones. 

" With few exceptions, the non-commissioned officers and privates, conducted them- 
selves with that valor which has given our brigade and division the name we are 
proud of. 

" It gives me pleasure to speak of the indefatigable exertions of Surgeon John Wiley 
and his able assistant R. Hendry, and also Chaplain S. T. Moore, for their care and 
attention to the wounded. 

" The casualties were as follows : Killed 18; wounded 46; missing 36; wounded and 
missing 2. Total 105. 

"George C. Rurling, 
" Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Sixth New Jersey Volunteers." 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



149 



for three years. He was made a General in April, 1862, being 
then about thirty -five years of age. 

On the 11th of December, General Burnside having matured his 
plans for a demonstration against Fredericksburg, the brigade- 
then commanded by General Mott— moved from its camp to the 
banks of the Eappahannock. Crossing two days after about a mile 
below the city, it was pushed forward, on the loth, to the extreme 
front, companies from each regiment being detailed on the skirmish 
line. Hooker's Grand Division, however, occupying the center of 
the line of battle, and only one corps being actually engaged, the 
New Jersey regiments escaped any serious casualties — only one 
man (in the Seventh Eegiment) being killed. Late on the night 
of the same day, the brigade re-crossed the river, being among 
the last to leave the field, and occupied its old camp until the 
30th, when, after a slight change of position, went into winter 
quarters. 

The winter passed without any operations of interest. On the 
28th of January, General Hooker was appointed to the supreme 
command, and the work of re-organizing the army was actively 
commenced. This being completed, an advance was again ordered. 
The New Jersey brigade, which at this time included the Second 
New York and One Hundred and Fifteenth Pennsylvania Regiments, 
as well as the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth New Jersey, all 
under command of General Mott, crossed the Rappahannock on 
Friday, May 1st. Two regiments, the Fifth and Eighth New Jer- 
sey, were detached to guard the pontoons, while the others were 
picketed along the Rappahannock to its junction with the Rapidan, 
and thence along that river to connect with pickets thrown out by 
Carr's First New York Brigade. Soon after this disposition, how* 
ever, had been made, orders were received to withdraw the pickets 
and to advance the whole division to the front ; but while waiting 
for the Fifth and Eighth Regiments to join the brigade, General 
Mott received further instructions directing him to guard the ford, 
Lieutenant Seeley's battery being placed at his disposal to aid in 
that duty. Pickets were accordingly thrown out to join those of 
General Humphreys on the Rappahannock, and along the Rapidan 



150 NEW JEKSEY And the kebellio!?. 

for a distance of four miles. The brigade remained in this position 
until five o'clock on the afternoon of the 2d, when General Mott 
received information that the Eleventh Corps, engaged at Chancel- 
lorsville, had disgracefully broken. Fearing that a cowardly stam- 
pede might ensue, General Mott at once placed guns in position to 
guard all the approaches to the bridges, determined to arrest, at 
whatever cost, the panic-stricken fugitives from the field. About 
an hour after, an aid from Major-General Berry, commanding the 
division, reached General Mott with orders to march the brigade, 
with, the battery, immediately to the front. Hardly had this order 
been received when Colonel Dickerson, Assistant- Adjutant-General 
to General Hooker, came dashing up with an order to the same 
effect from the Commanding General. Owing, however, to the ex- 
tended line of pickets still remaining out, the brigade and battery 
did not get in motion, in obedience to this order, until nearly 
eleven o'clock at night, and the road being found blocked up by 
the First Army Corps, they did not arrive at Chancellors ville until 
about two o'clock on the morning of the 3d. Here it was joined 
by the Seventh Kegiment, which had been detached for special 
duty, and the brigade stacked arms and slept. At half-past four 
o'clock, however, it was again placed under arms and put in posi- 
tion about one hundred and fifty yards in rear of a Maryland bri- 
gade which held a slight breastwork in front. In this position the 
right of the brigade rested on the Plank Eoad, connecting with the 
First Brigade of the division. At six o'clock, the battle opened 
with skirmishing on the left which soon extended along the entire 
front, accompanied by a hot artillery fire from the enemy, the first 
shot from his guns killing two men of the Eighth Eegiment. Soon, 
the enemy advancing in force, the Maryland brigade was driven in, 
and about the same time the First Division of the Third Corps 
gave way. The Jersey brigade at once occupied the breastwork in 
front, and the engagement became general, the enemy hurling bri- 
gade after brigade against our position, but being each time repulsed 
with great slaughter ; losing also eight colors 9 and one thousand men 



9 The whole 11111111)61 of flags taken during the day was fifteen. 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



151 



in prisoners. Here for two hours, around this position, the fight 
continued, the heroic brigade stubbornly and gallantly holding the 
breastwork. During the contest, General Mott was wounded, when 
Colonel Sewell, of the Fifth, assumed command. At length, how- 
ever, the men having almost exhausted their ammunition, and no 
supports, although repeatedly sent for, being advanced to their aid, 
the command reluctantly withdrew to the rear of the Chancellor 
House, where it reformed. Soon after, finding that the enemy had 
taken possession of some works thrown up for the protection of 
artillery, Colonel Sewell, though the brigade was terrible thinned, 
gallantly led it to another charge, driving the rebels clear out of 
the works, and planting his colors right on the parapet. 10 Finding, 
however, that an attempt to hold the position would only result in 



10 A writer in the Washington Chronicle gives the following description of the grand 
charge of the brigade : 

" Now came one of those splendid achievements seldom occurring in this war so far, 
hut which, when occurring, cover a soldier's career with imperishable glory. A mass 
of men from twenty different regiments had gathered along the line where the Jersey 
Brigade was formed, as if uncertain what else to do with themselves. Colonel Sewell, 
who commanded the brigade, (General Mott' having been wounded,) with the quick 
instinct of a true soldier, at once took them in hand, and rallying them around his 
colors, ordered the whole line forward. At the time, the rebels were swarming out of 
the woods, and moving rapidly across the low ground and up the declivity, and it 
seemed madness to advance. But Sewell wanted to recover the hill in order to plant 
our artillery there again, should it succeed in procuring ammunition. Seeing the line 
hesitate, Sewell himself galloped a hundred feet to the front, and waving his sword, 
called upon 'the Jerseymen, at least, to follow him.' His gallant example was irre- 
sistible. 

" With a rush and a cheer, amid a storm of bullets forward the whole line went, on 
the double quick, planted every one of their regimental colors on the little earth- 
works that crowned the crest of the hill, and repulsed every attack that the swarming 
rebels dared make upon them. Sewell gallantly held the positions, until satisfied that 
the artillery would not again come up, and then steadily, in good order, fell back and 
rejoined the division in the rear of Chancellorsville — the battle soon after ceasing. 
This gallant feat was witnessed by many officers high in rank, and is but another of the 
illustrious deeds of valor that crowd the history of Hooker's old division. Well may 
General Hooker call it his 'Old Giiard.' In the past it has never failed him, and in 
the future he may rely upon it implicitly ' every time. 1 

" The Jersey Brigade that day won lasting renown. The long and careful training 
that General Mott and his predecessor, General Carr, had given it, met with its appro- 
priate reward. Its praise was in every mouth, and its splendid valor was the pride of 
the army. 

" Sewell's fine soldierly conduct, and his eminent capacity for command, were com- 
plimented on the field, and the brigade looks to him to-day as the fit successor to the 
gallant Mott, who, by a long course of meritorious services, has won the right to com- 
mand a division. Hooker is not the General to forget a valuable man. He believes in 
the sensible maxim of Carlyle's, ' The tools to Mm\who can use them 1 " 



152 



NEW" JEBSEY AND THE KEBELLICXN". 



the sacrifice of his command, he withdrew under a severe fire, 
losing men at every step, and took position in the new line in the 
rear of the Chancellor House. 

Probably no engagement in which the brigade was ever engagec. 
was more severe and bloody than this. It is certain that, bravely 
as the men had fought on other desperate fields, they had never 
displayed greater heroism and sturdy obstinacy of purpose than on 
this occasion. Without exception, every regiment engaged fought 
with the utmost possible gallantry and spirit. During the day, 
General Mott had two narrow escapes ; a ball at one time passing 
between his bridle-arm and body, while afterwards, being dis- 
mounted, he was struck with a musket ball in his left hand, which 
penetrated the forefinger and fractured the bones of two other 
fingers. After receiving this wound, he remained on the field for 
some time, the wound bleeding freely, but was compelled at length 
to retire. Among the incidents by which the battle was marked, 
one at least, as illustrating the spirit with which it was fought, 
deserves to be recited. At one period of the engagement, a section 
of artillery belonging to Dimmick's Kegular Battery, First Artillery, 
being in danger of capture, all the cannonneers and horses having 
been killed, General Mott dispatched Captain Nichols with 
a detachment of men from the Eighth New Jersey Eegiment 
to bring it off by hand. This was attempted under a perfect hail 
of shot from the enemy. The detachment faltered for a moment, 
but only for an instant, when General Mott ordered the colors to 
be brought up, and declared that he himself would lead the detach- 
ment. The men with loud cheers rallied in a moment, and the 
General led them through the leaden hail for a considerable dis- 
tance, when his Assistant- Adjutant-General, Thomas "W*. Eayre, of 
Burlington County, took his place and led them to the battery 
under a most galling and terrific fire. The battery was rescued, 
and the gallant heroes of the Eighth, with the brave Captain 
Nichols, dragging it off, brought it safely into our lines. The 
losses of the brigade during the day amounted to three hundrec 
and seventy eight men, as follows : Fifth Regiment, twelve killed, 
one hundred and four wounded, nine missing ; Sixth Regiment, 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



153 



six killed, fifty-nine wounded, eight missing ; Seventh Regiment, 
six killed, forty-three wounded, four missing; Eighth Eegiment, 
twenty-one killed, ninety-six wounded, ten missing. 11 Among the 

11 The following is an extract from Colonel Sewell's report of the action of the 
brigade : 

"* * * ^f a y 2d, marched to the front, at ten o'clock, p. m., reaching the advance 
line at two o'clock, a. m., where the Seventh New Jersey joined the command. At 
half-past four o'clock, a. m., May 3d, the brigade was under arms, and immediately 
afterwards was placed in position in the second line, its right resting on the plank road, 
and connecting with the First Brigade of this division. At six o'clock, a. m., skirmish- 
ing commenced on the left, and soon extended along the whole front, accompanied by 
a hot artillery fire from the enemy, which was very destructive to regiments in the 
second line. At half-past six, a. m., the enemy advanced to the attack, driving in our 
skirmishers, and soon afterwards a j>art of the first line nearest the road. The position 
vacated by the first line was taken by the Fifth and Eighth New Jersey Regiments of 
this command, when the engagement became general, the enemy advancing in such 
strength that the second line became engaged in fifteen minutes after the first line was 
attacked. It has been the fortune of this brigade to have participated in many hard- 
fought actions, but former experience was nothing in comparison to the determination 
of the enemy to carry this position. Battalion after battalion was hurled against our 
ranks, each one to lose its colors, and many of its men taken prisoners. The Seventh 
New Jersey here took five of the enemy's colors, the Fifth New Jersey three — the bri- 
gade at least one thousand prisoners. At half-past eight o'clock, a. m., I was informed 
by Captain Eayre, Assistant-Adjutant-General, of General Mott being wounded, as 
also Colonels Burling and Park, which left me in command of the brigade. General 
Mott, up to this time, had been wherever his presence was necessary — his gallantry in 
this, as in previous actions, inspiring confidence in all. I now rode to the right of my 
line, and, crossing the plank road in search of General Berry, found that he had been 
killed some time previous. My ammunition was nearly out, and the enemy on my 
right flank. I here found the Eleventh New Jersey, of the First Brigade, and re- 
quested Colonel McAllister to advance for the protection of my flank, to which he 
very gallantly responded, driving the enemy and relieving me from an enfilading fire ; 
but to hold the position longer, it required reinforcements. I sent Captain Eayre to 
Major-General Sickles, to state my condition, but did not receive any encouragement. 
Immediately afterwards, I went to him myself, but with the same result ; there were 
no reserves at his disposal. The enemy still advancing in great force, I fell back slowly 
in rear of the line of batteries, where, under the orders of General Sickles, and with 
the assistance of Lieutenant-Colonel Hayden, of his staff, I reformed the remnants of 
the brigade. Previous to this time, Colonel Francine had retired from the field, (un- 
well,) having fought his regiment gallantly up to that time ; but, unfortunately, now 
taking with him some four hundred of the brigade, under the impression that I had 
been wounded, which left me with about three hundred men and the twelve colors of 
the brigade. The batteries soon retired, their position being immediately occupied by 
the enemy's infantry. The fire became so hot here, that, to remain in that position, 
would be only to sacrifice my men, and, having no orders to retire, I advanced once 
more on the double-quick, again driving the enemy, taking possession of the small 
works thrown up for the protection of our guns, planting the colors of the brigade on 
the parapets. My last round was fired here, and no sign of support coming up, I re- 
tired from the field, under a severe fire from the enemy's artillery and infantry, losing 
men at every step. Joining the division in the rear of the Chancella: House, I re- 
ported to Brigadier-General Carr, and was assigned a position in the third line of the 
new position. In this action, the brigade lost five officers killed, forty-six wounded, 
fifty enlisted men killed, three hundred and seventy-four wounded, and forty-eight 

20 



154 



HEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



killed were Lieutenants Sawyer and Moore, of the Fifth, while 
among the wounded were Colonel John Kamsey, of the Eighth, 

missing, most of which are supposed to have been killed or wounded when falling 
hack. 

"May 4th, the enemy shelled our position, wounding two officers and four enlisted 
men. 

" May 6th, marched toward United States Ford, re-crossed the river and arrived in 
camp the same day. To mention any number of officers in this brigade for gallant 
conduct would be an injustice to the whole, where all behaved so nobly. To have 
fought with this brigade on the 3d of May, 1863, is an honor which time cannot efface ; 
and the proud satisfaction of having performed their duty to their manhood, their 
country and their God, is their reward. 

"W. J. Sewell, 
"Colonel Fifth New Jersey Volunteers, 

" Commanding Brigade." 

The following are some of the regimental reports : 

"Sir: I have the honor to forward herewith a report of the part taken by this 
(Fifth) Regiment in the movements and actions of this army from the 28th ultimo to 
the 16th ultimo, inclusive. 

"On the evening of the 28th ultimo the regiment started from camp and marched to 
the left about four miles and bivouacked. The following morning (29th) changed posi- 
tion and encamped for the night. Next day marched up the river from our bivouac 
to one mile beyond Briar Church, a distance of eleven miles, where we rested for the 
balance of the night. 

" On the morning of May 1st, 1863, crossed the Rappahannock, and took up a posi- 
tion in support of a battery guarding 'United States Ford;' returned and went on 
picket; drew in our pickets and returned to our former position in support of the bat- 
tery and slept on our arms that night. In the morning (May 2d) went on picket south 
of the Ford, and immediately atter posting our picket line, were re-called aud marched 
to the front, arriving on the advanced lines after midnight and slept on our arms. 

"May 3d, at daybreak, the regiment stood to arms, and soon after were advanced a 
short distance to the support of the line immediately on the left of the plank road, 
Avhere, after laying under fire about an hour, the enemy advancing in superior force, 
caused the line in our front to give way, when, Colonel Sewell leading the regiment, 
charged the enemy, repulsed and drove him from the breast-work, up to which he had 
advanced, and he twice afterwards, on being repulsed, endeavored to take, but was each 
time driven back with great loss. During this time we captured three stands of colors 
and a great number of prisoners. The loss of the enemy in our immediate front was 
at least three to one. This occupied about three hours, during which time the regi- 
ment was under incessant fire. 

" During the action Colonel Sewell was called to the command of the brigade, when 
Major Angel assumed command, but, being shortly after wounded, the command 
devolved upon me. 

"The regiment. went into action three hundred and twenty strong, and lost, during 
the engagement, as follows ; Killed and wounded 116 ; missing 8. Total 124, (a list of 
which I forwarded to you through Major Smith.) 

" I have to speak in the highest terms of the conduct of both officers and men during 
the engagement. Their courage and coolness was admirable under the most severe fire I 
that the regiment has ever experienced. 

" After coming out of the engagement I formed the regiment in rear of a line already I 
formed, resting on the main road near the headquarters of General Hooker. I had, at 
this time, several men from other regiments that I had collected together, and seeing I 
Colonel Francine, of the Seventh New Jersey Volunteers, whom I had just learned had I 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



155 



Colonel Burling, of the Sixth, Major Angel, of the Fifth, and a 
large number of subordinate officers. The brigade remained on 

assumed command, (lie having heard that Colonel Sewell was wounded,) taking a party 
of men to my right, I joined him with my command, when he marched us to the rear, 
as far as the United States Eord. Shortly after arriving there, we received an order 
from Colonel Sewell to proeeed again to the front, which we were proceeding to do, 
and had got within a few hundred yards of our destination, when we were again 
marched to the rear by Colonel Francine, hut being overtaken by an order from General 
Carr, then commanding the division, to return, he turned the command over to Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Olmstead, Second New York Volunteers, and we again proceeded to the 
front, where we joined the balance of the brigade and bivouacked. 

"Vikgil H. He ALT, 
"Captain Fifth New Jersey Volunteers, 

"Commanding Regiment." 
The following is the report of the commanding officer of the Seventh New Jersey 
Regiment : 

"I have the honor to submit the following as the proceedings of my regiment in the 
late movement against the enemy. At ten o'clock, p. m., Tuesday, (April 28th,) having 
just returned from picket line, the regiment joined the brigade and marched to the 
left and bivouacked near ' White Oak Church' early the next morning. At daylight we 
were massed to support troops in front of us. We remained in that position until one 
o'clock of the afternoon of the 30th, when we retraced our steps and crossed the river 
at the United States Ford early on the morning of the 1st of May. 

"We remained at or near the ford doing picket duty until the following morning about 
eight o'clock, a. m., when I received an order to report my regiment to General 
Humphreys, commanding Third Division, Fifth Army Corps. I did so without delay, 
and he assigned me a position on his extreme left to cover the approaches by the Mott 
or River road to the United States Ford. Early in the afternoon of the same day he 
(General Humphreys) ordered me to take a small body of picked men from my regiment 
and reconnoiter the position of the enemy in my immediate front, to note the topograph y 
of the country, and the apparent strength of the enemy, and the means of their approach 
to our lines ; this I did, penetrating the country for two miles in one direction and a 
mile and a half in another. My report was highly satisfactory to the General. I 
am indebted deeply to Captain James McKiernan and Daniel R. Burrell of my regiment 
for valuable services rendered upon that occasion. At midnight, I moved my regiment 
to the right of our line, by order from General Meade through General Humphreys, 
and joined the brigade, arriving there at about two o'clock, p. m. The following 
morning (Sunday) at about five o'clock, a. m., my regiment was again detached from 
the brigade, and under orders from Major Tremain, of General Sickles' staff, filled up 
a gap occurring between Birney's right and our immediate front. After a short time 
my regiment advanced into the woods in front of the breast-works, and by maintaining 
a flanking position under a very heavy fire for over three hours, captured five stands 
of colors and over three hundred prisoners ; among the latter, one colonel, one major 
and several line officers. The colors were taken from the Twenty-first Virginia, 
Eighteenth North Carolina, First Louisiana, Second North Carolina, and the fifth from 
some Alabama regiment. The Second North Carolina Regiment we captured almost 
in toto. At about nine o'clock, the ammunition giving out, and the muskets becoming 
foul, I ordered the regiment to fall back from the woods ; after this a regiment having 
fallen back from our breast-works, and the enemy coming close upon thdm (Second 
North Corolina State troops), my regiment charged and captured their colors and 
themselves almost wholly. Again we fell back slightly, and confusion occasioned by 
our lines in front getting in disorder, threw my regiment farther back to the rear. At 
this time, through exhaustion, my voice left me entirely, I being scarcely able to speak 



156 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



the field until the 6th, when it re-crossed and occupied its old 
camp. 

The invasion of Pennsylvania by General Lee, followed close 
upon the battle of Chancellorsville, and in the fighting around 
Gettysburg on the 2d and 3d of July, the Second Brigade again 
suffered heavy loss. At this time the One Hundred and Fifteenth 
Pennsylvania and Second New Hampshire Eegiments were attached 
to the brigade, which was under the command of Colonel Burling, 
of the Sixth Eegiment, General Mott not having recovered from 
his wound received at Chancellorsville. The Corps (Third), com- 



in a whisper ; upon the advice of my surgeon, I retired from the field, the command 
then devolved upon my Lieutenant-Colonel, whose report I here enclose. 

It wouW. be impossible for me to single out individual cases of courage, where all of 
my officers and men behaved with such gallantry and discretion. The trophies they 
took from the enemy speak more eloquently for their actions than any words I 
might use. 

"For able and gallant assistance I owe much to my field officers, their coolness 
and bravery in manoeuvering the men saved much loss of life, confusion and panic. I 
regret to announce, by the loss of Lieutenant George Burdan, the loss of a brave and 
efficient officer. My loss in killed, wounded and missing was one hundred and fifty- 
three, an official list of which I enclose: Killed, 6; wounded, 44; missing, 3. 

"Louis R. Francine, 
" Colonel Seventh New Jersey Volunteers." 

To the above, Lieutenant-Colonel Price adds the following report of the Seventh, 
after being left in command : 

" The regiment was at a halt, waiting for ammunition, when, finding the regiment, 
(of the Twelfth Corps,) who had relieved us, falling back, I commanded that we should 
charge the woods again. We went through the woods nearly to the plank road on our 
right. Our ammunition being nearly exhausted, the regiment halted. A regiment 
came up of our troops to hold our place. I retired in good order, until this regiment 
broke through our ranks. I rallied the regiment on the crest of the hill. The regi- 
ment then retired in good order to the top of the hill, where we charged to the church 
on the left. We then rallied and formed in line, immediately behind the batteries that 
were placed in the earthworks. We remained in this position until the batteries were 
taken from the field. We then retired to the next line of batteries, which were posted 
on top of the hill. We remained there until the batteries left their position. During 
this time, I lost Captain Daniel Hart, of Company E, and Second Lieutenant Richard 
Cooper, of Company F, who had acted very bravely, and had done everything in their 
power to assist me in rallying the men. After the batteries had left, we retired to the 
Chancellor House, where I found my brigade commander, who I reported to. Nothing 
of any note occurred after this ; no casualties occurred, no movement took place, until 
we left the field on the 6th of May. 

"I cannot close without making mention of Major Frederick Cooper, who, although 
suffering from a severe attack of rheumatism, staid with the regiment and did all in 
his power, both to rally and encourage the men. 

"I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"Francis Price, Jr., 
"Lieutenant-Colonel Seventh New Jersey Volunteers." 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



157 



manded by General Sickles, occupied the left of our line, the 
Second Brigade being posted as a reserve to two other brigades of 
the division. On the afternoon of the 2d, the enemy opened upon 
this position, but was silenced by our batteries; subsequently, 
however, charging with infantry in heavy columns and with great 
impetuosity. But he was met with a determination equal to his 
own, and finally repulsed, though the brigade was throughout 
subjected to a terrible fire of musketry and artillery. A second 
time, however, being reinforced, the rebels advanced, when, being 
greatly outnumbered, our men fell back. At this juncture, Seeley's 
Battery, Company K, regulars, was brought up and placed in 
position, supported at first by another and later by the Fifth 
Regiment, lying on the side of the road directly in front. The 
enemy at once brought his guns to bear so as to* rake the road, 
the infantry fire being simultaneously renewed. In the face, how- 
ever, of this tempest of battle-hail the Fifth Regiment held its 
position for a time, but other regiments giving way, it was also 
ultimately compelled to fall back with the battery, Colonel Sewell 
and acting Major Iiealey, of the Fifth, being badly wounded, 
while Colonel Francine and Lieutenant-Colonel Price, of the 
Seventh, with many other' officers, sustained serious hurts. On the 
following day, the brigade was again engaged, but did not suffer 
seriously. Its losses in this engagement, in the Jersey regiments, 
were two hundred and ninety-six. The Fifth and Seventh Regi- 
ments suffered most severely. 12 The total loss, including the 



13 The loss in each regiment was as follows : Fifth, killed 13 ; wounded 65 ; missing 
16. Sixth, killed 1 ; wounded 32; missing 8. Seventh, killed 15; wounded 86; miss- 
ing 13. Eighth, killed 7 ; wounded 38 ; missing 2. 
The following shows the operations of the Fifth Regiment in this battle : 
" The regiment had been on picket during the night of the 1st instant, about one 
mile and a-half from Emmettsburg, on the road leading from that place to Hagerstown. 
At two o'clock, a. m., the pickets were called in, and the regiment joined the brigade, 
and at daybreak marched with the brigade towards Gettysburg, reaching the battle- 
field at about ten o'clock, a. m. From that time until four o'clock, p. m., l the regi- 
ment, in common with the rest of the brigade, changed its position several times, the 
most of the time under a heavy fire of artillery from the enemy's batteries, which had 
taken position on the left of the Emmettsburg road. The casualties in the regiment 
up to this time were few. At about four o'clock, p. m., the regiment was ordered to 
relieve another regiment in support of battery K, (Captain Seeley's,) Fourth United 
States Artillery, which was in position near the Emmettsburg road, just south of the 



158 NEW JEESEY AND THE [REBELLION. 

Pennsylvania and New Hampshire regiments, amounted to five 
hundred and thirteen. 



' apple orchard.' We took this position, moving by the right flank at the double-quick. 
In order to occupy the front assigned the regiment, it had to be deployed as skirmish- 
ers, thus forming rather a singular line for the protection of a battery of six guns. At 
this point the rebel artillery fire was very severe and effective, one battery pouring an 
enfilading fire, principally of spherical case, immediately up the road. Very soon after 
we arrived on the road, another or more than one rebel battery opened upon us from 
the woods at our left and front. Captain Seeley's battery then became engaged, a 
battery to our right soon after, and one to our left facing south down the road, which 
had been engaged before we arrived. This artillery fire was kept up very rapidly for 
an hour or more, our regiment all the time losing men, the most of them, however, 
being but slightly wounded by the spherical case. During all this time there was no 
infantry firing on our part of the line. At about five o'clock, however, the skirmish- 
ers in our front- (the First United States Sharpshooters) were driven in, and immedi- 
ately after a dense line of the enemy's infantry was seen advancing over a knoll, about 
six hundred yards distant, to our left and front ; and as this line advanced, the infantry 
on both sides became engaged. The carnage at this time was fearful. The regiment 
to our left, however, was soon compelled to fall back, and our regiment, small as it 
was and deployed over so large a front, could offer but little resistance to the rebel 
lines of battle. Seeley's Battery, which we felt to be our special care, was also com- 
pelled to fall back. The regiment was collected around the pieces of the battery, and 
it and the battery in retreat. This was kept up until another line of ours was reached, 
near the position first occupied by our brigade in the morning, and about one hundred 
yards from our position on the road. During this retrograde movement, we lost many 
men, and it was at this time that Colonel Scwell, our gallant leader, was severely 
wounded by a musket ball in the thigh. Captain Healy, acting Major, was also 
wounded by a shell in the hand and thigh. Before leaving the road, I had been slightly 
wounded in the head by a musket ball, and had left the field. 

"The regiment was now left under command of Captain Godfrey, and reinforcements 
arriving from the Fifth Corps, was withdrawn from the field; that night the regiment 
bivouacked near the stream in the rear of the battle-ground. On the morning of tbc 
3d, I rejoined the regiment and took command. 

"During the day we were under fire several times, but met with no casualties, the 
loss on the 2d inst., was nearly fifty per cent, of the whole number engaged. 

"We believe that our regiment assisted materially in gaining the victory over the 
invading rebel army, and have added something to the reputation already won on many 
hard- fought fields ; every officer and man was in his place and did his duty. 

"H. H. Woolsey^ 
" Captain Fifth New Jersey Volunteers, 

"Commanding Regiment." 

A note from Colonel Burling says of the operations of the brigade at this time : 

"We arrived on the field of Gettysburg July 2d, early in the morning. The day 
before I was left at Emmettsburg with the brigade and Smith's Battery to guard the 
Hagerstown road. July 1st, at one o'clock, a. m., I received orders from General 
Meade to immediately join the corps at Gettysburg, which I complied with. The 
brigade was detached from our division and ordered to report to General Birney, com- 
manding the First Division. In compliance with orders, I sent the Fifth New Jersey 
Volunteers to skirmish in front of our division, and the Seventh New Jersey and 
Second New Hampshire to support General Graham in the Peach Orchard. With the 
Sixth and Eighth New Jersey and One Hundred and Fifteenth Pennsylvania we con- 
nected De Trobiand's and Ward's Brigades of the Fust Division of our corps, and 
charged across a wheat field, clearing it of the enemy. I then sent the Sixth New 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 159 

Upon the retreat of Lee across the Potomac into the Shenandoah 
Valley, the Second Brigade proceeded to Bealton, where it went 
into camp, and was rejoined by General Mott on the 29th of 
August. 13 From this time forward until early in October, the 

Jersey to a ledge of rocks called the Devil's Deu. Eventually we were all driven back 
from this advanced position. The next day the brigade was massed in support of 
batteries, when our losses were eompartively light." 

13 The operations of the brigade, in the interval between the battle of Gettysburg 
and its arrival at Warrenton, July 26th, are thus stated in the official report : 

"Sunday, July 5th, we received orders to be ready to move on short notice. Mon- 
day morning we started after the fleeing enemy, but after a very short march, returned 
to our starting point. Tuesday, we started at three o'clock, a. m. , and marched 
through Emmittsburg, and reached Mechanicsville near sunset. Bivouacked for the 
night. Eesumed the march at daylight, passing through Frederick, and bivouacked 
on the Middletown Pike, one mile out, at ten o'clock, p. m. Started at four o'clock, 
a. m. Marched through Middletown, reaching Xew Baltimore about noon, where we 
halted until near dark, resuming the march again, and halted about midnight in South 
Mountain Pass. Started again at 7 o'clock, a. m., passing through Eeadysville, and 
crossed Antietam Creek, and halted until ten o'clock, p. m. Eesumed the march, re- 
crossed the creek, and bivouacked for the night near Boolsville. Marched at six 
o'clock, a. m., a short distance where the Third Corps was massed, in rear of one ot 
the bridges crossing Antietam Creek, in reserve. Starting again at four o'clock, p. m., 
crossing the Antietam and marching about three miles to the right, and bivouacked 
for the night. 

"Sunday, 12th, received orders that the General Commanding would attack the 
enemy. About noon, we moved to the left, and massed in the woods, about one mile 
and a half in rear of Marsh Creek. Here we bivouacked for the night ; remained in 
this bivouac until Tuesday, the 14th. Started at five o'clock, a. m., to occupy ground 
vacated by a division of the Twelfth Corps, which had advanced to reconnoiter the 
enemy' s position. As they advanced, we followed within supporting distance. It being- 
discovered that the enemy had crossed the Potomac, we bivouacked for the night. 
The following morning, we resumed the inarch at daylight, passing through Fairplay 
and Sharpsburg, crossing the Antietam over Bumside's bridge, marching about half a 
mile, and bivouacked for the night. Marched at six o'clock, a. m., the next morning, 
( Thursday. ), to within three miles of Harper's Ferry, and remained until the next after- 
noon. Eesumed the march at fom- o'clock, crossing the Potomac and Shenandoah, at 
Harper's Ferry. Marched one and a half miles towards Hillsboro' and bivouacked for 
the night; started at six o'clock, a. m., and reached Hillsboro' about noon; stayed here 
all night; starting in the morning at eight o'clock, and marched within rive miles of 
Snicker's Gap, bivouacking for the night ; starting in the morning at four o'clock, a. 
m., and reached Upperville about three o'clock, p. m. Eemained here guarding Ashbv's 
Gap until noon of Wednesday, July 22d, when we resumed the march, and reached 
Piedmont Station, on the Manassas Gap Railroad, about one o'clock, p. m. At a late 
hour that night I was ordered to be ready to move the brigade with the division at four 
o'clock, a. m., July 23d, to support the first division of this corps. We reached Lin- 
den Station in Manassas Gap near noon of the 23d. I was here ordered to detail a regi- 
ment to support a battery on the heights commanding Chester Gap road ; the Seventh 
Xew Jersey Volunteers were detailed in compliance with that order. I will here state 
that at the time of our leaving Uppenille the Sixth Xew Jersey Volunteers was detailed 
to guard the wagon train, leaving me with four (1) small regiments, numbering not 
more than five hundred and fifty (550) muskets. We advanced in column of division 
closed in mass, changing our position from the right to the left side of the main road 



160 NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 

brigade 'was not actively engaged. Participating, however, in the 
movements along the Rapidan, which culminated in the withdrawal 
of our army to the north bank of the Rappahannock, and subse- 
quently to the vicinity of the Bull Run battle-field. It retired' with 
its division, on the 13th of October, to Centreville, whence it was 
dispatched to guard McLean's Ford on Bull Run, some two miles 
above Union Mills, where the enemy was suspected of a desire to 
cross with a view of flanking our position. This suspicion was 
soon realized. On the afternoon of the loth, a large body of 
cavalry appeared in front of Mott's position, and dismounting a part 
of his men attempted to drive in our pickets, but was for a time 
unsuccessful, subsequently, however, the rebels being reinforced, 
the pickets retired to the north side of the river, whereupon the 
enemy charged down to the ford, under cover of artillery, with 
both cavalry and infantry, and taking position in some old rifle 
pits, opened a murderous fire upon the gallant Jerseymen. But 

leading to Front Royal, and rising a high ridge which had been carried by the first divi- 
sion. I was now ordered forward by General Prince to support the Second Brigade of 
our division, which had charged and was driving the enemy. The column was imme- 
diately put in motion and deployed while advancing, and continued to advance in line 
of battle to a crest of a hill within easy supporting distance of the Second Brigade, 
where, by General Prince in person, we were ordered to halt. While in this position 
the enemy opened a slight artillery fire which wounded two men. We remained in this 
position all night, the men laying on their arms. Early the next morning, I was ordered 
to advance, leading the division column, the Second New Hampshire Volunteers 
were deployed as skirmishers on the right and left of the road, the One Hundred and 
Fifteenth Pennsylvania and Eighth New Jersey Volunteers supported the right, and 
the Fifth New Jersey Volunteers the left of the skirmishers. In this order we pressed 
the distance of three miles to Front Royal, the enemy falling back slowly before us. 
In approaching Front Royal the line of skirmishers and supports passed over a steep 
mountain, densely wooded, and with thick undergrowth. After a short stay at Front 
Royal, I was ordered by General Prince to withdraw my skirmishers and march to the 
rear by the flank, the object we came for being accomplished. 

At Markkam Station we bivouacked for the night, and next day marched to seven 
» miles from Warrenton. It was extremely gratifying to me to observe the promptness 
that both officers and men evinced in overcoming the difficulties of the advance, the 
weather being extremely warm, and the ground very uneven, and covered in many 
places with a thick undergrowth almost impassable for man or beast. 

I feel indebted to Captain F. W. Eayre, Assistant- Adjutant-General, Lieutenant Cul- 
ver, A. A. I. G., and Lieutenant Thompson, A. D. C, for their promptness in com- 
municating my orders on the field. 

Sunday, July 26th, started at five o'clock, a. m., and reached Warrenton at eleven 
o'clock, a. m., where we went into camp. 

Very respectfully submitted, 

George C. Burling, 
Colonel Sixth New Jersey Volunteers, Commanding Brigade." 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



161 



the latter had participated in too many hard-fought battles to shrink 
from such an assault. While one detachment returned the fire of 
the rebels, another, with shovels, threw up a temporary cover, and 
thus affording our skirmishers some protection, the fight went on 
vigorously, until Eobinson's Battery and a section of Seeley's being 
put in position, the enemy's guns were silenced. The skirmishers 
of the two forces in this brilliant affair were scarcely one hundred 
yards apart, only the waters of Bull Eun flowing between them, and 
on either side of which they lay concealed behind ridges of earth, 
showing themselves only to give and receive the leaden compli- 
ments. Towards evening the enemy retired, and our men. crossing 
the stream, took possession of both banks. The total loss of the 
brigade amounted to twenty -nine men, while the enemy lost some 
sixty in killed and wounded. 11 The defence of the ford was directed 

14 A correspondent of the New York Herald, writing at the time, said: "A Union 
corporal was caught on the western hank of the river when the rebels advanced, but- 
managed to make his escape from the enemy, immediately on the close of the skirmish. 
He reports the rebel loss about sixty in killed and '.wounded, including a colonel.'" 
The same writer adds: "General Mott behaved with coohiess and courage, and so 
soon as the enemy withdrew, threw his men across the river, and would have pursued 
had the opportunity been given him." 

The official statement of our losses is as follows : "Fifth Regiment, 1 killed and 7 
wounded ; Sixth, killed, — , S wounded, 3 missing ; Seventh, 5 wounded ; Eighth, :l 
wounded; One Hundred and Fifteenth Pennsylvania, 2 wounded. 

General Mott's report of the action of his brigade in this affair is as follows : 

"After leaving Centreville with the division, on the morning of the loth, I was 
ordered by an aid of General Prince to proceed with my brigade and a section of Seeley's 
Battery to McLean's Ford, and to hold it should the enemy attempt crossing at that 
place. I immediately proceeded there, and ordered Colonel Burling, Sixth New Jersey 
Volunteers, with his regiment, to take possession of some old rifle pits on the north 
side of said ford, and to throw out pickets well in front on the opposite side of Bull 
Run stream. I was informed ;that General Warren, commanding the Second Corps, 
would connect with my pickets on the right, and General Carr, commanding Third 
Division, Third Corps, on my left. The communication was not entirely made when 
a column of the enemy's cavalry, at half-past two o'clock, p. m., was seen debouching 
from the woods, in the direction of Manassas Junction, into a large plain immediately 
in my front. He immediately dismounted a part of his men and attempted to drive 
in my pickets, whom I strengthened from the Sixth New Jersey, and ordered the One 
Hundred and Fifteenth Pennsylvania to support them, and repulsed his skirmishers, 
which were soon reinforced and again advanced on my pickets, who, as I had ordered, 
retired to the rifle pits on the north side of the river. The enemy now brought up a 
battery of artillery and opened a very sharp and accurate fire, not only on the Sixth New 
Jersey Volunteers and One Hundred and Fifteenth Pennsylvania, occupying the rifle 
pits, but on the balance of my brigade, which was posted on the high ground and on 
the right and left of the road leading to the ford. The dismounted men, now in 
considerable force, came on with then* own peculiar yell, and charged to the brink of 
he stream, expecting to carry the ford, but that and a number of similar charges 

21 



162 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



throughout by General Mott, and was admirable and efficient in 
the highest degree. 

The brigade subsequent to this action participated in all the 
movements of the corps up to the close of- the year, but was not 
again engaged — finally going into winter quarters at Brandy Sta- 
tion. 13 

were repulsed handsomely by my men in the rifle pits, assisted by a detachment from 
the Fifth New Jersey Volunteers that were occupying a small earthwork a little to my 
right of the ford (all under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Gilkyson, Sixth New 
Jersey Volunteers), with considerable loss to the enemy and but slight to my com- 
mand. I ordered Lieutenant Smith, commanding a section of Seeley's Battery, to 
open with grape, shell, or whatever he had that would be most effective in repulsing 
the advance of the enemy, when to my surprise, he started to leave with his guns, 
giving as a reason that he was afraid of losing them. As my whole brigade and the 
Bull Run river were between the enemy and him, I did not think that the danger was 
imminent. I, therefore, repeated the order, when he fired but two or three rounds, 
and again limbered up for the purpose of leaving. About this time a section of 
Robinson's Battery (Fourth Maine,) reported, so 1 allowed Lieutenant Smith to leave 
with his section. The conduct of this officer, to say the least, was very strange. 
Upon inquiry, I am informed that it was the first time he had had a separate command, 
that he was a young officer, and has formerly conducted himself gallantly, and I hope 
by passing this over, he will prove by his future actions that there was an error in 
judgment and not a willful disobedience of orders. When the section of Robinson's 
Battery reported, it was so short of men that I had to detail some of my infantry to 
hold the horses and put the drivers to working the guns. There being no officer with 
the section, Captain J. M. Crawford, A. A. D. C, took command, and got one of the 
guns to work, which did considerable execution. I was informed that the sergeant 
who started in command, and was ordered to report to me, was wounded on the way. 
Captain Randolph now reported to me that the balance of Captain Robinson's Battery 
had arrived, which he had posted to my left, and also took the section with him. The 
men in the rifle pits had now nearly exhausted their ammunition, and I relieved them 
with portions of the Fifth and Eighth New Jersey Volunteers, which was successfully 
done without losing a man, although under a sharp musketry fire. The action lasted 
about two hours, then the enemy withdrew with a loss (as I afterwards learned,) of 
some sixtj r killed and wounded, and with a portion of his artillery disabled — the latter 
showing that Captain Robinson did good service with his battery. At about seven 
o'clock, p. m., the One Hundred and Fifty-first New York Volunteers, Lieutenant- 
Colonel Bowers, reported to me with about three hundred and fifty men (350). I placed 
him on the left of the road leading to the ford ; and although under a heavy artillery fire 
for a short time, I am happy to state, met with no casualties. The officers and men 
of my brigade behaved with their accustomed gallantry, and well sustained their hard 
earned reputation, and gave the enemy their usual greeting. My command can 
hardly be called a brigade, although consisting of five (5) regiments. The field return 
showed, on the morning of the action, but six hundred and ninety-one (691) muskets, 
but I have the consolation of knowing that the numbers that have been lost are nobly 
accounted for." 

15 During the winter, Colonel Burling, of the Sixth Regiment, was obliged to quit 
the service, with which he had been connected from the start — having entered the 
three months' service in command of a company from Burlington ; and, after serving 
for that term, joined the Sixth (three years') Regiment as Captain, serving in that 
capacity until March, 1862, when he was made Major of the regiment, continuing as 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



163 



On the 3d of May, General Grant, who had succeeded to the 
command of all our armies, having completed his preparations for 
a summer campaign, ordered an advance towards the Wilderness, a 
densely-wooded tract of table land, stretching southward from the 
Rapidan nearly to Spottsylvania Court House. The Second Corps, 
with which the Second Brigade 16 was now identified, crossed the 
river at Ely's Ford, and moved straight on to Chancellorsville, 
where it arrived on the 5th, scarcely a shot having been fired. 
Meanwhile the other corps were brought into position, and the 
enemy took up a line parallel with our advance. On the 5th, the 
Fifth Corps, under Warren, was heavily assailed by a large force 
of the enemy, the Sixth Corps being at the same time attacked by 
another force under Ewell, and a stubborn battle ensued, night 
closing upon the field. Meanwhile, the Second Brigade had been 
advanced to an elevated position on the Brock road, which extends 
to the east towards the Spottsylvania and Fredericksburg road, 
where breastworks were hastily thrown up — two regiments, how- 
ever — the Fifth and Eighth New Jersey, under command of Col- 
onel William J. Sewell — moving up the road to its junction with 
what is known as the Furnace road, where Sewell was placed in 
command of the skirmish line. From this position, an advance 
was presently ordered, and the men dashed impetuously over the 
breastworks, eager to engage the foe. At this point, however, as 
elsewhere upon the field, so dense was the undergrowth that it was 

such until about the 1st of June, when he was commissioned as Lieutenant-Colonel. 
He commanded the regiment (Colonel Mott being wounded,) during part of the Pope 
campaign, and subsequently, Mott being made Brigadier-General, was promoted to 
the Colonelcy. In the Chancellorsville campaign, (as also at Williamsburg and the 
second Bull Bun,) he was wounded, but not seriously, rejoining the command after a 
brief absence, and, as senior Colonel, taking command of the brigade. He then par- 
ticipated in the Gettysburg campaign, and later in the year performed arduous service, 
in charge of a detached command in the vicinity of Culpepper. Some months later, 
his health failing, he was medically advised to quit the service, and accordingly, with 
some reluctance, he sent in his resignation, which was accepted March 4, 1861. He 
was warmly esteemed by both officers and men, and was the recipient, after leaving 
the service, of a handsome testimonial of their regard. 

16 General Mott was now in command of the division, and Colonel McAllister of 
the brigade, which at this time was known as the Third Brigade, of the Third Division , 
and included the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth and Eleventh New Jersey, the First 
and Sixteenth Massachusetts, and the One Hundred and Fifteenth Pennsylvania Begi- 
ments. 



164 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



found impossible for the troops to maintain their alignment, so 
that, when coming into line of battle, owing to the pressure from 
the Sixth Corps on the right and the Excelsior Brigade on the left, 
there was not sufficient room to form a line in two ranks — causing 
for a time considerable embarrassment and difficulty. The move- 
ment, however, continued, the line of battle presently passing over 
the skirmish line and opening fire, which was promptly returned. 
At this moment, unaccountably as it seems, the left of the line sud- 
denly gave way, and the confusion becoming general, regiment 
after regiment fell back, all efforts to rally them short of the breast- 
works being ineffectual. 17 The enemy, however, did not advance, 
and the corps held its position during the night. 

At five o'clock on the morning of the 6th, six regiments of the 
brigade 16 again advanced, three regiments, the Fifth, Sixth and 
Eleventh New Jersey, being placed under Colonel Sewell. The 
men were soon in position, the regiments under Sewell skirmishing 
briskly as they moved into an open space in "Ward's Brigade, which 
had become divided, leaving two of its regiments on Sewell's left. 
Steadily the line advanced, pushing the enemy back, and taking- 
many prisoners. About ten o'clcck, the firing on this part of the 
line ceased for a time, and the men obtained a brief rest, but towards 
noon, having received reinforcements, the enemy again opened on 
the left and rear of the brigade. Being thus flanked, Colonel Mc- 
Allister changed his line so as to face the enemy, and a body of 
troops in his front giving way, he became speedily and actively 
engaged, delivering volley after volley into the rebel ranks. Again, 
however, the enemy flanked his left, and being exposed to a fire in 

" General McAllister's official report of this battle says : "It is impossible to assign 
any cause for this panic, unless it was the fact that a large number of the troops were 
about to leave the service. * * * In the advance, the Eighth New Jersey was on 
my right, and in coming up found themselves in the rear of the left regiment ot the 
Sixth Corps, who were engaging the enemy. The men of the Eighth laid down, but 
soon the troops in front gave way, and the Eighth received the fire from the enemy. 
The Fifth, on its left, then gave way and carried back with it a part of the Eighth, 
leaving Captain Steele, with a small portion of the regiment and the colors. He was 
afterwards relieved by Brigadier-General Ward, and deserves notice for his gallantij 
The loss in this regiment was heavy." 

is The Eighth New Jersey, Twenty-SixtbTennsylvania, and Sixteenth Massachusetts, 
were at that time detailed from the brigade and in the rear. 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



165 



the front, on the left flank and rear, he ordered the troops to fall 
back to another line. Here again, however, they were taken in 
flank by a withering fire, and after fighting desperately for a time 
to hold the position, the men yielded, still contending every inch 
of the way, and retired to the breastworks, where the brigade was 
re-formed under shelter of the works and abattis. The fighting up 
to this time had been of the most furious character, the enemy 
•throwing his heaviest masses of troops against the corps, and 
displaying a courage amounting almost to madness in his desire 
to break our lines and obtain possession of the road. But our 
veterans were equally resolute, equally courageous, and only when 
overwhelmed by superior numbers, fell back, fighting grimly as 
they went, to their original line. Here, upon the re-formation, 
Colonel McAllister, addressing his men, told them they must hold 
the line — the second — at whatever cost; and bravely did tbey re- 
spond, when, as the enemy at a later hour again advanced and our 
first line presently gave way, they received the full shock of the 
assault. Not a man in the brigade faltered or fell back ; but stand- 
ing in solid ranks, firing with deliberate aim and unceasing activity, 
they held sternly in check the menacing columns. So rapid and 
destructive was their fire that the enemy found it utterly impossible 
to .hold the first line of works to which he had advanced. One 
of the finest charges of the day was made at this time when the 
Sixteenth Massachusetts and Eleventh New Jersey Eegiments 
swept resistlessly across the intervening field and took possession of 
the works which the enemy had vainly endeavored to secure. 
Shortly after this charge) Colonel McAllister's horse was killed, and 
he was injured by a spent ball which paralyzed his leg, and com- 
pelled him to retire for a time from the field. The fighting on the 
left, however, was over for the day, and our exhausted forces rested 
substantially on the ground they had held in the morning. On the 
following day, when Colonel McAllister again took command of 
the brigade, it was not engaged, merely shifting its position to 
another point on the Brock road. 19 On the 8th, it moved to a 

is In a letter to the writer, Lieutenant-Colonel Schoonover says, in reference to this 
engagement : " None who passed through the battle of the Wilderness will ever forget 



166 



NEW JERSEY AST) THE REBELLION. 



position near Todd's tavern, where it remained until the 10th, 
when, our army having cleared the Wilderness and concentrated 
around Spottsylvania Court House, it advanced to a position on our 
right, and late in the day moved to the assault. At this time, the 
brigade was in the front line, and the Sixth New Jersey acted as 
skirmishers. Moving through the woods, it drove back the enemy's 
skirmishers towards their works ; but on reaching the open field, 
the rebels opened their batteries, enfilading our lines and causing a 
portion of the line to fall back and take position at the foot of a 
hill, where pickets were thrown out and our forces remained for 
the night. The following day was comparatively quiet. At night- 
fall, the corps was ordered to move silently to the left, where it 
took position between Wright and Burnside. At dawn of day, 
(12th,) under orders from Grant, the corps moved swiftly, in two 
lines, upon the enemy, the Jersey Brigade being in the second line. 
Before them was a salient angle of earthworks, held by a division 
of Ewejl's Corps. Swiftly, grandly sweeping over the intervening 
space — a distance of some one thousand two hundred yards, rugged 
and thickly-wooded — the assailants dashed with " a thundering 
cheer" over the front and flank of the enemy's works, surprising 
and overwhelming the rebels in their trenches, and capturing thirty 
guns, with some three thousand prisoners, including two Generals 
and fifty line and field officers, who were secured and sent to the 
rear. In this heroic charge, the Second Brigade behaved with the 
greatest gallantly. In the advance the first line, so rapid was the 
movement, parted in the open field, leaving an open space into 
which McAllister pushed his brigade, who promptly moving for- • 

it. On the night of the 7th, I was picket officer for the division; and this night's 
duty was one of the most unpleasant I ever performed in the army. To establish a 
picket line at night, in an almost impenetrable wilderness, would be at any time a 
difficult task, but in addition to this it lay through the battle-ground of the previous 
day, and in many places the bodies of the dead strewed the ground so thickly that it 
was difficult to guide my horse among them. At this point, which was on the right 
of the plank road, the two lines fought with a small stream between them, and on the 
brow of the hill on one side the rebel dead lay in a perfect line, for at least two hun- 
dred yards, so closely as to enable a person to step from one to another for the entire 
distance." 

This extract shows the severity of the contest on other parts of the line, as well as 
on that held by the Jersey Brigade. 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



167 



ward, shared in the glory of driving the enemy from his works and 
joining in the pursuit, until, rallying his forces, he took the offen- 
sive, and compelled our troops to fall back to the captured works. 
Here the brigade aided in hauling off the captured guns, some of 
the men at one time turning two of the pieces upon the enemy who 
showed a disposition to advance. 20 

The enemy of course could not afford to be defeated at this 
juncture ; failure at this point would have been annihilation ; and as 
soon as the surprise was over, he rallied to the assault, righting with 
tremendous determination to regain the lost works. For hours the 
fight raged with unexampled fury, the men fighting hand to hand, 
with their hostile flags sometimes' planted on opposite sides of the 
same breastwork. Again and again the enemy dashed against our 
our solid columns, and again and again was repelled with frightful 
carnage. Night came down with its gloom, but still the fight went 
on, nor was it until after midnight that Lee desisted and left the 
victors in possession of the works. 

The behavior of the New Jersey regiments in this terrible battle 
was superb. 21 For fourteen hours they stood the very brunt of the 

20 "Captain H. D. Crane, Seventh New Jersey, with a squad of his men, succeeded 
in removing and manning one of these guns. Adjutant C. F. Moore and Lieutenant 
S. T. Note, with a squad of men from the Sixth New Jersey, Drought hack and manned 
another steel gun, which private Page, of the Eleventh, efficiently helped to work. 
Two brass pieces were also brought back by other parties from my command. Great 
credit is due these officers and men for their gallantry. Captain William J. Evans, of 
the Seventh New Jersey, lost his life while thus engaged. He worked heroically 
throughout." — Colonel McAllister- s Report. 

21 Lieutenant-Colonel Schoonover, in reference to the steadiness of the Eleventh Regi- 
ment, says : "On the 10th, when the division was repulsed in making a demonstration 
against the enemy's works, a portion of the Eleventh Regiment were the only troops 
rallied, and with these I established a picket line, where we remained until the next 
clay, when we were joined by the Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania, and a demonstration 
against the enemy's sharpshooters was made, resulting in the loss of a number of men, 
and Lieutenant Savage severely wounded." In the same letter, speaking of the fight 
at the salient point, of which no full account has ever been given, the writer says : 

"After the enemy's first line was carried in the morning, our troops were repulsed 
from a second, running nearly at right angles to the first, and fell back behind the 
captured line, the reverse side of which gave so little protection, and was so completely 
covered by the enemy's second line, that our troops were forced to yield it on the 
right, and move farther to the left. The enemy at once took possession, occupying 
the same line of works, and succeeded in extending their line until their right reached 
the point where their artillery was captured in the morning,, and here their flank was 
well protected by traverses, and we were in great danger of losing the entire position, 
but, fortunately, just at this point there was a hollow extending out from the works, 



168 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



storm, never yielding an inch, or losing heart in their work. All 
around them the slaughter was terrible, but they remained unap- 
palled. The rebel dead were piled in heaps on their side of the 
works, presenting a spectacle of horror almost without parallel. 
Among the dead were many wounded, writhing under the bloody 
heaps. On McAllister's immediate front, where the enemy repeat- 
edly threw forward his massed columns to break our lines, a tree 
measuring twenty-six inches in diameter was (it is said) cut down 
by musket and rifle balls — a fact which shows better than any 
description the intensity of the fire. The Eleventh Eegiment suf- 
fered heavily in the battle, Captain Sleeper and Lieutenant Egan be- 
ing among the killed. The loss in killed and wounded in the 
brigade was seven hundred, not including prisoners and stragglers. 22 

and here, by great exertion, a line was formed nearly at right angles to the captured 
line, and a fire opened over the works before the enemy took full possession. The 
point was saved. The enemy had possession of the works, but the constant fire over 
the top, which we delivered from the brow of the hill, made it certain death for them 
to show their heads. Yet scores of them, either ignorant of our position, or over- 
anxious to single out an officer, would raise their heads above the works and fall back 
dead men. A great portion of their firing was at random over the works, and from 
these random shots we suffered most, as they were generally high, striking our men 
in the head and inflicting fatal wounds. It was by these shots that Captain Evans, of 
the Seventh New Jersey, and General Mott's Assistant Adjutant-General, were killed. 
All day long we tried to dislodge them from these strong works, but without success. 
Our only safety was to keep up a constant fire over the top of the works, and it was 
kept up without cessation. The rebels were protected by strong traverses on their 
side of the works, but we could only hold our position by a constant fire to keep them 
down. Relief after relief was brought up, and ammunition by the wagon load was 
disposed of. I do not believe that less than one hundred thousand rounds of cart- 
ridges were fired at this one. point, during the day and night. The trees in front that 
received the fire were completely stripped of their foliage, from top to bottom. It 
looked as though an army of locusts had passed through. 

" It was here that the tree was said to have been shot off with bullets, but I am in- 
clined to believe that it was first badly shattered with a cannon ball. The firing was 
kept up until midnight, when it is believed the enemy evacuated the position. I 
visited the ground early the next morning, and within a space of fifty yards, two hun- 
dred and fifty rebels lay dead and dying, most of them shot in the head. A short 
distance from the works lay two Colonels, with their horses near them, and close by 
an abandoned rebel flag was picked up. 

"About ninety of our own men lay dead along^ the brow of the hill, or along the 
works, where the almost hand-to-hand fight took place. Nearly all were shot in the 
head. 

" I do not think the history of the Avar presents another fight of this same character, 
and one of which there is so little known. Had this little point been given up, the 
entire position captured in the morning would have been lost. By holding it, the 
whole position was held." 

22 Colonel McAllister, in his official report, says of the fight at the salient point: "The 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



169 



This battle, undecisive as it in some respects undoubtedly was, 
satisfied both commanders that further immediate fighting would 
be useless, and while there were combats here and there during the 
'succeeding days, no general engagement was brought on, the Union 
troops occupying the time in burying the dead and fortifying, 
while the enemy sought in vain for a weak point in our lines. On 
the 15th, the troops under McAllister, were called out to repel an 
assault upon our pickets, which they did, though with some loss, 
(twenty in all,) being exposed to an enfilading battery fire as well 
as a musketry attack. Lieutenant Joseph 0. Baldwin, of the 
Eleventh Eegiment, who for some time had held a position on the 
staff of Colonel McAllister, while sitting with that officer and the 
Lieutenant-Colonel, leaning against one of the traverses of the line 
of works occupied by the regiment, was struck on the head by a 
shell and instantly killed — the shell then rolling to the feet of his 
companions without exploding. Lieutenant Baldwin, who was a 

massed columns of the enemy advanced again and again, and each time were driven 
back ; hut still the battle raged. Heavy masses of our troops held them in check, de- 
termined not to let them gain an inch. Irrespective of commands, the officers present 
moved forward troops to hold this point. Having now lost the entrenchments to our 
right, Ave formed a line in an obtuse angle. But line after line melted away before 
the enemy's fire, and it seemed almost impossible to hold the crest of the hill. The 
Sixteenth Massachusetts Volunteers was ordered, by General Mott, from my left to 
this position. They lost heavily, and the brave Lieutenant-Colonel Waldo Merriam, 
commanding the regiment, was killed. Much credit is due the officers and men of this 
regiment. About this time the brave and gallant F. W. Eayres, A. A. G., of General 
Mott's staff, was also killed. Now and then, ammunition would run out — a new sup- 
ply would be furnished ; guns would become foul, when we would order the men back 
to wash them out, and then return to fight on. The rain poured down, the mud be- 
came almost impassable, and men became exhausted. Night closed on us, but if we 
ceased firing for a moment the rebels would advance. The First Regiment Massachu- 
setts Volunteers were now brought on the line to relieve some that were worn down 
with fatigue. They fought splendidly until the firing ceased, about three o'clock, 
a. m., on the morning of the 13th, after firing several hundred rounds of cartridge to 
the man. 

"The brigade I had the honor to command, though mingled with others to some 
extent, bore a gallant part in this terrible battle. Many of them stood under that 
galling fire for fourteen hours. The officers and men present did their duty faithfully. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Schoonover, Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers, deserves great 
credit, for assisting to get off the artillery, urging men forward, and encouraging them 
to stand to their posts — he remaining from the beginning of the contest to its close. 

"Had not the utmost exertions, bravery and gallantry been displayed by the officers 
and men of the several organizations, we would have lost all that was gained that day. 
The cool bravery there displayed by both officers and men, as individuals, surpasses' 
anything I have ever witnessed in previous contests." 

22 



170 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



young man of more than ordinary promise, had but a few weeks 
before returned to the field from the burial of his wife, and for some 
time had betrayed unusual sobriety of thought, at if the shadow of 
his coming doom, being cast before, had touched him with some- 
thing of its chill depression. He had been in the service from the 
beginning, having volunteered at the first call for troops, and in 
every position he had performed his duties with rare fidelity and 
efficiency. 23 His sudden fall occasioned a deep sensation in his 
regiment, and was lamented by hosts of friends in his native State, 
who had anticipated for him a brilliant career of usefulness and 
honor. 

On the 16th of May, Colonel McAllister resumed command, 
temporarily, of his own regiment, the Eleventh, General Mott 
taking the brigade, and the division being incorporated with that of 
General Birney. At that time, the Eleventh Eegiment, so heavy had 
been its losses, had but one line officer on duty. On the 23d, having 
two days previously moved into position on the rebel flank, at Bowl- 
ing Green, the corps (under Hancock.) was ordered forward in 
pursuit of the enemy, who had retired to the south side of the North 
Anna, and taken a new position admirably calculated for defence. 
Advancing to the river at Chesterfield bridge, a division of Long- 
street's Corps, oecupjdng both sides of the stream, was found ready 
to dispute our passage, but after a vigorous fire, they were driven 
in disorder from the redoubt held by them on the north bank, and 
throwing up breastworks our forces prepared for a decisive 

- 3 In a letter written the day after this sad event, Colonel McAllister says : 
"Lieutenant Baldwin was an officer of great promise, and a truer patriot never drew 
a sword." Lieutenant-Colonel Schoonovcr,",writing of the same affair, says : " Sunday, 
May 15th, the third day after the battle of Spottsylvania, was one of the saddest of my 
army life. Lieutenant Joseph C. Baldwin, then my acting adjutant, a most estimable 
young man and a valuable officer, met with a most sudden death. The line of works 
occupied by the regiment on that day was built with traverses, and at that time was 
being enfiladed by one of the enemy's batteries. Lieutenant Baldwin and myself were 
sitting side by side, leaning against one of the traverses, when a shell forced its way 
through between two of the heavy logs, crushed the back of Lieutenant Baldwin's 
head, rolled on a few feet and stopped. As my head was leaning against his at the 
time, I was for an instant stunned, and I could hardly realize what had taken place 
when consciousness returned. At a glance I saw Lieutenant Baldwin dead by my side, 
myself covered with blood, and an unexploded shell lying a few feet in my front. The 
sudden death of a valued friend, under such circumstances, made an impression which 
time cannot easily erase." 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



171 



encounter. During the ensuing night, several efforts to destroy the 
bridge were made by the enemy, but all were baffled. At ten 
o'clock on the following morning, one hundred men, one-half of 
whom were from the Second Brigade, under McAllister, crossing 
the river, stormed and carried the redoubt on the south side — this 
achievement being promptly followed by the advance of the entire 
corps, which established itself in the enemy's works and held them, 
notwithstanding repeated attempts to dislodge it. The enemy's 
main position, however, being found invulnerable, Grant, on the 
26th, ordered a general movement by the flank, the army, after 
various manoeuvers, turning southward and taking the road to 
Richmond. After heavy skirmishing along the Tolopotomy, in 
which the Second Brigade had an active part, the corps reached 
Cold Harbor, where, on June 3d, it participated in the assault upon 
the enemy's lines, suffering severely but gaining important advan- 
tages as to position. The Eleventh Regiment lost several men in 
this engagement, as at other points along the line of advance. On 
the 7th, our army having gradually moved from its position, ex- 
tended its left to the Chickahominy, the brigade going into the 
trenches at Baker's Mill, where it remained until the 12th, suffering 
a few casualties from the enemy's shells, but having no general 
engagement. From this point, the corps was shifted across the 
Chickahominy on Lee's right, and marching swiftly to the James, 
crossed that river on the afternoon of the 14th, and fell into line 
for a general assault upon Petersburg. On the 15th, Smith's Corps 
of Butler's army, advancing upon the enemy, carried the outer line 
of defences, but did not follow up his advantage. On the 16th, 
therefore, Grant delivered an assault of all his forces, which resulted 
in a general advance of our lines, but at a heavy cost of life. 
Birney, of Hancock's Corps, stormed and carried the ridge in his * 
front, McAllister having charge of all the Jj^ew Jersey regiments 
in the first line of the Second Brigade of th/e di '^ion, and the last 
line being commanded by General Mott. T'he f is a desperate 
one, and all the New Jersey troops suffered sev ie Eleventh 

Regiment losing forty-four in killed and w a, out of one 
hundred and fifty taken into the fight— Ca^^iD. Layton, a brave 



172 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION 



and efficient officer, being among the former. The contest continued 
through the night, and in a desultory way during the following 
day, the enemy struggling continuously to recover the ground he 
had lost. 2 * Grant, supposing that the enemy in front had not yet 
received expected reinforcements, late on the evening of the 17th 
ordered another general assault for the 18th, and at dawn the corps 
advanced, driving the enemy from his first line of works and 
pursuing him for three-quarters of a mile, when he took possession 
of a new and more formidable line, from which he could not be 
dislodged, chough later in the day a charge was made in front of 
the Hare House. In this advance, our men were exposed to a 
scorching fire and hundreds fell along the plains, but the line swept 
on, notwithstanding, and for two hours held a position near the 
rebel works. In retiring, many wounded were left behind. Still 
later in the day another charge was made, in which the Jersey 
regiments participated, but this also failed, with heavy loss — the 
First Maine Heavy Artillery, who had the advance, losing six 
hundred and thirty-two out of nine hundred men. The conduct 
of all the New Jersey troops engaged was excellent. 25 

From this time forward until the 21st, the contest raged with 
more or less fury all along the lines, the belligerents being so 
close at times that conversation, in the pauses of the strife, could 
be easily carried on. On the night of the 19th, McAllister ad- 
vanced his line and gained some advantage, (including the recovery 
of most of the wounded and many of the dead,) two regiments of 
sharpshooters in his command so annoying the enemy as to pre- 
vent his firing with any regularity or precision. This brigade 
was under tire continuously, losing some four hundred up to the 
20th, that is, in three days. On the 23d, Grant having determined 
upon an attempt to turn the enemy's right, the corps was ordered 



2* In this movement, 
Brigade of the divisic - 

25 "After the M 
dying ; the lat' 
been told tha 
ground that he 
whose pitiful cries 
Letter of Colonel Mcx^ dsi t Jun 1 19, 1864. 



ntil the 25th, Colonel McAllister commanded the Second 
ich he was attached. 

y retired the ground was strewn with dead, wounded and 
•iter, water,' but no relief could be sent them. I hav 
was asked of General Lee, and that he refused it on th 
Hundreds of our wounded thus died in our sight, t 
,ve most gladly responded, could we haye done so." 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



173 



to again advance, which it did through a difficult and wooded 
country. The Second Brigade had General Barlow on its left ; on 
his left the Sixth Corps was to take position, but failing to make 
the connection, the rebels about noon fell with great force upon 
Barlow's Division, and throwing it 'into confusion, pushed in on 
the flanks of the Second and Third Brigades, rolling them up and 
forcing them back with a loss of four guns and many prisoners- 
one brigade alone losing over three hundred in killed, wounded and 
prisoners, besides a large quantity of entrenching tools abandoned 
to the enemy. The loss of the Eleventh Regiment was twenty-six 
in all — Major Haisey being captured. Later in the evening, Mc- 
Allister was ordered to advance, with a view of recovering the lost 
ground, which he did very handsomely, driving the enemy out of 
the works he had constructed after his success in the morning, 
and holding the position. Next morning, it was found that the 
rebels had fallen back to their original line, and our forces advanced 
to the works which had been temporarily wrested from them. 

Up to this time, the brigade had been constantly employed, with 
scarcely a day's relief, either in fighting, marching, or working in 
the trenches. For nearly two months it had participated in the 
heaviest and most arduous labors of a campaign of unprecedented 
severity ; it had lost largely in officers and men, had suffered from 
exposure and often from want of food ; but it was still animated 
by the same heroic spirit, the same unfailing confidence which 
characterized it when it first marched against the enemy. Remem- 
bering the dead who had fallen with their faces to the foe, the 
wounded it had left behind, it meant to hold firmly on its way — to 
" fight it out on that line" — at whatever cost, and so at once to 
avenge the fallen and secure the plaudits of the living. The total 
losses of the brigade, during the months of May and June, amounted 
to one thousand six hundred and thirty-two men in killed, wounded 
and missing, the casualties in the New Jersey regiments numbering 
seven hundred and fifty, as follows : Fifth Regiment, one hundred 
and sixteen killed, one hundred and nineteen wounded, twenty-two 
missing ; Sixth Regiment, sixteen killed, ninety-nine wounded, 
eight missing; Seventh Regiment, thirteen killed, eighty -six 



174 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



wounded, fifty-nine missing ; Eighth Regiment, fifteen killed, one 
hundred and forty wounded, twenty-five missing ; Eleventh Eegi- 
ment, fifteen killed, ninety-seven wounded, twenty missing. Of 
the killed, eight were officers, while of the wounded thirty -five 
were officers. 

The brigade remained in the trenches until the 12th of July, 
when it was moved out, and after various unimportant movements, 
went into reserve camp, the men being employed in various duties, 
pending Burnsicle's mining operations before Petersburg. On the 
26th, the corps was quietly transferred from the extreme left to the 
extreme right, across the James River, at Deep Bottom, where it 
attacked the enemy, and drove him some distance, capturing four 
guns and six caissons. It was then as quietly returned to its former 
position before Petersburg, holding the front line of works on our 
right when, on the morning of the 30th, Burnside's mine, some 
three miles distant, was exploded. During this da}^, the Third 
Brigade, which rested on the Appommatox River, was exposed to 
a heavy fire from the rebel batteries posted opposite, but the men 
were so well protected that only eight casualties occurred, three of 
which were in the Eleventh. Here it remained until August 12th, 
when the corps moved to City Point, embarked and proceeded once 
more to Deep Bottom, where on the 14th, Barlow's Division assailed 
the rebel works, but without success. On the 16th, another assault 
was delivered, General Mott sending in two regiments of the Second 
Brigade against the eastern front of the enemy's defences. Of these 
regiments, the Eighth New Jersey and Eleventh Massachusetts, 
both under direction of Colonel McAllister, the latter was stationed 
as a reserve, covered by the crest of a hill, while the former 
moved forward as a forlorn hope, the object being to develope the 
enemy's strength. 26 The gallant Eighth, under command of Colonel 
Ramsej 7 , advanced steadily under a deadly cross-fire from the rebels, 
who opened all their guns and musketry, but it was soon found 
that it would be impossible to reach the works, and the command 



26 Colonel McAllister says of this affair: " Colonel Ramsey did much to urge his 
men forward under that terrific fire, and great credit is due him and his gallant little 
regiment for the bravery thus displayed." 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



175 



slowly retired. Under all the circumstances, the advance was one 
of the finest of the campaign, the regiment numbering at the time 
only one hundred men, of whom sixteen were lost in this charge.' 7 

27 Extracts from General Mott's Division Report : "In compliance with orders from 
Headquarters Second Army Corps, the division broke camp at three o'clock, p. m., and 
marched /to City Point, arriving at nine o'clock, p. m. The heat was excessive and 
the road very dusty. Although I made frequent halts and marched very leisurely, the 
command suffered very much, and several cases of sunstroke was reported to me. At 
half -past nine o'clock, p. m., of the 13th, commenced to embark on board of trans- 
ports which occupied until dark, (part of the wharf being occupied by other troops 
which were embarking to proceed to Washington.) As the transports were loaded they 
proceeded down the river rendezvousing near Light House Point. At ten o'clock, 
p. m., the fleet started up the river for Deep Bottom, arriving at one o'clock, a. m., 
of the 14th. After having a wharf built, part of which was a canal boat and part trestle 
work, commenced to disembark at two o'clock, a. m., of the 14th, and finished at eight 
o'clock, a. m. Massing the division on the bank of the river, having previously thrown 
some pickets well out, immediately deployed two (2) regiments as skirmishers to 
advance across Strawberry Plain, to see if the enemy occupied the woods in front and 
old rifle pits, from which we drove him on a former expedition. We found some 
small posts of the enemy in the edge of the woods, but had no difficulty in driving 
them back to the woods and occupying the works near what is called the Tavern and 
Pottery, on the New Market and Malvern Hill road, followed by the First Brigade 
of this division, commanded by General De Trobriand. My skirmish line was again 
advanced, under the able command of Colonel E. R. Biles, Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, who had already led the advance, driving the enemy across the open field 
and woods to his main position, under the protection of his main line of works. Here 
some considerable skirmishing and demonstrations were carried on until my skirmishers 
reached a crest running along a corn-field between the enemy's main line and the New 
Market road, the left resting on an impenetrable swamp, and the right connecting 
with General Miles' Brigade, of General Barlow's Division. The Second and Third 
Brigades massed near the Gate Posts, on the New Market and Malvern Hill road. 
About five o'clock, p. m., I received orders to send a brigade to report to General 
Barlow. The Third Brigade, Colonel McAllister commanding, was sent in accordance 
with said order. Was relieved and returned to my command about daylight on the 
morning of the 15th inst. On Monday, loth, according to instructions from Head- 
quarters Second Army Corps, I ordered the Second Brigade, Colonel Craig, to report 
to Major-General Birney to form a part of his force during the operations of the day. 
I would respecfully call the attention of the Major-General commanding to the report 
of Colonel Pulford, (who assumed command of the brigade after the wounding of 
Colonel Craig,) and particularly to the part where he claims to have taken three (3) 
commissioned officers and one hundred (100) privates prisoners, although I understand 
there is none to his credit ; also that, during the time it was absent, it was ordered to 
report to no less than three different general officers, and again to the order of Major* 
General Bimey, when said brigade was relieved from his command. I also relieved 
the picket line of General Miles' First Division, and moved the Third and First Brigades 
with the exception of the Twentieth Indiana and Fortieth New York, which were left to 
hold the breast-works and to protect the extreme left to near the junction of the cross 
roads in rear of the line, at the intersection of the New Market and Long Bridge road. 
During the day I made several demonstrations so as to draw the enemy's attention to 
my front, and prevent his sending reinforcements to his left, where an attack was to be 
made by the First Division, (General Barlow.) At seven o'clock, p. m., an order was 
received to send a regiment, under a good commander, to the piece of woods nearest 
the bridge head, with pickets well out on the Malvern Hill road. The Eleventh New 



176 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Further assault at this point — other parts of the line having also 
been repulsed — being considered impracticable, though the enemy 

J ersey Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Schoonover, was accordingly sent. On Tuesday, 
the 16th, I strengthened my picket line with two more regiments, before daylight, 
with instructions to he very watchful, and to make frequent demonstrations to prevent 
the enemy reinforcing his left, while an attack was made at that point by Major-General 
Birney with the Tenth Corps and a brigade from each division of the Second Corps. 
These demonstrations were made frequently during the day. At three o'clock, p. in., I 
advanced; the Eighth New Jersey deployed, supported by the Eleventh Massachusetts, 
through the woods and into a corn-field on my right, to feel the enemy. They were 
received with a hot musketry and shell from the enemy's works. After skirmishing 
for some forty minutes they were withdrawn with a loss in the Eighth New Jersey of 
fifteen (15) killed and wounded. I made a similar demonstration on my left with the 
Twentieth Indiana Volunteers, driving in the enemy's pickets, but were soon checked 
by the fire from the breast- works of infantry and artillery. Pending this, Captain Ford, 
ordnance officer of the division, with a detachment of the Fortieth New York, 
secured and brought away one eight (8) inch howitzer and three (3) wagon loads of 
ammunition, for which I enclose copy of receipts. These demonstrations were 
materially assisted by a steady shelling of the enemy's position by Rickett's Penn- 
sylvania Battery and one of the gunboats on the river. During the day the regiment 
sent to the woods, near the bridge-head, was withdrawn. Remained quiet during 
the night. August 17th, at eight o'clock, received word that the brigade sent on the 
15th to form part of Major-General Birney's force could be spared from his line. I 
immediately dispatched a staff officer to bring it back to the division, where 
it arrived about eleven o'clock, a. m. No active operations during the day, 
the enemy, however, showing considerable force along the breast-works, and rein- 
forcing his picket line. Thursday, the 18th, the day had been quiet along my line, 
until about five o'clock, p. m., when the enemy opened with artillery on my picket 
line, (throwing an occasional shot into the woods where the troops were massed,) and 
at the same time making an attempt to advance his pickets. These demonstrations, 
twice repeated, were repulsed without difficulty, and were evidently made to keep us 
where we were, and to create a diversion while making an attack on the extreme right. 
Finding out this, I deployed the balance of the First Brigade near the junction of the 
cross-roads of the New Market, Malvern Hill and Long Bridge roads, where the at- 
tack was the most persistent. The other two brigades were held in readiness for any 
emergency. At twenty minutes past six o'clock, orders were received from Major- 
General Hancock to immediately send a regiment to the woods, near the bridge-head, 
with pickets well out on the Malvern Hill road. The Eleventh New Jersey was sent 
in accordance. Soon after, orders were received from the same source to send the 
balance of the brigade to reinforce and hold the position at all hazards. The Third 
Brigade, Colonel McAllister, immediately started and took up the position, as ordered. 
At twenty minutes before nine o'clock, p. m., received orders from Headquarters 
Second Corps that on being relieved I should proceed with my division to the vicinity 
of Petersburg, and report to the Major-General Commanding the Army of the Poto- 
mac. At ten o'clock, p. m., crossed the James River on the lower pontoon bridge ; 
massed on the neck, waiting for my pickets. Resumed the march at one o'clock, a. 
m., of the 19th. Crossed the Appomattox at 3 o'clock, a. m., and reported to Major- 
General Humphreys at seven o'clock, a. m. There received orders to relieve the 
Ninth Corps in the entrenchments, which was accomplished at eleven o'clock, a. m», 
the right resting on the Eighteenth Corps, near and across the Petersburg and Norfolk 
Railroad, the left connecting with the pickets of the Fifth Corps, at the Strong House. 
I beg respectfully to state that all my officers and men behaved in a commendable 
manner. My brigade commanders were active and attentive in carrying out orders, 
particularly Brigadier-General De Trobriand, and Colonel McAllister, who deserve 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



177 



vainly endeavored to turn our right, the corps on the 18th returned 
to the entrenchments before Petersburg, whence two divisions 
moved towards the Weldon Railroad. Here, severe fighting ensued, 
and on the 25th, Hancock being hard pressed, Colonel McAllister, 
with his command — numbering some seven hundred men, with six 
pieces and a few cavalry — was advanced up the plank road towards 
Ream's Station, where Hancock was still engaged. From this 
point, the brigade moved to the Blackwater, under orders from 
General Meade, and formed in line of battle. Hancock, meanwhile, 
had been beaten with heavy loss, and compelled to retreat, abandon- 
ing the station and a number of guns. Reaching the point occu- 
pied by McAllister, Hancock ordered the relieving forces to cover 
the retreat, which was done, the corps returning to its old position, 
where they engaged in the erection of a new line of works. 

The next affair in which the brigade was engaged occurred on 
the night of the 9th of September. At that time, the Second Bri- 
gade guarded the Jerusalem plank road running into Petersburg, 
seven hundred men of the command occupying Fort Crawford on 
the left of the road. The enemy's picket line occupied the crest of 
a hill in front of this and another fort. This line it was deemed 
desirable to push back, and accordingly on the 9th, or rather early 
on the morning of the 10th, three regiments of General De Tro- 
briand's Brigade moved forward, McAllisters men being held in 
reserve, and without firing a shot drove the enemy from his 
positions with a loss of one hundred prisoners. McAllister then 
advanced his picket line, and hastily constructing rifle pits, held 

honorable mention as brave and efficient officers. The officers composing my staff 
rendered me great assistance, by their promptness and efficiency in carrying out my 
orders. Conspicuous among them were Major J. Hancock, Assistant-Adjutant-Gen- 
eral, Major J. William, Assistant-Inspector-General, and Captain Beoman, Provost- 
Marshal. A nominal list of casualties has been forwarded, consisting of one com- 
missioned officer and eighteen enlisted men killed, nine commissioned officers and one 
hundred and forty-five enlisted men wounded, and two commissioned officers and 
eighty -two enlisted men missing, making an aggregate of two hundred and fifty-seven. 
I regret to have to record among this, Colonel C. A. Craig, One Hundred and Fifth 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanding Second Brigade, and Colonel D. Chaplin, First 
Maine Heavy Artillery, both mortally wounded, and have since died. 

"Very respectfully, 

" G. Mott." 

23 



178 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



the ground, though repeatedly assailed, and losing some ten men. 
During the day the enemy continued his tire, causing twelve 
additional casualties. Among the wounded was Captain Moore- 
house, of the Eleventh. During the following day, the casualties 
numbered only two, notwithstanding the fire was almost continuous 
— the picket line of the Second Brigade alone firing seventeen 
thousand rounds of cartridges. For several days picket-firing 
was steadily kept up, but without appreciable results on either 
side. 23 

During the ensuing fortnight the New Jersey regiments were 
strengthened by considerable accessions of recruits. On September 

as A correspondent of the "Washington Chronicle gave the following account of this 
brilliant affair : 

" For a long time previous to last Friday night, the 9th instant, the rebel picket line 
occupied a very unusual and improper position in front of the Third Division of the 
Second Corps, now commanded with much ability and popularity by Brigadier-General 
Mott. Their line was within a stone's throw of our works, much nearer ours than 
their own, while our pickets were forced to remain close under our own lines. In 
addition to this, their line ran along the crest of a hill, enabling their pickets to over- 
look our works and keep the rebel authorities well advised of all that transpired 
behind them. In their line were also several chimneys, that could be used as observa- 
tories and shields for their sharpshooters. 

"Many general officers, including General Hancock, had remarked on the impro- 
priety of the rebel pickets holding this advantageous position, but, as it was held by 
a strong picket force and swept by rebel batteries, how to prevent it was a question by 
no means easy of solution. 

"General Mott and General De Trobriand, who commands the First Brigade, con- 
ceived and matured the bold idea of not only getting the coveted position, but also of 
capturing their pickets. One o'clock at night was fixed on as the time to execute the 
desperate enterprise. General Mott gave it his personal attention and presence, as 
usual, assisted by General De Trobriand. It was a complete surprise to the enemy, 
and a perfect success to us, reflecting much credit on all concerned. We captured 
nearly one hundred men, and still hold the line." 

General Mott's report of this affair says : 

"I have the honor to report that the officers and men engaged in the operation most 
gallantly did their duty, and performed the work entrusted to them in a manner worthy 
of their old services and well-earned reputation. Thanks are due to Brigadier-General 
De Trobriand, commanding First Brigade, who had; a general supervision of this 
delicate movement, and gave it his undivided attention ; and to my other brigade and 
regimental commanders, who performed their parts to my entire satisfaction. Also, to 
the different battery commanders on the line, who fully carried out instructions, and 
effectively silenced the guns of the enemy that opened on us. It is with deep regret I 
have to report the death of Lieutenant-Colonel George W. Mickel, Twentieth Indiana 
Volunteers. He fell on Saturday morning, on the ground wrested by him from the 
enemy with marked ability and his usual gallantry, and died with the consoling feeling 
of a victory — the most arduous and important part of which was due to his generous 
efforts." 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



179 



30th, the brigade joined the remainder of the division, under General 
Mott, at Poplar Grove Church, in the vicinity of which two or 
three small works of the enemy were carried on the following clay. 
His main line, however, defied assault, and our men withdrew with 
some loss, the Second Brigade losing twenty-three men in all.-' 1 
Here the corps remained until October 6th, assisting in the con- 
struction of earthworks, when it returned to its old position, and 
steadily advanced its lines from day to day toward the Southside 
Kailroad, fortifying both front and rear/ 

- " In this fight one of my New Jersey sergeants was struck by a cannon ball, which 
nearly severed his leg, leaving it united by only a shred of skin. Pulling out his knife, 
he coolly cut it off vrith his own hand ! Then, asking if he had not done his duty, he 
was carried to the rear, where he died in the evening." — Letter of Colonel McAllister, 
October 3d, 1864. 

30 " The frequent marches and countermarches secured to the brigade the name of 
'Hancock's Cavalry.' On one of the marches of the Third Division, a spectator asked, 
'What troops are these'? 1 One of the 'boys' replied: 'Why, don't you know, 
'Hancock's Cavalry. We have just stopped for the officers to change horses.' " 

General Mott's report of the movements of the division at this time is as follows : 

"Headquarters, Third Division, Second Army Corps, ) 
October 8, lSW. \ 

'•I have the honor to forward the report of the movements of this division from 
the 1st to the 5th inst., inclusive. Having been relieved from the forts and rifle pits, 
extending from Fort Morton to Fort Alexander Hays, during the night before, the 
division was massed near trestle bridge, and in the woods in the rear of the Avery 
House. About twelve o'clock, m., on the 1st inst., I received orders from the Major- 
General commanding the Second Corps, that I, with my division, would take the cars 
to the Yellow House, or General Warren's Headquarters, there procuring a guide, 
would march to the vicinity of the Ninth Corps, reporting to Major-General Parke. 
Atone o'clock, p. m., the cars being ready, I commenced to embark, at two points, 
viz: Hancock's Station, and near the trestle bridge. There were three trains, and 
each train made three trips. The head of the column reported to General Parke at 
half-past two o'clock, p. m. ; the rear was up at five o'clock, p. m. I, with my stafi', 
reported at four o'clock, p. ni., having remained to superintend the embarkation. 
The march from the railroad terminus to the headquarters of the Ninth Corps was 
severe, owing to its raining very hard and the muddy condition of the roads. 

11 My division was massed in the rear of the Peeble's House, and remained until next 
morning. On Sunday, the 2d, having received orders from the Major-General com- 
manding the Ninth Corps, to be in readiness to move at half-past six o'clock, a. in., 
and to report in person at six o'clock, a. m., to his headquarters, my command was 
ready at that time, and I reported accordingly. 

"The orders I received were to form on the left of General Wilcox's Division of the 
Ninth Corps, and to advance with the said division, keeping up the connection on my 
right, and to keep a good look out for my left flank. At eight o'clock, a. m., I 
deployed the Second Brigade, General Pierce, on the left of General Wilcox's Division, 
with skiraiishers well thrown out, followed closely by the Third Brigade, Colonel 
McAllister, with instructions to deploy as soon as the movement commenced and the 
nature of the ground would admit. First Brigade, General De Trobriand, in reserve, 



180 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Od the 27th, the Army of the Potomac, leaving only sufficient 
men to hold its works before Petersburg, marched suddenly by the 
left against the enemy's works covering Hatcher's Eun and the 
Boydton plank road. The Second Corps, advancing on the left, 
and finding but a small force to dispute its passage at Hatcher's 
Run, pushed forward to the plank road, reaching a point within a 
mile of the Southside Railroad. Here the enemy showed himself 
in strong force, and, owing to the failure of General Crawford to 

with instructions to throw out flankers, and to leave a regiment at the point where 
the roads forked, near the Clements House. Advancing about three-quarters of a 
mile, I came upon a line of the enemy's works, which was carried at once, the enemy 
making hut little resistance. After taking this line of works, I advanced about a mile, 
driving the enemy's skirmishers, when I came upon a second and stronger line of works. 
These works were manned by infantry and artillery. After skirmishing with the enemy 
for some little time, I received orders from General Parke to develop the force and 
ascertain hoAvmuch of the enemy were in the position. I immediately ordered General 
Pierce to carry out the order, which he did by advancing the First Massachusetts 
Heavy Artillery, One Hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, One Hundred and 
Forty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, and the Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
with the First United States Sharpshooters on the right flank. I also instructed 
Colonel McAlllister to move a regiment of his brigade to the left of the position 
occupied by the battery, and when the attack was made by General Pierce, to open a 
severe fire upon the batteries in order to draw part of the fire and relieve the attacking 
column as much as possible. At three o'clock, p. in., the line was ordered forward, 
when it charged most gallantly to within a few rods of tbe works, under a concentrated 
fire from muskets and artillery. At ten minutes past three o'clock, p. m., I received 
a"communication from Major-General Parke, saying he had just seen Major-General 
Meade, who did not wish me to run any great risk, but to take up a line and entrench. 
The attacking column was immediately recalled. The casualties in this charge were, 
one (1) commissioned officer and four (4) enlisted men killed : five (5) commissioned 
officers and forty-four (44) enlisted men wounded. 

"At fifteen minutes past five o'clock, I received orders to withdraw to the line of 
works near the Clements House, and to occupy said line with pickets well out, which 
was done and completed at half -past six o'clock, p. m. On the 3d, 4th and 5th in- 
stants, I continued in the same position, furnishing large details to work at the 
forts building near the Clements House, Smith's House, and the Poplar Spring Church. 
At half-past two o'clock, p. m., received orders to send one brigade to relieve the 
troops in the works between Fort Davis and Alexander Hays. The Third Brigade, Col- 
onel McAllister, was accordingly sent. At five o'clock, p. m., the balance of the divis- 
ion was relieved by General Wilcox, First Division of the Ninth Corps, and marched 
to the position now occupied, arriving at nine o'clock, p. m. 

"The conduct of the officers and men of the division, during these five days' ope- 
rations, was eminently satisfactory. All behaved well, and carried out my orders 
promptly and gallantly. Brigadier-General Pierce, United States Volunteers, deserves 
particular mention, as having the immediate charge of the advance, for his prompt- 
ness and efficiency during the operations of the 2d inst. Annexed is a list of casu- 
alties. First Brigade, killed 3 ; wounded 11 ; missing 1. Second Brigade, killed 5 ; 
wounded 49 ; missing 14. Third Brigade, killed 5 ; wounded 16 ; missing 1. Ag- 
gregate, 105." 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



181 



connect, as ordered, with Hancock's right, the position became a 
very critical one. Lee promptly took advantage of the opportunity. 
Sending in Hill's Corps, it struck Mott's Division a staggering blow, 
causing some confusion. At this time only two of Mott's Brigades 
had taken position, that under McAllister having been assigned by 
G eneral Meade to another part of the field, with orders to report to 
General Egan at the extreme front. The two brigades, however, 
promptly changed front and fought with great gallantry ; finally, 
charging upon the enemy, he was handsomely routed, and a battery 
lost in the first assault recovered, together with a large number of 
prisoners. Meanwhile, however, the change of position had un- 
covered McAllister's Brigade, occupying an eminence, and against 
him the enemy at once advanced. In a few moments he was sur- 
rounded, and the enemy's artillery and musketry pouring in upon 
him from every side. The ammunition of the men was nearly ex- 
hausted, and the communication with the rest of the corps being 
cut off, no supply could be obtained. The situation was indeed a 
desperate one, but the men who had borne the brunt of so many 
conflicts did not shrink. Suddenly facing about, McAllister gave 
the order to charge. Dashing forward through the undergrowth 
and swamp, the brigade struck the enemy with such force as to 
break his lines and cause his elated troops to retire in disorder, 
leaving one hundred prisoners in our hands. But the enemy still 
held the opposite hill, and, pouring in a destructive fire, the assail- 
ing column was momentarily staggered, but speedily reformed and 
once more drove back the again exultant foe, who now -abandoned 
the field. Our communications were immediately established ; and 
though at first disaster had attended our arms, the day at last was 
fairly ours. The charge of the Second Brigade had not only saved 
the brigade, but Egan's Division and the corps, which otherwise 
must have been utterly routed. 31 

si The following documents relate to this engagement : 

"Headquarters First Brigade, ) 
Second Division, Second Corps, V 
October 29, 1864. ) 

"General: Through you, I beg to thank Colonel McAllister, commanding your 



182 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



The brigade, now returning to its old position, remained in com- 
parative quiet until the night of November 5th, when it again 

Third Brigade, for indispensable service rendered to myself and command during the 
recent operations. Colonel McAllister brought up his command at a critical moment, 
when I was almost surrounded by a force of vast disparity of strength. The defiant 
bearing of the enemy showed that they regarded their combinations as undoubtedly 
successful, and wanting only final execution. My command had done everything pos- 
sible, when Colonel McAllister saved them. I cannot sufficiently thank him. The 
recounting of the particulars of his services is unnecessary, as they are too brilliant 
not to have been made public ere this ; but I beg that you will, if consistent, commend 
them at large to the Major-General commanding the corps, as I shall take great pleasure 
in doing. Tour most obedient servant, 

"T. W. Ega>", 
"Brigadier-General Commanding Second Division. 
"Brevet Major-General Mott, Commanding Third Division." 
The following is an extract from Colonel McAllister's congratulatory order : 
44 General Orders, 2Sb. 5. 

"October 30, 1864. 

" The Colonel commanding brigade congratulates the officers and men of this com- 
mand on the manner in which they marched to the Boydton plank road, and the gal- 
lantry displayed by them in the battle of the 27th instant, reflecting great credit on 
the old brigade. Tour bravery and determination, as exhibited when surrounded by 
the enemy, is a new wreath added to the laurels of honor already won by this com- 
mand in days that are past. May this and the gallant deeds of those battles stimulate 
us to do or die for our country in the great cause in which we are engaged. Let each 
one of us resolve to do our duty, and, by the blessing of God, victory will perch on 
our banners, peace will crown our exertions, and millions will do honor to those who 
have so nobly borne our battle-flag through the trying scenes of this rebellion." 

A correspondent of the Washington Chronicle said of this fight: 

" The highest praise is given by all to the officers and men of the Second and Third 
Divisions, for their behavior during the day. Generals Eagan and Mott, who com- 
manded them, and General Smyth and Colonel McAllister, commanding brigades, are 
particularly praised for the able manner in which they handled their men. The charge 
made by the New Jersey Brigade, under Colonel McAllister, on the enemy, who had 
got in the rear of our forces, was one of the finest ever witnessed, and resulted in 
saving the entire position." 

General Mott's report gives the following account of the part taken by his division 
in the operations on the left of the army : 

"At ten o'clock, p. m., on Monday, Octobor 24th, pursuant to orders from Head- 
quarters, Second Corps, the garrisons of Forts Sedgwick, Davis and Alexander Hays, 
were relieved, and my division withdrawn from the front and massed near the Southall 
House, where it remained until Wednesday, 26th. At two o'clock, p. m., I moved the 
head of the column, and marched by the way of the Widow Smith's, Williams and Gurley 
houses, passed through the breast-works at the latter, moved across the open country 
in front of the fortifications to the Weldon Railroad, and bivouacked near the Lewis 
House at five o'clock, p. m. On Thursday, the 27th, at half-past three o'clock, a. m., 
resumed the march, following the Second Division down the Halifax to the Church 
road; thence by the way of the Wyatt House, and Mrs. Davis House to the Vaughn 
road, down said road near the Cummings House, where I received orders from the 
Major-General commanding the corps to mass, while the Second Division, commanded 
by General Egan, drove the enemy from the ford at Hatcher's Run, which was soon 
accomplished, and some defensive works carried. At eight o'clock, a. m., I crossed 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



183 



shared in a brilliant achievement. At that time, the brigade held 
that part of our line between Forts Morton and Sedgwick, where 

Hatcher's Kun witli my First Brigade, Brigadier-General De Trobriand, followed by 
the Second Brigade, Brigadier-General K. B. Pierce, Battery K, Fourth United States 
Artillery and Tenth Massachusetts, ambulances, &c, with the Third Brigade, Colonel 
McAllister, in the rear. Immediately after crossing, I relieved a brigade of the Second 
Division in the works that had been captured, and threw forward two regiments, the 
Second United States Sharpshooters, and the Seventy-third New York Volunteers, as 
skirmishers, to drive the enemy out of a corn-field where it was reported they were 
throwing up some works to delay our advance, which they had no difficulty in doing. 
The column then advanced through a wood-road to Dabney's Mill, where the road 
intersected another, on which the Second Division was lying. At this place, the Major- 
General commanding the corps, ordered a lieutenant in command of some one hundred 
and fifty (150) cavalry to report to me. I gave him instructions to look well after the 
rear, and to throw videttes well out on all by-roads, also to drive up all stragglers. 
The march was continued, with flankers well thrown out on both flanks, and arrived 

at the Boydton plank road at half-past o'clock, p. m., when I immediately 

relieved a brigade of the Second Division with my First Brigade, and placed it in 
position in a curved line facing to the left and rear, with a strong skirmish line thrown 
forward to the White Oak road, on the right connecting with the Second Division, and 
on the left with the cavalry pickets, the Second Brigade massed in the open field near 
the junction of the roads. The Third Brigade, while coming up the road, was halted 
by orders of Major-General Meade. At half-past one o'clock, p. m., in compliance 
with orders from Major-General Hancock, I sent one of my aids, Lieutenant Moore, 
to the lieutenant in command of the cavalry which had been placed under my charge, 
with orders to report with his cavalry to General Gregg, which was delivered a quarter 
to two o'clock, p. m. At a quarter past two o'clock, p. m., I received orders to send 
a brigade to make a connection between General Crawford's Division of the Fifth 
Corps, and the Second Division of this Corps. As the brigade was about to move the 
order was countermanded. At half-past two o'clock, I sent two regiments to the 
support of a section of artillery, posted in the corn-field near the woods, on the right of 
the plank road; soon after, I sent forward the balance of the brigade, (the Second,) 
commanded by Brigadier-General Pierce, to take up a position in the field and to be ready 
for any emergency, and to throw out pickets well into the woods to guard against any 
surprise in that quarter. At three o'clock, p. m., I received orders from Major-General 
Hancock to send a brigade to report to Brigadier-General Egan. The Third Brigade, Col- 
onel McAllister, was accordingly sent; for the part taken by this brigade, I respectfully 
refer to the report of Colonel McAllister. I will also add that Brigadier-General Egan 
expressed himself highly pleased with its conduct while under his command; although 
composed in a great measure of new recruits, and there being a scarcity of officers, it 
behaved most gallantly, and acted like veterans. During the time my whole command 
was subjected to a brisk artillery fire, (which, however, did very little harm.) The 
enemy commenced feeling all along the lines, and the fire increasing in the woods to 
the right of the Second Brigade, I sent a staff officer to inquire the cause of it ; he 
returned with word from Brigadier-General Pierce that it was only a few stragglers 
that General Crawford's pickets were driving. The firing increasing, I ordered General 
Pierce to strengthen his picket line, when he sent the First United States Sharp- 
shooters and the One Hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers. The enemy 
finding there was no connection between us and the Fifth Corps, must have taken 
immediate advantage of it, for at four o'clock, p. m., he attacked my Second Brigade 
with an overwhelming force and with great vigor, driving back the regiments on the 
right, and striking the balance of the brigade cn the right flank and rear, which 



184: 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



our lines pressed nearest to the city of Petersburg. Immediately in 
front of McAllister was an old line of unfinished field-works, where 

caused it to fall back in some little confusion. I immediately rode out with a part of 
my staff, and succeeded in rallying them again. Seeing the danger of being cut off 
from the road up which we had advanced, and the necessity of having a force there as 
soon as the attack commenced, I sent Major Williams, of my staff, to General De 
Trobriand for at least a regiment for that purpose. The Seventeenth Maine Volun- 
teers were selected, and taken on the double-quick to that point, when it was faced to 
the left and marched into the woods, striking the attacking force on the flank. I also 
sent word to General De Trobriand to take up a new line with the balance of his com- 
mand along the road and to hold it at all hazards. About the time it was formed, a 
charge was ordered by the Major-General commanding the corps, and gallantly 
responded to by the Fortieth New York, Twentieth Indiana, Ninety-ninth and One 
Hundred and Tenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by General De Trobriand in 
person, driving the enemy and clearing the open field from which they had been 
pressing us. 

"At the same time, the First Maine Heavy Artillery, with a portion of the One 
Hundred and Tenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, was led by Major Mitchell, A. D. C, to 
the Major-General commanding the corps, across the same field to the left of General 
De Trobriand. These troops, with portions of the Fifth Michigan and First Massa- 
chusetts Heavy Artillery, re-captured a section of Battery C, United States Artillery, 
which had been taken from us at the first onset of the enemy. The firing on my left 
now increasing, and as it was only held by a skirmish line, I recalled General De Tro- 
briand and the troops he had with him, excepting a line of skirmishers, to the road 
from which they started on the charge. This line of my left extended on the right, 
along the White Oak road, with the center and left along the edge of a dense pine 
woods, and refused to connect with the cavalry. The enemy, being posted on the 
opposite side of a large open field, now made a vigorous attack on this line, but were 
handsomely repulsed. Some portion of the line was thrown into slight confusion for 
a few moments, but the exertions of the officers, and steadiness of the veterans, soon 
re-formed it, and the enemy fell back to his original position, baffled in the attempt 
to break through, and, as he thought, to destroy us. These regiments consisted of 
the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth, Eighty-sixth and Seventy-third New York Vol- 
unteers, and Second United States Sharpshooters. This line was held until dark, 
when, by some misunderstanding of orders, two of the regiments came in. I attribute 
this to the fact that the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth New York Volunteers had 
its two field-officers and two senior company officers wounded, leaving it with so few 
officers to command it, that in the extreme darkness some of the men came in, and 
the impression got among the balance that they had been ordered to do so. A line 
was subsequently established by General De Trobriand, and no accident arose from it. 
I had also ordered General Pierce to re-form his brigade, on the road to the right of 
General De Trobriand, with pickets well out. I deployed the First Maine Heavy Ar- 
tillery down the plank road, for the purpose of keeping a connection with the Second 
Division. This was my position when darkness closed the fighting, the enemy having 
been repulsed on all sides, and in every attack made upon us, with large losses in 
killed, wounded and prisoners, although in much superior force, as I took prisoners 
from the three divisions of Hill's Corps and Hampton's Cavalry. I now received 
orders to start the ambulances, pack mules, and the two batteries of artillery, (which 
were out of ammunition,) towards the Globe Tavern, under the escort of a good regi- 
ment. The Seventeenth Maine Volunteers were detailed for the purpose, and that I 
would move my division at ten o'clock, p. m. ; in the meanwhile to send for my Third 
Brigade, Colonel McAllister, who reported to me at half-past eight o'clock. At the 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



185 



our main line was formerly established, but which recently had 
been used as a picket line. The enemy had, as we have seen, 
shown the utmost restiveness under the close proximity and men- 
acing positions of our pickets, and night and day kept up an inces- 
sant fire upon our men lying within the short range of seventy-five 
yards. Could he but occupy and hold our picket line, his sharp- 
shooters might effectually silence the guns of the two forts already 
named, and, finally, compel the abandonment of our line ; and it 
was this consideration, doubtless, which induced the attack on the 
night of the 5th. 

Shortly after midnight, six hundred picked men of Hill's Corps, 
accompanied by a large detail carrying entrenching tools, silently 
moved upon our advanced picket posts, occupied by detachments 
from McAllister's Brigade. Massing his troops, the enemy moved 
cautiously until discovered by our men, and then, with a yell, swept 
down impetuously upon the pickets of the One Hundred and Twen- 
tieth ISTew York and Eleventh New Jersey. The attack, though 

hour named, I, commenced to withdraw, having previously sent my provost-guard 
ahead to clear the road, which, being a narrow wood road, and the night very dark, 
was very much blocked up by the usual appendages of an army. When near Dabney's 
Mill, I was met by a staff officer from Army Headquarters, who said he had orders 
from the Major-General commanding the army, to Major-General Hancock to have me 
stop after crossing Hatcher's Run. At one o'clock, a. m., of the 28th, having crossed 
said run, I massed near the widow Smith's house, until after daylight, when I sent 
one brigade, Brigadier-General Pierce commanding, to the Wyatt House. During the 
morning, I received orders from Corps Headquarters, that I would follow the 
Second Division, General Egan, which was now coming on the road. At twelve 
o'clock, m., I followed this division, and arrived at the Southall House at five o'clock, 
p. m., and massed my Second and Third Brigades ; the First Brigade was massed near 
the Cheever House. In closing this report, I take pleasure in stating that my division 
behaved well, repulsed successfully every charge that was made upon it ; that from 
the time of going into position, all were exposed to a severe artillery fire, not only in 
front, but from both flanks and from the rear. There has seldom been an action 
where there was as much individual bravery shown by both officers and men, fighting 
when completely surrounded, and in some cases firing their last round of ammunition. 
Where so many did so well, it would be invidious to particularize. Two of my brigade 
commanders claim to have captured flags from the enemy. As they were not sent to 
these headquarters, I can lay claim to but one of them, which was captured by private 
William W. Scott, Company A, First Maine Heavy Artillery. Two pieces of artillery, 
which had fallen into the hands of the enemy, were re-captured by my command,. and 
from four to five hundred prisoners ; the exact number is difficult to tell, for a number 
of them were delivered direct to the Provost-Marshal of the corps. The casualties in 
my division during the action were 5 commissioned officers killed, and 28 wounded ; 
49 enlisted men killed, and 339 wounded; 3 commissioned officers, and 242 enlisted 
men, missing." 

24 



186 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



sudden, found our men on the alert, and a gallant resistance was 
made, the men on post fighting sometimes hand-to-hand, with a 
heroic determination to hold their position if possible. But against 
the furious assaults of ten times their own numbers a protracted re- 
sistance was in vain, and they retired fighting from pit to pit, leav- 
ing the enemy in possession of some forty posts, the works of which 
they immediately set about reversing, with the intention of per- 
manently occupying our original line. In the meantime, all along 
the line, our men were under arms and ready for any contingency, 
and the guns from our works opened vigorously, and were an- 
swered briskly by the enemy. The midnight cannonade was inces- 
sant, and the scene grand and imposing. The bursting of shells ; 
the hollow moaning of bombs as they slowly mounted far into the 
dimly-lighted sky, and then descended, marking their course by a 
fiery train ; the flashes of musketry — all contributed to render the 
scene one of awful grandeur. 

As the enemy was now in full possession of an important portion 
of our line, it became evident that we must dislodge him from the 
works which every moment were being reversed and strengthened. 
On being driven from their pits our men had fallen back to a ravine 
near our main line, from which they commenced a galling fire upon 
the enemy, who evinced no disposition to advance further from the 
works which he had captured. From this ravine it was determined 
to charge the enemy, and three companies of the One Hundred and 
Twentieth New York were accordingly ordered to move by the 
flank, and at all hazards drive the enemy from the works. The 
charge was made, and at the point of the bayonet, and with the 
blinding flashes of the enemy's guns full in their faces, our men, 
after a desperate struggle, were again in possession of most of their 
former line. A few posts, however, were still persistently held by 
the enemy until daybreak, when, their exact position discovered, 
they were again assaulted b}>- our men, and at six o'clock the fol- 
lowing morning, we had regained every post, and the enemy had 
been driven back with the loss on his side of ten or twelve killed, 
and left on the field one hundred wounded and forty-five prisoners, 
among them a commissioned officer. Nearly all the prisoners were 



THE SECOND BEIGADE. 



187 



South Carolinians, who fought with the utmost desperation to the 
last. McAllister's loss was twenty-nine in killed and wounded. 32 
Among the killed was private T. McBride, of the Eighth New Jer- 
sey, and Corporal H. Stone, of the Eleventh. Among the wounded 
were two privates of the Seventh New Jersey, and four of the 
Eleventh. The conduct of our troops in this affair excited the 
warmest admiration throughout the army, and Colonel McAllister 
was widely complimented upon the efficient manner in which he 
met the demands of the occasion. General Hancock addressed a 
note to General Mott, commanding the division, expressing un- 
qualified gratification at the " brave conduct of his troops, and of 
the ability and determination displayed by Colonel McAllister ;" 
and other officers gave prompt expression to similar sentiments of 
admiration. Colonel McAllister, in a congratulatory order, espe- 
cially commended the three companies of the One Hundred and 
Twentieth New York. and one company of the Eleventh New Jer- 
sey, and their staff and line officers, " who so nobly led these gallant 
soldiers to a successful re-capture of the lost works, against an 
overwhelming force of the enemy." "The skill, bravery and de- 
termination," he added, "of the officers and men thus engaged, 
representing these, the Eleventh New Jersey, the Eleventh Massa- 
chusetts, and nearly all the regiments in this brigade, should be 

A correspondent of the New York Tribune says of this gallant affair : 
u The struggle for the possession of the works on our picket line is represented as 
having been desperate in the extreme. Frequently a determined light would occur 
across the works, and in one instance so close were the combatants that one of our 
men, a member of the One Hundred and Twentieth New York, was pulled bodily over 
on the rebel side, where, after being beaten until apparently dead with the breach of a 
musket, he was robbed of his watch, money and boots. He made his escape this 
morning, minus the articles mentioned, and plus a very sore head. The faces of the 
men killed and of many wounded bear witness to the gallantry of the struggle, the 
skin, in some instances, being black with the powder from the enemy's muskets. 

In the list of casualties, appears the name of Thomas McBride, of the Eighth New 
Jersey Battalion, who was killed while charging with our men to re-capture our works. 
This gallant fellow, an orderly to Colonel McAllister, commanding the brigade, when 
it was known that our picket line had been attacked, begged permission to accompany 
the detail, carrying ammunition to the front, and on arriving and learning that we 
were about to charge the enemy, entered the ranks of the assaulting party, and was 
killed while fighting heroically in the front ranks. As noble as is the example of the 
dead soldier McBride, many in the ranks of the Union army have fallen and are 
destined yet to fall, possessed of a patriotism as exalted and a bravery as sublime 
as his." 



188 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



placed side by side with the heroic deeds performed in other and 
greater battles." 33 

The brigade was now permitted to rest from active campaigning 
until the 6th of December, when it started with the Fifth Corps 
and Mott's Division of the Second Corps, on the Weldon Railroad 
expedition. This march was attended by great discomforts, the 
weather being stormy and cold, and the roads at times impassable. 
Moving down the railroad to the Meherrin, the few rebels encoun- 
tered were dispersed, and the troops commenced the work of de- 
stroying the track, which was done effectually for a distance of 
twenty miles. The brigade of McAllister, who, on the morning of 
the 6th, had been notified of his appointment as Brevet Brigadier- 
General, took an active part in this work. The troops, having ac- 
complished the object of the expedition, returned to their position, 
the Second Brigade, however, going into camp on the Weldon 
Railroad. 31 



83 General Mott's order on the occasion -was as follows : 

" Headquarters, Third Division Second Coups, i 
November 7, 1864 f 

" General Order, No. 67. 

"The Brevet Major-General Commanding takes great pleasure in expressing to the 
command his gratification with the good conduct of the troops engaged in the affair 
on the night of the 5th instant — resulting in the re-taking of that portion of the picket 
line wrested from us by an overwhelming force of the enemy, the capture of forty-two 
prisoners, (including one commissioned officer,) the forcing of the enemy to leave in 
our hands a number of their dead, and a quantity of small arms and entrenching tools. 
Special mention is due to Colonel E. McAllister, commanding brigade, who gave his 
personal superintendence to the operations, and to the officers on his staff, who ren- 
dered him such effective service. The conduct of the officers and men of the One 
Hundred and Twentieth New York and Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers, who were 
directly engaged, is worthy of emulation. Such gallantly, always disj)layed, would 
soon bring the rebellion to a close. 

" By command of Brevet Major-General Mott. 

"J. P. Fixkelmeier, A. A. G." 

3i General Mott made the following report of the part taken by his division during 
this movement on the Weldon Railroad : 

"On Tuesday, the 6th inst., at two o'clock, p. m., I received orders from Head- 
quarters Army of the Potomac, to report immediately to Major-General Warren for 
orders. On reporting, I received instructions to be ready to move with my division at 
daylight nest morning with six days' rations and one hundred rounds of small army 
ammunition. Wednesday, the 7th, left camp at daylight and marched just south of 
the Yellow Tavern, of the Gurley House, Smith's House, and of the Temple House, 
following General Ayres' Division of the Fifth Corps, and being joined by Battery B, 
Fourth United States Artillery, commanded by Captain Stewart, which battery was 
assigned to my division by the Chief of Artillery, of the Fifth Corps. Thence proceeded 
south by the Jerusalem plank road, arriving at Hawkins' Tavern at half-past four 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



189 



On February 5, 1865, General Grant ordered the Fifth an 
Second Corps again to push out from our left to Beam's Station, 
and thence to Dinwiddie Court House, the Fifth being directed to 
turn the rebel right, while the Second assailed it in front. In this 
movement, McAllister's Brigade formed its line of battle at the 
Tucker House across the road leading past it, with pickets well to 
the front, connecting with the Second Division pickets on his 
left. Here breastworks were partly erected, which, however, were 
subsequently partly occupied by Eamsey's Brigade of the First 
Division, McAllister being ordered to form on Eamsey's left and 
make connection with the right of Smyth's Division. While 
making this formation, however, our picket line was attacked, and 
the brigade moved into line behind that portion of the works not 
occupied by Eamsey's men. At this moment, however, a gap was 
discovered in the line between the two brigades, and the Eleventh, 
intended for the left, was hastily detached and hurried to the right, 
occupying the breach. They were at once opened upon by the 
enemy, but promptly returned the fire, which soon became general 

o'clock, p. m. ; at six o'clock, p. m., received orders from the Major-General com- 
manding the expedition to pass the divisions of General Griffin and Ay res, and to cross 
the Nottoway River on the pontoon bridge which had been previously laid ; on arriving 
near the bridge there was some delay occasioned by a wagon having run off the bridge 
and broken one of the boats. The damage was soon repaired, under the immediate 
superintendence of Major-General Warren, and crossed the bridge at half-past seven 
o'clock and bivouacked near the fork of the roads leading to Stony Creek and Sussex 
Court House. Thursday, December 8th, I was charged with the protection of the 
general train. Captain Stevenson, with one hundred and fifty of the Second New 
York Mounted Rifles, reported to me for duty. At half-past six o'clock, moved the 
head of the column, consisting of the Second and Third Brigades, the First Brigade, 
General De Trobriand, with five regiments with him, and] five and in rear of the train, 
and one hundred of the Mounted Rifles with the five rear regiments ; the balance 
were used to protect the flanks. At half-past eight o'clock, the pontoon train was in 
motion, and we moved rapidly forward, passing through Sussex Court House and 
Coman's Wells to the Chambless Farm, where I massed in rear of General Ayres' 
Division at three o'clock, p. m., reporting my arrival to the Major-General command- 
ing, and receiving instructions to move forward to within about a mile and a half of the 
W T eldon Railroad, and bivouacked for the night at half-past four o'clock. Friday, the 
9th, in pursuance of instructions, moved at daylight, and struck the railroad a little 
south of Jarrett's Station at half-past seven o'clock, a. m., and immediately com- 
menced the thorough destruction of the rails and ties along my division front. After 
this had been accomplished, I passed down the road to a point about one mile south 
of the Bailey House, and completed the destruction of the road to that point ; and at 
half-past four o'clock, went into bivouac for the night on the Bailey Farm. About six 
o'clock, p. m., I received verbal orders from the Major-General commanding that there 
was a space of about one mile between General Ayres' Division and the Cavalry Divi- 



190 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



along the line. Ail the regiments of McAllister's Brigade were now 
behind breastworks, except the Eighth New Jersey, commanded by 
Major Hartford, which was exposed to a galling fire, but stood nobly 
to its work. Soon, however, two regiments of the Second Division, 
(General Smyth,) stationed on the left of McAllister's extended line, 
and upon which he relied to hold the gap between himself and 
Smyth's main line, unaccountably gave way on the approach of the 
enemy, and it became clear that McAllister's troops must light the 
battle alone. The distance between his brigade and the First 

sion which was not destroyed ; moved the division to the point designated, destroyed 
the road and returned to the Bailey Farm at ten o'clock, p. m. The object of the expe- 
dition having been accomplished, orders were received to withdraw at seven o'clock, 
a. m., next morning, following General Ayres' Division. Saturday, December 10th, 
moved at half-past eight o'clock, a. m. , and marched steadily, with but few halts, until six 
o'clock, p. m., when darkness set in, and the road becoming obstructed with wagons 
sticking fast, it was impracticable to proceed further, so I massed my division and 
bivouacked for the night about three miles from Sussex Court House. Sunday, 
December 11th, moved at daylight, and marched about three-quarters of a mile, when, 
coming up to General Ayres' Division, I massed in his rear until he moved off; then 
proceeded through Sussex Court House to within about three-quarters of a mile ol 
Freeman's bridge on the Nottoway River, when I received orders to mass, and allow 
the trains and General Crawford's Division to cross and to cover the same. Disposi- 
tions were accordingly made by throwing out the Eleventh Massachusetts Volunteers 
as skirmishers on the Sussex Court House road, and the Eighth New Jersey on the 
Stony point road. Small squads of cavalry were seen on the flanks, evidently watch- 
ing our movements, and for the purpose of picking up stragglers rather than with the 
intention of attacking. After passing all the command, with the exception of these two 
regiments and a section of Captain Stewart's Battery, six shots were fired as a parting 
salute, and by dark the last man was across the river, without any hostile demonstra- 
tions from the small force that followed our rear. Bivouacked at half-past eight 
o'clock about three miles north of the Nottoway River on the Jerusalem plank road. 
Monday, December 12th, moved at seven o'clock, a. m., along the Jesusalem plank road 
towards our old camping ground ; reported at Headquarters Second Army Corps at two 
o'clock, p. m., and went into camp outside of the fortifications between the Halifax 
and Vaughn roads. As the division was not engaged with the enemy, the operations 
were limited to forced marches of six days and nights, exposed to the most inclement 
weather of the season, the destruction of the railroad and devastation of the country. 
Officers and men performed their duty with alacrity, although at times suffering se- 
verely on accouut of the extreme coldness of the weather. The first day's march was 
very severe on the command, being in rear of the column, and having in one of my 
brigades many recruits and new men unused to marching which caused many to straggle, 
consequently they failed to arrive at the river before the bridge was taken up, and 
were, therefore, taken up by the cavalry and returned to the headquarters of the corps. 
My brigade and battery commanders, together with the officers of my staff, carried out 
all orders with promptness and zeal, and deserve commendation as on many former 
occasions. 

"My loss, which was from straggling, as no caualties occurred where the men 
stayed with their commands, was two killed, two wounded and twenty-five missing. 
Total, twenty-nine." 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



191 



Brigade of General Smyth being some three hundred yards, offered 
an opportunity for the enemy to press in and take our troops upon 
the flank, which would in all probability, if accomplished, prove 
fatal to our position. McAllister, therefore, seeing the danger, di- 
rected the Seventh Xew Jersey, the third regiment from the left of 
his line, and formed at a different angle so as to enable them to 
enfilade the enemy's columns, to oblique its fire, which was done. 
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Adams, commanding a section of a Massa- 
chusetts battery, stationed on the extreme left rear, poured in a de- 
structive fire, its shells crossing the fire of the Seventh at nearly 
right angles, while Green's section, still more advantageously 
posted, took the enemy directly on the flank. Thus terribly 
assailed, exposed to a withering fire in front and on either flank, 
the enemy soon recoiled, and for a time there was a lull. But, re- 
covering from his confusion, and massing his columns afresh, 
the rebels again dashed forward, but again they fell back before 
the terrible fire. Then, all along our lines, the men took up the 
air, ;> Bally 'round the flag, boys,*' sending out its defiant strains 
over the ensanguined field. The heavy firing had now ceased for 
the time, but again the pause was of short duration. Soon as the 
night closed in, the rebel General Mahone, with his famous "Fight- 
ing Division,'* made a rush for the gap in our lines ; but once more 
our men were prepared, reinforcements having fortunately come 
up, and again the assailing columns were rolled back, and at last 
the victory was ours. From prisoners, who subsequently came in, 
it was learned that the enemy had suffered very severely. The 
prisoners represented three different divisions of the rebel army, 
showing that they had a formidable force in our front, 25 and had 
. * 

55 The enemy, in this engagement, was commanded by General Gordon, who, in a 
conversation -with General McAllister, some time after the close of the war, stated that 
he had three full divisions on the field, and had never felt more confident of victory. He 
had informed himself thoronghly as to onr position, a spy, dressed in the nniform of a 
Major, having penetrated onr lines, and actually witnessed the disposition of onr 
troops. When told that he had been beaten by a single brigade, General Gordon ex- 
pressed the greatest surprise, and frankly declared that the achievement was one of 
which any ofiicer had reason to be proud. General Gordon's admissions as to the 
strength of his force are important, as entirely confirming the claim of the Jersey 
Brigade that they had vanquished in this fight vastly snperior numbers. 



192 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



been determined, if possible, to break oar lines. Had they sue. 
ceeded, they might have inflicted almost irreparable disaster on our 
army ; and it was an appreciation of this fact which stimulated 
our troops to a bravery and endurance which deserved and elicited 
the very highest encomiums — not an officer or a man having left 
his post daring the engagement. The loss in McAllister's Brigade 
was fifty-three, mainly in the Eighth New Jersey, which was pe- 
culiarly exposed. As in many other instances, the credit of this 
victory was given to others than those who really achieved it ; but 
the Jerseymen who that day so heroically resisted the rebel 
onslaught, know, and it is due to them that it should be recorded, 
that they, and they alone, of McAllister's immediate command, 
saved the army from a calamity whose consequences would have 
reached far beyond that desparately-contested field. 30 

3 6 The following papers relate to this engagement, and explain, in full, its incidents 
and importance. The first is an extract from General McAllister's official report, as 
follows : 

"According to orders received, we broke camp and left at seven o'clock, a. m., on 
the morning of the 5th, the brigade (the Third) following the Second, commanded by 
General West. 

" On passing the Cummings' House, we were halted, and I was ordered by Brevet- 
Major-General Mott to place my brigade in line of battle near the Tucker House, across 
the road leading past it, and to throw out pickets well to the front, connecting them 
with the Second Division pickets on my left ; also to guard well my right. This was 
accomplished in a very short time, giving my personal superintendence to the placing 
of the pickets, and their connection with the Second Division pickets, on the road 
leading through the left center of my line of battle, as directed. After taking a sur- 
vey of the whole field, and making myself acquainted with the roads and swamps in 
my front and right, I returned to my command. At half-past twelve o'clock, p. m.> 
I received orders from Major-General Humphreys to build breastworks. My men went 
at it with a will, and soon had the works well under way, at the same time extending 
them towards the swamp on the right, to prevent my being flanked. Meanwhile, an 
order was received from Brevet Major-General Mott, to throw a regiment across a 
road, a considerable distance from my left, leading down towards the Armstrong Mill. 
I placed there the Seventh New Jersey Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Price, and 
had my brigade to connect with him, by taking distance to the left. These works are 
now nearly completed. At half-past three o'clock, p. m., a staff officer from Brevet 
Brigadier-General Ramsey presented a telegram from Major-General Humphreys, order- 
ing General Ramsey to relieve me in my position; at the same time, the head of 
General Ramsey's Brigade was on the ground, with the General leading it. I obeyed 
the order, and sent my Adjutant-General (Captain Finkelmeier) to Division Head- 
quarters for orders, massing, in the meantime, my brigade in the rear. At four o'clock, 
p. m., received orders to form on the left of General Ramsey. I at once commenced 
the movement. My right regiments were just filing in, when the attack was made on 
the picket line. I then ordered ' double-quick,' and the men moved in rapidly. Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Willian, of Major.-General Humphrey's staff, then informed me that 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



193 



On the 25th of March, General Meade, believing that the enemy's 
lines in front of the Second and Sixth Corps had been greatly de- 
there was a gap in the line, between myself and Ramsey, caused by General Ramsey 
closing to the right. My rear regiment, the Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers, Colonel 
Schoonover, intended for the left of the line, was taken off and hurried into this gap. 
They received a fire from the enemy and returned it, causing the left of the enemy's 
line of battle to falter and lay down. The fire was taken up all along the line, as fast 
as my troops were formed. The pickets in my new front having run in without firing 
a shot, left the enemy right on us before I had my line completed. Regiment after 
regiment opened on the rebels, as fast as they wheeled into position, causing their 
line to halt and lay down. The left regiment, Eighth New Jersey Volunteers, under 
command of Major Hartford, had no works, and were exposed to a terrible fire in their 
unprotected position, but they stood nobly and fought splendidly ; not a man of this 
regiment, or, indeed, of the whole brigade, left for the rear. Major Hartford and his 
regiment deserve particular credit for the gallantry they displayed in getting into 
position under the severe fire, and holding it without works, while two regiments 
from the Second Division, that had been laying for hours a little to my left, on the 
approach of the enemy gave way without firing a gun, leaving still a much larger space 
between my left and the right of the Second Division. After completing the line on 
the left, under charge of Captain Rowers, A. A. D. C, I rode along the line with my 
Adjutant-General, encouraging the men to stand firm, and the day would be ours. The 
One Hundred and Twentieth New York Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Lockwood, 
on the right of the Eighth New Jersey Volunteers ; the Colonel and his officers were 
all on their feet, doing the same. The Seventh New Jersey Volunteers, Colonel Price 
commanding, came nest. This regiment was formed at a different angle, so as to 
enable the men to pour an enfilading fire into the enemy's lines and prevent them 
from advancing into the gap. I gave the order, and it was executed handsomely, and 
added very much to the repulse of the enemy. Had it not been for this and the aid of 
the artillery, commanded by Lieutenants Green and Adams, of the Tenth Massachu- 
setts, who were throwing their fire across the swamp at a right angle with my enfi- 
lading fire, all would have been lost. These artillery officers deserve great credit, and 
I have the pleasure to mention them favorably. The enemy advanced with a yell, 
well known to us all, and fell back. Again they advanced, with a determination to 
break my line, but again my ranks stood firm, and rolled back the tide of battle, in a 
highly creditable manner. Prisoners say that they advanced in three lines of battle ; 
from all that I could see and learn, I think that was the case, though the woods pre- 
vented our seeing their movements. In riding along the line, I found Chaplain Hop- 
kins, of the One Hundred and Twentieth New York, using a gun and firing constantly, 
and encouraging the men to stand firm. He is deserving of mention. When asked 
what he was doing with a gun, the Chaplain cmietly replied, 'Helping the boys a 
little, sir.' Before the battle ended, Major-General Humphreys and part of his staff 
came up on the line, and he was an eye-witness of the scene before him. It was a 
pleasing sight to see how the appearance of the Corps Commander inspired our men to 
new efforts. The third attack of the enemy, then attempted, ended in a complete 
rout, and, night closing in, they fell back to the woods, leaving their dead behind. 
Daring the latter X3art of the engagement, two regiments of the Second Division came 
up to support my line, and, at the close, the whole of the Second Brigade formed on 
my left. A number of prisoners came in during the evening, and were forwarded. 
During the night, our pickets were thrown out, and, tired and exhausted as the men 
were, most part of the night was spent in building breastworks, on the left of the line } 
the rest laid on their arms during the night. On the 6th of February, the strengthening 
of the line was continued, our picket line advanced, and details sent in front to slash 
the timber and bury the enemy's dead. In the afternoon, part of my command was 
sent out on a reconnoissance towards the enemy's lines, which were then discovered to 

25 



194 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



pleted, ordered an advance. Under orders from General Mott, to 
drive in the enemy's picket, General McAllister sent in the 
Eleventh New Jersey and One Hundred and Twentieth New York 
Regiments for that purpose. These regiments gallantly advanced 
across an open field, in face of a bitter fire, and promptly captured 
the works, with some fifty prisoners — an attempt to retake the line 
being as promptly repulsed. Two additional regiments were then 
advanced, and two others, the Seventh and Eighth New Jersey, 
carried to the right of the division. Meanwhile, the First Division 
of the corps, under General Miles, had been attacked by the enemy, 
but had held its ground. Later in the clay, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Schoonover, with his command, was again attacked and driven 
from the works occupied in the morning, but the Seventh and 
Eighth going to his help, his line was re-established and securely 
held. During the day, McAllister captured one hundred and fifty 

be about a mile and a half ftom our own. February 7th, packed up and remained 
under arms until dark, one-fourth of the command remaining under amis all night. 
In conclusion, permit me to say that my officers and men did all that could be desired 
of them, the former encouraging the men to stand firm, regardless of their own per- 
sonal safety, and the latter firing low, as directed. To mention some, would be doing 
injustice to others. I must, however, not omit to notice my Adjutant-General, Captain 
J. P. Finkelmeier, who fully sustained his previous reputation for gallantry and bravery 
in action, advising and encouraging officers and men everywhere, under the most ter- 
rific fire. Also my aids, Captain Charles F. Bowers, A. A. D. C, Captain Louis Mi 
Morris, Brigade Inspector, and Lieutenant William Plimley, A. A. D. C, who went 
into the thickest of the fight with a will, whenever ordered. [Lieutenant Titus and 
some of the men carried boxes of ammunition up to the very front, and there dis- 
tributed it under fire.] Subjoined, I have the honor to submit a statement of casu- 
alties : Seventh New Jersey Volunteers, 1 enlisted man wounded ; Eighth New J ersey, 
11 enlisted men killed, 2 commissioned officers and 35 enlisted men wounded ; Eleventh 
New Jersey, 1 enlisted man killed, and 1 enlisted man wounded; Eleventh Massachu- 
setts, no casualties ; One Hundred and Twentieth New York, 2 enlisted men wounded. 
Total, 53." 

The following is an extract from Colonel McAllister's congratulatory order to his 
brigade : 

" It is with feelings of pleasure that I once more congratulate you on the brilliant 
achievements of the 5th inst. Tour gallantry and bravery, thus displayed in rolling 
back the enemy's columns, when he felt sure of success by superior numbers, is 
worthy of your former fame. While all are deserving of great praise in doing every- 
thing in their power to stay the tide of battle, the left regiments, and particularly the 
left wing of the Eighth New Jersey Volunteers, under command of Major Hartford, 
wholly unprotected by breastworks, and standing the shock of battle with a heroism 
worthy of the great cause in which we are enlisted, are deserving of special mention/ ' 

General Mott, in his report, says, after noticing the preliminary movements, in- 
cluding the establishment of his picket line in front of the enemy : 

" Ramsey's Brigade, of the First Division, having been ordered to relieve McAllister, 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



195 



prisoners, and lost in the brigade one hundred and forty -seven men 
(including two officers) in killed, wounded and missing — some 
eighty of the whole number being captured. The loss of the 
Eleventh was fifty-four men. The corps captured in all some five 
hundred prisoners ; but the hardest fighting of the day was done 
by Mott's Division, though it failed to receive credit therefor in the 
newspaper reports of the time. 

Holding the position thus wrested from the enemy until the 29th, 
the brigade broke camp, and with the division, moved to the left. 
The grand final movement against the enemy was now in progress, 
and the Second Corps (now commanded by Greneral Humphreys) 
was again to sustain the brunt of the fray. Cautiously advancing 
its lines, the division, on the 31st, took position near the Boydton 
plank road, where the enemy was found strongly en trenched, with 
three forts commanding the road. Here, at midday, an assault 
was made by the Eleventh and Eighth New Jersey, with two other 

(holding the roads near the Tucker House,) I sent him instructions that as soon as re- 
lieved to move to th,e left and extend towards, and, if possible, to make a connection 
with, the right of Smyth's Division. At about half-past three o'clock, I was somewhat 
surprised to receive word from General McAllister, by his Adjutant-General, that, on 
being relieved, he had massed his command in the rear of his former position. 1 
ordered him to hasten back and tell General McAllister to deploy immediately and fill 
the gap between General Kamsey's Brigade and Smyth's Division. Also, sent Captain 
Moore, A. D. C, to see the order executed. It was while going into this position 
that the skirmishers were driven in, and the attack was made on, and handsomely re- 
pulsed by, the brigade. As soon as the firing commenced, I sent a staff officer to 
General McAllister, to see how he was making out. The General was most gallantly 
encouraging his command, and sent me word that he was ' fighting with and without 
breastworks ; also, that he could whip them either way.' A little before five o'clock, 
two regiments of "West's Brigade, (the One Hundred and Seventy-first Pennsylvania 
Volunteers and the First Massachusetts Heavy Artillery,) were sent to report to 
General McAllister. These regiments arrived in time to render efficient service in 
repulsing the last attack of the enemy, going into position under very heavy fire. At 
about five o'clock, p. m., the balance of the brigade, with the exception of the One 
Hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, were ordered to the support of McAllis- 
ter. The enemy charged this line three distinct times, and each time he was signally 
repulsed. It now becoming dark, the enemy withdrew, leaving a portion of his dead 
on the field. The conduct of General McAllister and his troops deserves especial men- 
tion, having repulsed successfully the vigorous attacks of the enemy, who were in 
greatly superior numbers, (prisoners being taken from each division of Hill's and Gor- 
don's Corps,) parts of the command without any protection; yet all bravely stood 
firm and inflicted severe loss on their assailants, who were employed through the night 
in carrying off their wounded and dead. Yet my pioneers, who were sent out the 
next day, buried thirty-three, and found twenty-two newly-made graves, some of them 
large enough to contain five or six bodies." 



196 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



regiments, upon one of the rebel works, the men advancing through 
heavy slashings to the crest of a hill overlooking the enemy's 
position, and succeeding in occupying part of his rifle pits. The 
position, however, was found to be a most perilous one, the column 
being exposed to an enfilading artillery fire which swept its entire 
front, and, after a time, it was withdrawn, under a brisk fire of the 
enemy's sharpshooters, causing a considerable loss in killed, wounded 
and prisoners. Skirmishing was actively continued during the 
night and following day. On the 2d of April, a general attack on 
the enemy's line was ordered, and at eight o'clock, the Eighth ISTev/ 
Jersey, advancing on the immediate front, in the midst of a fire of 
musketry, shell and canister, captured the entire picket line of the 
enemy — one hundred and sixty-five men, and two hundred muskets ; 
whereupon, the Eleventh New Jersey and Eleventh Massachusetts 
were advanced, and a charge was at once made on the main works 
of the rebels, resulting in the capture of further prisoners and the 
occupation of the works. This charge, which was made with the 
utmost gallantry, the men frequently grappling hand to hand with 
the enemy, 37 opened Petersburg to assault at that part of the line, 
and the command at once moved forward towards the doomed city, 
intelligence being soon received, however, that the enemy, beaten 
also at all other points of the line, had evacuated both Petersburg 
and Richmond. The elation which this announcement caused 
among the men who had, to the last, so honorably shared in every 
important engagement, can, perhaps, be realized only by those who, 
that day standing on the captured entrenchments of the Confed- 
eracy, saw the End shining luminously through the battle-smoke. 

On the 3d, the brigade joined in the pursuit of the retreating 
enemy, and moving towards Jetersville, on the morning of the 
6th, found the enemy's line in its front. The brigade was at once 
formed in line of battle, and steadily advancing, at three o'clock 
charged upon the enemy, driving his line and capturing a part of 
his wagon train, with a number of prisoners. During these opera- 
tions, General Mott was shot in the right leg by a rifle-ball. On the 



In this charge, the brave Major Hartford, of the Eighth, was the first man to plant 
our flag on the enemy's redoubts, at half-past nine o'clock. t 



j THE SECOND BRIGADE. 197 

7tt i, crossing the Appomattox, at High Bridge, the brigade advanced 
tov rards Turnville, where the enemy again made a stand, and skir- 
mishing was sustained during the greater part of the clay. During 
the night, the enemy was pushed steadily towards Appomattox 
Coulirt House, where, at three o'clock on the following afternoon, 
intelligence was received that General Lee had surrendered the Army 
of Northern Virginia, and the march was ended. 38 

it ; _____ 

s« General McAllister's official report of this campaign closes as follows : 

"DJirimg this short and eventful campaign all officers and men of this command have 
cxhib ited such commendable bravery and endurance that it is almost impossible to 
make j a distinction. I cannot, however, omit to mention particularly the brave and 
gallamt conduct of the following officers, and to recommend them for brevet pro- 
motioVi: Lieutenant-Colonel John Schoonover, Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers; 
Captai'n John P. Einkelmeier, A. A. G. of this Brigade, to date from the 21st of 
January— on which date both officers have been recommended for brevet promotion— 
in jusijt appreciation of their valuable services during the last summer's campaign. 
They lAave since, on the 5th of February, near Hatcher's Run, as well as throughout this 
campaign, fully sustained their previous reputation, and are so well known throughout 
the coi, rps for their gallant and efficient conduct in the field, that I deem it my duty 
to renew the application for their well-earned promotion. 

Majofr Hartford, Eighth New Jersey Volunteers, for his gallantry exhibited on the 
morninW of the 2d of April. 

Coloijiel Francis Price, commanding Seventh New Jersey Volunteers, and Captain 
Charles! F. Gage, Eleventh New Jersey Volnnteers, for bravery exhibited on all occasions 
during jthis campaign. 

Lieutenant W. Plimley, A. A. D. C. on my staff', for his brave conduct during the 
morning* of the 2d of April with Major Hartford." 

The IjOllowing is the order of General McAllister, issued upon the termination of 
this canlipaign : 

I " General Order, No 7. 

" To the\ officers and men of this Brigade: 

"It is!, a pleasure for me again to congratulate you on the brilliant success of this 
campaigijr, and the noble manner in which you have acquitted yourselves in the 
different affairs in which you have participated. 

"I mu;3t favorably mention the One Hundred and Twentieth New York Volunteers, 
temporarily commanded by Major Scott, and the Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers, 
temporarlily commanded by Captain Gage — all under command of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Schoonover — for their gallantry in taking and re-taking the enemy's picket line with a 
large nmjnber of prisoners, on the 25th of March, under a severe fire of artillery and 
musketry;. 

"The Seventh New Jersey Volnnteers, Colonel Price, for timely assistance, rendered 
late in the evening, in establishing the broken line and making the connections under 
the fire of the enemy. 

"The Eighth New Jersey Volunteers, Major Hartford; Eleventh Massachusetts 
Volunteer!?, Major Dunham ; and the One Hundred and Twentieth New York Volun- 
teers, Lieutenant-Colonel Lockwood— all under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Rivers 
—for gallantry in developing the enemy's force on the Boydton plank road, on 
the 31st. 'j 

" The Eighth New Jersey Volunteers, Major Hartford, for the capture of the picket 
line on tha 2d of April, and a large number of prisoners and arms, under a galling fire ol 
shell and musketry, and planting our flag on the enemy's redoubts. 



198 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Here, too, ends the campaigning of the Second Brigade. Ma;^. 
ing to Burkesville Station, it remained at that point until May 9^ 
when it set its face homewards, marching through Richmond on 
6th, and arriving at Arlington on the 15th. On the 23d, it pafa c [. 
pated in the grand review of our victorious armies, and early in j- 
the various regiments reached Trenton, whence the men scatter <( j tQ 
their homes. 39 They had done their duty bravely, steadily, un _ 
complainiDgly ; had helped, in many of the severest battles o- t ^ e 
war, to maintain the Union and the prowess of our arms ; and^ y 
deserved, now that peace had come, to sit down in calm conte^ „+ 
their own dear firesides, honored of all men — there, in all cc m j no . 
years to clierish the proud memorials of their service, and trf asure 



was as 



" The Eleventh Massachusetts Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Rivers, fc, ^ XQ - U . 
gallant advance with the division skirmishers on the 6th. 

" The Eleventh Massachusetts Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Rivers, and ^ 
Hundred and Twentieth New York Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Lockwood.^, ^ 
early connection with the Second Brigade in the advance on the evening of the an J 
the balance of the regiments for their promptness in throwing out skirmish^' - 
their handsome advance which drove hack the enemy and assisted in captu.^'. , ^ 
wagon train. 

"While all were not engaged at once, each did his share in helping to secu. e ^ 
results — of which you may all feel proud and can now rejoice over the greates v j c j. Q 
of the war. But in our rejoicing, let us not forget the gallant dead, that our 
may go up daily for the widows and orphans, and our hearts open to their \ a ^g C ' m 
sympathy and benevolence." 

39 General McAllister's farewell order to the brigade, issued on June 2(1 
follows : 

" General Order, No 10. 
' To Hie officers and soldiers of the Third Brigade: 

" As we are about to separate, allow me once more to congratulate you on Qm g ^ 
and brilliant career— which now becomes a matter of history. The war is^ 
contest ended, and the glorious old flag of our country— consecrated by the h^ Q ' f q ^ 
fallen heroes, under the folds of which you have so often, so long and so o. a ji au ^ v 
fought and bled, and to defend which your comrades have died— now floats i & , . * 
all over the land. The war brought us to the field. Peace returns us to c| r koines 
Our work is done, and we go to enjoy with our friends in the several States 1 prescute & ( j 
in this command, the fruits of our victories. New Jersey, New York and M^achusetis 
have an interest in you as their representatives, and will do justice to the^ -piiird 
Brigade. 

"In parting with you, 1 feel more than I can express or language c< nv ^ 
shared each others' dangers, toils and fatigues — on the march, in battle, in ^ e ' c i iaro , c 
whether attended with victory or defeat. Ties of more than an ordinary k Qd 
together. Good-bye, comrades in arms. Good bless you and the widows ^ on:)liang 
of those of our number who have fallen by our side; and if we never me^ ao . a - n Q * 
earth, may we meet in a brighter and better world. 

"Robert McAlliste 

"Brevet Brigadicr^^^^..^ M 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



199 



the memories of their dead and heroic comrades whose eyes were 
not permitted to see the purple dawn of the day of peace, but 
whose feet walked unfalteringly, always, the path of dirty. 

As illustrating the part performed by the Xew Jersey regiments in this last cam- 
paign, the following letter, kindly furnished by General McAllister, is here appended : 

"March 29th. As ordered, we broke camp at the Tucker House and moved by the 
left flank, across Hatcher's Run on the Vaughn road, about two miles. All this corps 
(the Second) was here. Our connection was kept up with the old works by some of 
the 'Army of the James.' The Second Brigade of this division, General Pierce, was 
on my right ; First Brigade on the reserve ; First Division of our corps on my left. 
Ten o'clock, a. m., halted, faced to the right, and built breastworks. No enemy ap- 
pearing, we moved forward in line of battle, with our skirmishers in the advance, 
passing over some old rebel breastworks. When darkness set in, we moved by the 
left flank, as we did in the morning, and passed a deserted rebel camp. It now com- 
menced raining, and to the darkness of the night was added another obstacle, in the 
thick underbrush of the forest through which we had to pass, rendering it almost im- 
possible to march. We now halted in line of battle, threw out our pickets for the 
night, and laid down to sleep. 

11 March oQth, six o'clock, a. m. All up, and breakfast over, we advanced forward in 
line of battle, through a very heavy forest, encountering the difficulties of swamps. 
We soon crossed the old plank road leading from Dabney's saw mill to the Boy dt on 
plank road, about equal distance from the two places. The rain-storm grew harder, 
pouring down in torrents, making it exceedingly bad for the troops. Our skirmishers 
now encountered the enemy and drove him back. We advanced to the Grow House, 
and in great haste threw up a long line of breastworks. At dark, bivouacked for the 
night, as we supposed. Although the storm continued, all, except those on duty, 
were soon asleep. 

•• March dlst, one o'clock, a. m. Ordered to fall in, and about two o'clock, a. m., we 
found ourselves moving slowly along by the left flank, in rear of this new line of 
works. The rain had stopped, but the mud was so deep that it was almost impossible 
to travel; but on moved our column — the whole army in the same direction. When 
my left touched the Boydton plank road it was daylight and we halted — faced the 
enemy, whose works were frowning upon us, telling us by shot and shell, ' Thus far 
Shalt thou come, and no farther.' At the left of my brigade stood the old white oak 
tree, known as General Hancock's Headcpiarters ; he having stood under this tree on 
the 27th of October last, when we fought the Boydton plank road battle. The enemy's 
guns now playing upon us, are concealed from our view by redoubts and breastworks, 
built by the enemy upon the very ground on which I fought that day, and where my 
brigade so nobly drove back the rebels, saving irs from destruction. Ten o'clock, 
a. m., the Fifth Corps, and First Division of our corps, now became hotly engaged, 
and it was necessary that we should demonstrate against these works, develop the 
enemy's force and draw him off from these points of attack. I was ordered to send out 
one company to demonstrate against their pickets, which I did, and found the enemy 
strongly picketed in our front, and that nothing but a heavy fire could drive them 
away. I was then ordered to take out one or more regiments and attack at another 
point. I took the One Hundred and Twentieth New York Volunteers, Elevenlh Massa- 
chusetts Volunteers, Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers, and Eighth New Jersey Volun- 
teer?, four regiments ; took them under cover of the woods, and deployed in line of 
battle ; the One Hundred and Twentieth New York, Eleventh Massachusetts and one 
wing of the Eighth New Jersey Volunteers, retaining the balance as a support, went 
forward under a terrific fire of musketry, canister and shell ; drove the enemy from 
their rifle pits and occupied them for about half an hour, when we found them untena- 



200 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



ble from the enemy's concentrated lire, and had to abandon these pits the best way we 
conld — as it was more dangerous to get out than to go in; on some parts. of the line 
one man at a time made good his escape ; others were cut down in their attempts to get 
back and quite a number were taken prisoners. Our loss was considerable. It was 
not the intention to capture the works, but merely to demonstrate, and we did more 
than was expected or desired. It had the desired effect in drawing the enemy toward? 
this point, which enabled General Miles to swing around on the enemy's right (our 
left). My men and officers acted bravely. Lieutenant-Colonel Schoonover, although 
on the reserve, had no less than fifteen men wounded by one shell. This was very 
remarkable. Four o'clock, p. m., I moved to the left with the corps, and erected more 
works. You see that as we could not attack the enemy's works with success we 
pursued Grant's old plan of moving to the left to weaken their lines — which, at last, 
caused the downfall of General Lee. We remained in this position all night. 

" April 1st. At daylight we moved back to our old works on the plank road, and re- 
mained all day. There was no firing; all was quiet, and late in the evening we 
went into the same position we had left in the morning, and demonstrated on the 
enemy's lines until daylight Sunday morning. This first night of April I shall never 
forget ; it seemed as though all the demons of war had been let loose. The roar 
of artillery and musketry all night long — from the Appomattox River, below 
Petersburg, to our extreme left — was the most terrific 1 have ever heard. Not one 
moment's rest did we get that night. No language can give you even a faint idea of 
the noise of musketry and cannon on that battle night. The enemy weakened their 
left in order to strengthen their right, and we expected the great attack would take 
place on our front. "While their troops were massing on our left, to defend their right, 
we were massing on our right, to break their left. This General Lee did not expect. 

"April 2d. This Sabbath morning dawned beautifully, but its gray light disclosed 
to view two powerful armies arrayed in their full strength for the last time, in the great 
and final struggle of the war. The sacredness of the day was not a barrier to the con- 
tinuance of the contest, for the battle had already begun, and the dark clouds of war 
were bursting here and there all along our lines. It was necessary that another demon- 
stration should be made on my front. At eight o'clock, a. m., according to orders 
to attack, I sent out one regiment, the Eighth New Jersey Volunteers, Major Hartford, 
and went out to superintend it ; advanced on the enemy's picket line, amidst a terrific 
lire of musketry, canister and shell. Though the wounded and dead fell around us, 
the regiment advanced, and captured the whole picket line in our front— one hundred 
and sixty-five prisoners, and over two hundred muskets. The enemy still continued 
their fire upon us, and we, in return, poured a raking fire into the redoubt in front, 
and silenced their guns. I now sent back for two more regiments, (Eleventh Massa- 
chusetts and Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers,) and was preparing to charge their main 
liue of works, when the enemy run back their guns and commenced a retreat. We 
advanced rapidly, and as I rode up to the works I found quite a number of white flags 
hung out for protection by those who remained behind when the enemy left. We 
took possession of the redoubt and a long line of works, and gathered up a large 
number of prisoners. Besides being thus successful ourselves, Ave received splendid 
news from all quarters that the day was ours, not only here but all along the lines. 
Major Hartford had the honor of planting the Star Spangled Banner on the redoubt 
we captured; and well he merited that honor. He evinced bravery and gallantry 
worthy of the great cause in which he was engaged. It was yet very early in the da}-, 
and what a glorious triumph had crowned our arms ! Eor nine long months' we had 
been battling to accomplish this end, and the ground for miles along this line had been 
consecrated by the best blood of our army. Thousands of our brave comrades had 
fallen on this battle-field and were mouldering to dust beneath this ground; thousands 
more were here maimed for life — to say nothing of the vast number who had been 
here slightly wounded, nor of those who here died by disease. What a subject for 
reflection! What a change had come over us; our stubborn enemy was now fast 
retreating. We occupied their long line of works, and every soldier well knew that 



THE SECOND BRIGADE. 



201 



Petersburg was virtually ours. Half-past nine o'clock, p. m., we moved forward 
along the Boydton plank road, crossed over Hatcher's Run, and passed the battle- 
ground of the 27th of October last to our right. After traveling a few miles we found 
that the Sixth Corps had come to their left and our front and were driving the enemy, 
who had gone in that direction.* A number of prisoners and cannon were captured, 
the enemy still making some resistance. We soon reached Petersburg, or rather close 
on it. I remained in reserve with my brigade. The troops in our front threw up 
works and all bivouacked for the night. 

April 3d. There was little or no firing during the night, and the next morning, by 
dawn of day, the mayor of the town came out and surrendered the place to the Sixth 
Corps. Our boys cheered heartily. It was now ascertained that Lee was retreating 
southward, and at eight o'clock, a. in., we were on the march after him — taking the 
river road. 

******* ***** 
April 9th, half-past three o'clock, p. m. It was officially astsouxced thal Lee had 
surrendered. What a scene followed. The excitement was beyond description. 
Officers and men were perfectly wild. There were greetings, congratulations and 
cheering ; shoes and hats flew high in the air, speeches were called for loudly and 
made, but could not be heard, the boys cheering at every sentence. The old flag- 
waved in triumph high and low, back and forth over a sea of up-turned faces. No 
picture can portray, no language can describe that scene. ****** * 
The following is General Humphrey's farewell order to the Second Corps : 

"Headquarters, Second Armt Corps, ) 
April 10, 1865. j 

" Officers and Soldiers of the Second Army Corps: 

" I congratulate you on the glorious success that has attended the operations just 
closed. While awaiting the expressions of approbation from the country, from the 
Commander of the Armies, and of the Army of the Potomac, for the manner in which 
you have performed your part in the general plan, I cannot refrain from expressions of 
admiration at the noble spirit that has animated you throughout, at the brilliant ex- 
hibition of the soldierly qualities for which the Second Corps has been conspicuous. 
The rapid manner in which you pressed the pursuit, from the moment the enemy was 
discovered in retreat, driving him before you by constant combat, over an unknown 
country, through dense undergrowth and swamp, from positions which his advanced 
troops had entrenched, has, I believe, been unexampled. Being in direct pursuit, the 
opportunities for large captures were not yours ; but spite the disadvantages you 
labored under, the results to the corps have been the capture of thirty-five guns, fifteen 
flags and five thousand prisoners, and the capture or destruction of four hundred 
wagons, with their contents, besides tents, baggage and other material, with which the 
road was strewn for miles. In addition, you have contributed eminently to the general 
success, and to the captures made by other corps, by hemming in the enemy and pre- 
venting his escape, and have done your full share in the grand closing scene. In the 
operations before Petersburg, your success was brilliant. General Miles, with the 
First Division, was ordered to advance and attack the enemy, flushed with success 
over two divisions of another corps, which they were pressing back ; this was done in 
the promptest and most spirited manner. The enemy was driven back rapidly into his 
entrenchments, with severe loss, in killed, wounded, and prisoners. In the xDlan of 
general assault upon the enemy's lines, on the morning of the 2d of April, this corps 
was not to attack ; but, nevertheless, the Second Division, under General Hays, cap- 
tured one of the enemy's redoubts, with two guns, and the Third Division, under 
General Mott, less favorably placed, captured and held the entrenched rifle pits of the 
pickets, under the fire of the main entrenchments. During the night of the 1st in- 
stant, General Miles, First Division, had been detached, under orders of Major-General 
Sheridan, and, in the pursuit of the following day, attacked the enemy, entrenched in 
a strong position, which was finally carried in the handsomest manner, with the cap- 
ture of two guns, one flag and six hundred prisoners. These great successes have 

26 



202 



NEW JEESEY AND THE KEBELLION. 



been gained with comparatively small loss, but the rejoicing for our victory is tem- 
pered by the reflection, that in that loss many noble spirits are counted. 

"In this brief glance at what you have done, I cannot attempt to award to each the 
full merit due, but must content myself with thanking the division commanders, 
Major-General Miles, Major-General Mott, Major-General Barlow and Brigadier-General 
De Trobriand, and the commander of the artillery, Lieutenant-Colonel Hazard, and, 
through them, the troops they command. My thanks are also due to Brigadier-General 
Hays, who commanded the Second Division when it carried the enemy's redoubt be- 
fore Petersburg. While enjoying the satisfaction of having done your duty to your 
country, it is a source of intense gratification to all, that the greatest military feat of 
the country was reserved as a fitting climax to the great deeds of that army, of which 
this corps has always formed a part, the Army of the Potomac. 

A. A. Humphreys, 
Major-General Commanding. 



CHAPTER VII. 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 

The Ninth. Regiment was raised under an authorization from the 
War Department to recruit a regiment of riflemen in this State. 
Its recruitment was commenced in September, 1861, the first 
muster being made at Camp Olden, Trenton, on October 5th. It 
remained at that camp, engaged in continuous drill, until December 
4th, 1 when it proceeded to Washington, its rolls showing an aggre- 
gate of one thousand one hundred and fortj-two men. The 
regiment was armed with superior Springfield rifles, and was more 
fully supplied with ambulances, forage wagons, &c, than any 
regiment which, up to that time, had left the State. Arriving at 
Washington on the 6th, it reported to General Casey, and was 

i The roster of the regiment, as mustered in, was as follows : 

Colonel, Joseph W. Allen; Major, C. A. Heckman; Surgeon, F. W. Weller ; Assist- 
ant Surgeon, Louis Braun ; Adjutant, Abram Zabriskie ; Quartermaster, Samuel Keyes ; 
Chaplain, Thomas Drumm. Company A — Captain, Herman Rumpf ; First Lieutenant, 
Charles Hayes ; Second Lieutenant, Philip Spear. Company _B— Captain, Cornelius 
Castner ; First Lieutenant, H. Bartholomew; Second Lieutenant, C. H. Sofleld. Com- 
pany C — Captain, Chaiies Hopkinson; First Lieutenant, E. S. Harris; Second Lieu- 
tenant, J. W. Cleft. Company B— Captain, Thomas W. Middleton; First Lieutenant, 
G. G. Irons ; Second Lieutenant, Edgar Kissam. Company E— Captain, William De- 
hart ; First Lieutenant, William H. Abel ; Second Lieutenant, A. B. Beach. Company 
F— Captain, William B. Cuiiies ; First Lieutenant, August Thompson ; Second Lieu- 
tenant, James W. Gibson. Company G — Captain, John P. Bitter; First Lieutenant, 
William Zimmerman; Second Lieutenant, William Bentou. Company H— Captain, 
John J. Henry; First Lieutenant, James Stewart, Jr.; Second Lieutenant, J. B. 
Laurence. Company J^-Captain, Henry F. Chew; First Lieutenant, Samuel Hufty, Jr. ; 
Second Lieutenant, E. M. Pinkard. Company K— Captain, Elias J. Drake ; First Lieu- 
tenant, W T . B. S. Boudinot ; Second Lieutenant, Jonathan Townley, Jr. Company L — 
Captain, Charles Erb ; First Lieutenant, Henry M. Heybold ; Second Lieutenant, 
Francis E. Adler. Company M— Captain, J. M. McChesney ; First Lieutenant, 
Thomas Smith ; Second Lieutenant, A. Cause. 

Companies A and L Tvere consolidated into the other ten companies, in November, 
1862. 



204: 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



ordered into camp on the Bladensburg turnpike, about one mile 
from the Capital, where it remained until January 4, 1862, when 
it proceeded by rail to Annapolis, where a large portion of the 
troops composing the famous Burnside Expedition had already 
assembled. Here the regiment was assigned to the command of 
Brigadier-General Jesse L. Reno, and on the 10th, having been 
embarked on two vessels, sailed for Fortress Monroe. The expe- 
dition remained at that point until the 12th, when sail was made 
for some point southward. Many conjectures were ventured as to 
the probable destination, it having been generally rumored and 
credited that the expedition was designed to operate against Nor- 
folk, then in possession of the enemy. All doubts, however, were 
dispelled on the following day by the arrival of the fleet at Hatteras 
Inlet, where it came to anchor. Soon after reaching this bleak 
and barren sand-bar, a violent gale arose, the wind blowing fiercely 
on shore, rendering the situation of those vessels which remained 
outside of the inlet extremely hazardous. Extra anchors were 
cast, but even this precaution did not avail to save several vessels 
of the fleet, which were drifted ashore and became total wrecks. 
The steamer City of New York, laden with ammunition, foundered 
at the mouth of the inlet, while the Connecticut was sunk inside 
the bar. The steamer Pocahontas, laden with horses, on the 
passage down was driven ashore in the gale, its engines having 
become unmanageable, and but for the gallantry of Corporal 
Samuel J. Dilkes, of Company K, of the Ninth, the lives of all on 
board might have been lost. Dilkes, bravely swimming ashore 
with a rope, fastened it securely by means of a stake driven firmly 
into the sand, and so enabled the crew to reach the land 
in safety. The cook, an aged colored woman, being unable in this 
way to escape, Dilkes, with a heroism which filled all beholders 
with admiration, returned to the ship, now rapidly going to pieces 
and binding the frightened woman to his person, leaped into the 
angry sea, and by almost superhuman exertions, succeeded in safely 
reaching the shore, where he was hailed by his comrades with 
deserved and the utmost enthusiasm. 

On the following day, the 15th, the £?a having somewhat calmed, 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



205 



Colonel Allen, Lieutenant-Colonel Heckman, Surgeon Weller, 
Adjutant Zabriskie and Quartermaster Keys, proceeded in the gig 
of the Captain of the ship Ann E. Thompson to the shore, for the 
purpose of reporting to General Burnside. The gig was manned 
by a picked crew, in charge of the Captain, and contained twelve 
persons in all. Having concluded their interview with the General- 
in-chief, the party returned to their boat, which was rowed swiftly 
and safely towards the ship until the breakers just outside of the 
inlet were reached, when suddenly a heavy sea, or water-spout, 
burst over the bow, sweeping to the stern, unshipping the oars, and 
occasioning the greatest consternation among the passengers. Be- 
fore the boat could be righted, a second and stronger wave struck 
it from beneath, hurling it some distance in the air, and precipitating 
all its occupants into the sea. The situation was fearful, indeed, 
and the struggle with the seething waters desperate in the last 
degree. With great difficulty, the boat was reached by several of 
the party, and efforts made to right it ; but this was soon found to be 
impossible, owing to heavy swells which caused it to roll over and 
over and defy any attempt to render it manageable. Lieutenant- 
Colonel Heckman and Adjutant Zabriskie, being expert swimmers, 
finding that Colonel Allen and Surgeon Weller were in gi eater 
danger than others, made several heroic attempts to save their lives, 
but all were unsuccessful, these officers, bravely struggling to the 
last, going down into the watery depths. By this time the capsized 
boat was drifting rapidly seaward, but the Lieutenant-Colonel and 
the Adjutant finally succeeded in raising an oar, having fastened 
thereon a sailor's shirt, which signal being shortly afterwards dis- 
covered, the alarm was given, and the steamer Patuxent at once 
hastened to give assistance. So overcome were the survivors by 
their exertions, that upon reaching the decks of the steamer, some 
of them sunk into insensibility, Lieutenant-Colonel Heckman re- 
maining in a state of prostration for several days. The bodies of 
Colonel Allen, Dr. Weller, and the second mate, who was also 
drowned, were recovered during the day, and every effort made to 
resuscitate them, but entirely without avail. On the very borders 
of their career in the nation's service, these officers, around whom 



206 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



clustered so many precious hopes — whose lives seemed then of in- 
calculable value to the command, had received their " discharge" 
from service here, and gone to answer the roll-call above. To the 
regiment, the blow was a severe and painful one, occasioning uni- 
versal gloom ; 2 but the decree was unalterable, and submission is, 
peculiarly, the soldier's duty. The bodies of the Colonel and 
Surgeon were temporarily interred on the banks of Hatteras, where 
the wild winds of ocean chanted, day and night, solemn requiems, 
but were subsequently exhumed and carried to New Jersey, in 
whose soil they have permanent rest, 

Lieutenant-Colonel Heckman, without waiting to fully recover his 
strength, at once assumed command of the regiment, and prepared 
to lead it to victory. On the morning of the 16th, the brigantine 
Dragon, having on board five companies of the Ninth, attempted 
to enter the inlet, but struck upon the bar, where she pitched 
heavily for several hours. Great fears were entertained for the 
safety of the ship until the steamer Patuxent hove in sight, attracted 
by the flashes of the rifles, which were being fired under direction 
of Sergeant Thomas Burnet, Upon the quarter-deck, wrapped in 

3 The intelligence of the loss of these officers occasioned an equally profound gloom 
in all parts of New Jersey, and especially at the Capital, where the Colonel was widely 
known and esteemed. The Legislature was in session at the time the news was re- 
ceived, and for several days the sad event was the theme of universal comment, 

Colonel Joseph W. Allen was born in Bristol, Pennsylvania, in 1812, but had been 
for many years a citizen of New Jersey, residing at Bordentown, in Burlington County. 
He had been, during his later years, prominently identified with political affairs, and 
for six years represented his County in the State Senate. Educated as a civil engineer, 
many important works had been entrusted to him, and executed with signal ability. 
Among these were railroad enterprises in Mississippi and Alabama, the Harper's Ferry 
and Cumberland road, the Flushing (L. I.) Railroad, and the Dundee (New Jersey) water 
works. In all the stations which he had been called upon to fill, he had exhibited pro- 
ficiency, industry and good judgment, and had he been spared, his services in the 
army must have proved of marked value and secured him a still higher place in the 
confidence of the public. There were circumstances of peculiar sadness connected 
with Colonel Allen's death. From the time that Fort Sumter was fired upon, until his 
untimely death, he gave all his thoughts and all his time to his country. He had long 
held the position of Deputy Quartermaster-General, but hitherto his military office 
had been merely nominal. Now, his entire energies were devoted to the forwarding 
of troops. He soon found it necessary to relinquish his business, which was bringing 
him a salary of four thousand dollars per annum, and never more urgently required 
his attention. When asked if he could look at his family and still say, "Country 
first," he replied, "In these times every man must say 'country first' — and that for 
the sake of his family." From the time he sailed on the ill-fated expedition, his wife, 
with a prophetic solicitude, mourned him as lost, nor hardly did the announcement 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



207 



a heavy blue overcoat, stood the ubiquitous Burnside, field-glass 
in hand, his face plainly betraying the intense anxiety which he 
felt for the safety of his command. A line was finally thrown to 
the steamer, and a hawser attached, when the brig was drawn off 
the dangerous reef into deep water. 3 In less than an hour, the 
vessel was anchored safely within the harbor, the men being- 
greeted with deafening cheers by their more fortunate comrades 
who had already arrived. On the 21st, the remainder of the regi- 
ment, seven companies, arrived in the Ann E. Thompson, which, 
however, had great difficulty in entering the inlet, 

A comparatively small strait, as a reference to the map will 
show, separates the two majestic Sounds, called Pamlico and 
Albemarle. In the center of this strait lies Koanoke Island, twelve 
miles long and three miles broad. The channel on either side is 
narrow and tortuous, so that the island effectually commands the 
passage between the two sounds. On this island the rebels were in 
force, with batteries, entrenchments and gunboats, and these it was 
designed by Burnside to capture or destroy. 

On the 6th of February, all the vessels having arrived, signal 

of his actual death add to her grief. The monument which was placed over his re* 
mains in the graveyard attached to Christ (Episcopal) Church, Bordentown, by the 
officers of his regiment, is a remarkable evidence of the attachment and respect of his 
companions in arms, having been erected by them two years after his death, and when 
it might have been thought that subsequent stirring events, and the terrible scenes 
through which they had passed and were passing, would have distracted their thoughts 
and diverted their intentions. The monument is an elegant structure, fifteen feet six 
inches in height. The base is of Pennsylvania marble, and ,the rest of the monument 
of the best white Italian marble. There are appropriate carvings in base-relief of flags, 
muskets, shield and masonic emblems, with cross swords, and an ivy and oak wreath. 
The inscriptions are as follows : 1. " Joseph W. Allen, Colonel Ninth Regiment New 
Jersey Volunteers. Drowned at Hatteras, North Carolina, January 15th, A. D. 1862, 
in the fifty-first year of his age." 2. "This monument is erected by the officers of 
the Ninth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, as a tribute of grateful respect to the 
memory of their first commander, who, while faithfully serving his country in the 
darkest hours of her peril, even to the sacrifice of his life, endeared himself to the 
hearts of his whole command." 3. "January 1st, A. D. 1864." 4. "This record of 
the unreturning past is dedicated with kindly heart to thee." 

Surgeon Frederick A. TVeller, who also perished, was born at Paterson, in 1817, and 
at the time he entered the army, was in the enjoyment of a lucrative practice in that 
city. He was a gentleman of great intelligence and private worth, and his death was 
widely mourned. 

s The men accounted for this deliverance by saying, "Burnside is at the helm," his 
presence inspiring all with confidence. 



208 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



was made, and the fleet steamed directly up Pamlico Sound, the 
dozen gunboats, under command of Commodore Goklsborough, 
taking the advance. Never before had these placid waters been 
disturbed by so formidable a fleet, Every vessel being gaily 
decked in its trimmest bunting, the spectacle was most imposing, 
while the spirits of the troops were vastly elated, at once by the 
novelty of the scene and the prospect of immediate service. At 
sunset the fleet anchored off a point of shoals, some twelve miles 
from Eoanoke Island. On the following morning, the fleet was 
early under way, the signal, " To-day the country expects every 
man to do his duty," flying at the mast-head of the flag-ship. At 
nine o'clock, the advance gunboats opened on the picket-boats of 
the enemy, which were speedily driven through the weaker 
obstructions, to the cover of the land batteries on the island. At 
half-past ten o'clock, the gunboats, having come fairly within range, 
made a general attack upon the enemy's fleet and the batteries 
which -lined the shore, the latter replying vigorously. This combat 
continued until three in the afternoon, when the boats were 
lowered, and the First Brigade (General Foster) immediately rowed 
to the shore, followed by the Second Brigade, under General Eeno, 
in small boats. The forces encountering no opposition upon land- 
ing, marched without delay, toiling for some distance through a 
heavy swamp, until at length solid ground was reached. Here a 
brisk skirmish ensued, the enemy falling back upon his main body, 
entrenched in a well-constructed earthwork, (Center Battery,) 
surrounded by a dense swamp and undergrowth of laurel and 
scrubs, and the Union army of three brigades bivouacked for the 
night in a corn-field, a heavy storm beating piteously Upon the 
unprotected men, who suffered greatly from the rain and cold. 

At six o'clock on the morning of the 8th, Foster's Brigade ad- 
vanced and engaged the enemy. The advance was one of great 
difficulty, the narrow road leading through a dense swamp, intersected 
here and there by ponds and streams of water, while on either side 
of it, in the dense undergrowth, rebel skirmishers were stationed, 
keeping up a continuous fire. The column, however, pushed 
steadily forward, pushing the enemy from the undergrowth and 



the: ninth regiment. 209 

finally driving him behind his works ; but here the advance was 
checked. Foster being only able to answer the well-directed artillery 
and musketry fire of the enemy with small arms, his command 
suffered severely, and to add to his difficulty, the nature of the 
swamp was such as to prevent any proper formations for assault, 
even should that course be otherwise advisable. Meanwhile, the 
men of the Second Brigade, who remained inactive about half a 
mile from the scene of hostilities, waited eagerly for orders to 
advance to the relief of their comrades ; but they did not come. 
Presently, in their stead, stretchers supporting the dead and dying 
were carried to the rear. For a moment, the spectacle caused the 
stoutest hearts to shudder. These, be it remembered, were raw 
troops, unused to battle-scenes, and withal were but feeble-handed, 
with perhaps overwhelming numbers arrayed against them. But 
the tremor was but for a moment. At eight o'clock, as the firing 
at the front grew more heavy, a courier appeared and delivered to 
Colonel Heckman, walking impatiently at the head of his one 
thousand two hundred riflemen, an order directing him to pass the 
Fifty-First Eew York and report at the front to General Foster, 
which was immediately done, the regiment marching forward with 
the utmost alacrity. Soon after, under orders from Foster, the 
regiment entered the swamp on the left of the causeway, and, up 
to their hips in mud and water, advanced to the edge of the timber, 
about one hundred yards from the fort, commanding the road, 
which up to this time still defied our assaults. Here the regiment, 
having been previously formed by division, opened a vigorous fire 
on the enemy, which was returned for a time with great vehemence. 
Presently, however, owing to the heavy fire of the 9th, the musketry 
fire from the fort visibly slackened, but the batteries still poured a 
storm of shot and shell into our ranks. Under these circumstances, 
Colonel Heckman directed that particular attention should be given 
to picking off the cannoneers, and the result was soon apparent. 
So accurate was the fire of the men that the rebel guns were now 
but seldom discharged, and then altogether regardless of their aim. 
One gunner, more obstinate and daring than his fellows, continuing 
to annoy the regiment, three sharp-shooters, of Company D, were 
27 



210 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



placed in a good position and directed to fire at the first fair 
opportunity. A minute or two passed, when the rebel was seen to 
seize the match and a second after to apply it to his piece. Four 
reports followed simultaneously — one, that of the rebel gun, which 
carried death into the Union ranks ; the others those of the sharp- 
shooters' rifles, whose bullets pierced the head of the gunner, who 
fell dead across his piece. The name of this determined rebel was 
Lieutenant Selden, of "Wise's Legion. But his last shot, fatal as it 
had proved to him, had done fearful execution. Sweeping through 
the swamp, the deadly missile severed the two legs of Corporal 
John Lorence, 4 and one of Jonathan Bural, of the same company, 
(K,) and passing on, killed young Blackwell, of Company F, and 
Captain Joseph J. Henry, of Company H, though no marks or bruises 
could be distinguished on the person of the gallant officer, who fell, 
as he would have chosen to fall, at the head of his division. The 
last words of Blackwell were, "Remember thy God," uttering which 
he fell back and expired in the arms of his brother, who fought 
bravely at his side. 

The fighting still continued, but at eleven o'clock, it being ascer- 
tained that the enemy was retreating, Colonel Heckman made his 
clipositions for an assault, and the order to charge was given. But 
just at that moment the Ninth was fired upon from the rear, 
causing a momentary confusion, but the fire being ascertained to 
come from Hawkins' Zouaves, the alarm subsided, and the men 

1 A letter from Captain J. Townley, Jr., of the Ninth, says : 

"Few cases of greater individual courage are recorded than that of Corporal Lorence, 
of Carpenter's Landing. In the early part of the action at Roanoke, both of his legs 
were shot off just below the knees. As he was carried to the rear, his shattered limbs 
dangling in the bushes, he repeatedly said to the men passing on to the conflict, with 
all the energy he could command, ' Go in, boys, go in; give it to them; I can't do any 
more.' He was taken to the Surgeon's tent in the back-ground, where his limbs were 
amputated and dressed. At length, the shout of victory rang through the forest. The 
Corporal inquired, ' Who has won ?' and upon being told that the rebels were running, 
raised himself on his stumps, swung his cap over his head, and, with an enthusiasm 
that thrilled every beholder, gave three cheers for the Union and the New Jersey 
Ninth ! General Burnside being informed of the Corporal's brave conduct, visited him 
several times in the hospital, as did many other officers. Once when I was with him, 
as he lay suffering, lie said that if his limbs would only heal, he would procure ' a pair 
of wooden legs and fight on them.' Of this I told General Burnside, who came in 
just at that moment, and who replied, 'Corporal Lorence has done enough for his 
country ; it is time now for the country to do something for him.' " 



THE NINTH KEGTMENT. 



211 



were steadily advancing when they again received a volley from 
the rear, several falling under the fire. Such a mistake, twice 
repeated, naturally excited the deepest indignation, but the officers 
finally calmed the excited Zouaves, and the Ninth succeeded in 
escaping farther casualties at the hands of their friends, though, 
strange to say, the latter were with difficulty restrained from firing 
a third time. This mishap necessarily delayed the progress of the 
regiment, and it was the second to enter the fort, whereas, but for 
this, it would have been the first to plant the flag over the captured 
works. From first to last, the conduct of the Ninth was in the 
highest courageous. The enemy, after the battle, admitted that 
they had never supposed a body of troops could operate in the 
swamp, and it was, undoubtedly, the occupation of this swamp, 
fey which operations upon the rebel flank became possible, which 
secured the great success of the day. ' 

On being driven from the fort, the enemy retreated to the 
immediate fortifications along the shore, but finding that further 
resistance would be useless, they surrendered, giving into our hands 
live forts, thirty-three pieces of artillery and two thousand eignt 
hundred prisoners. Of the latter, and the fact is significant, but 
one hundred and seventeen were able to write their names. The 
victory, however, had a greater value than a mere acquisition of 
war material. By the capture of the island, we gained the key 
to all the inland waters of North Carolina, thus interrupting com- 
munications which at that time were essential to the enemy. 

The Ninth lost in this battle nine killed, and twenty-live 
wounded. 

s John S. C. Abbott, in a paper published in Header's Magazine, and Greeley, in his 
American Conflict, both give the credit of the operations here performed by the Ninth, 
to Hawkins' Zouaves, who, in fact, as appears in this narrative, had no part whatever 
therein, except to aimoy and embarrass the assailing, column. 

6 The following, from a correspondent of the Newark Daily Advertiser, preserves 
some interesting incidents of the battle of Eoanoke : 

"By an order of General Burnside, promulgated on the evening of February 10th, 
the Ninth Regiment arc to have the words ' Roanoke Island, Februarys, 1862,' em- 
blazoned on their banners. The only ordnance which could be brought to bear upon 
the enemy, owing to the deep morass which our troops traversed, and the almost im- 
penetrable thickets, was a small rifled-cannon, manned altogether by men detailed 
from the Ninth. Besides, the gunboat which did the most execution to the fort that 



212 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



The brigade remained on the island until early in March, being 
daily exercised in drill, which brought it to a high state of efficiency 
and thoroughly qualified it for the fatigues of the campaign upon 
which it was soon to enter. On the 11th of March, having a few days 
previously embarked on vessels in waiting, it sailed down the 
sound to Hatteras Inlet, entering the mouth of the Keuse Eiver on 
the following day, and anchoring at Slocum's Creek, eighteen miles 
from Newberne, which place, lying at the junction of the ISTeuse 
and Trent Eivers, it was designed to reduce. On the following day 
the troops were landed, and the gunboats moving up the river in 
advance, took up the line of march, dispersing a company of rebel 
cavalry near the landing, and halting fourteen miles distant, in 
front of a long line of entrenched works, extending from the ISTeuse 
Eiver across the railroad to an almost impenetrable swamp, which 
connects Newberne with Morehead City, with strong forts at either 
flank, and defended by fifteen cannon. The troops taking position 
during the night, on the morning of the 14th the column moved 
to the attack, firing commencing on the right first, at eight 
o'clock. Eeno's Brigade, after marching some two miles, filed off 
to the left, and entering the woods, formed line of battle, the Fifty- 
first Pennsylvania, Colonel Hartranft, being held in the rear as a 
support to the Ninth, which was thus given the extreme left of the 
line. At nine o'clock the brigade advanced to within two hundred 
yards of the enemy's works, when it opened a sharp fire of musketry* 
with telling effect; the enemy meanwhile replying with much 
vigor, having five guns bearing on our position. Discovering a 
movement on his left flank, Colonel Heckman reversed his left 



was attacked on Friday, had her guns manned by Jerseymen, detailed from the Ninth. 
On the 10th ultimo, this detail asked to he sent hack to their regiment, but the Com- 
modore said, ' the Jersey Blues had shown themselves too good managers of the big 
guns to allow him to part with them ; that they were true Mues, and no mistake.' Con- 
sequently, they remained. One Jerseyman, who had been wounded by a bullet through 
the head, said it was not much, and walked alone back to the hospital tent, as he said, 
' to get something to keep the blood out of his eyes, when he would come back to his 
company. 1 The poor fellow fell dead just as he got to the tent. Another, who was 
shot through the body, and was being attended to by the surgeons, asked to be ' carried 
back where he could fire upon the enemy.' Still another, belonging to Company K, 
when required by the Surgeon to stay and assist him in dressing the wounded, cried 
like a child, and begged to be permitted to ' go into the fight and not play mum.'' " 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



213 



wing in time to repel a fierce attack from the enemy, whereupon 
Colonel Hartranft promptly placed his regiment on the prolonga- 
tion of this line. The Ninth then resumed the direct attack, and 
soon silenced the rebel guns, our sharpshooters picking off their 
gunners with fatal accuracy of aim. The rebel infantry, however, 
redoubled their exertions and fought more vigorously than ever. 
During this time several desperate charges were made by a portion 
of Eeno's Brigade on the right, but all were repelled with con- 
siderable loss. One of these charges, and the most gallant of them 
all, was made by the Twenty -first Massachusetts, which succeeded 
in entering the redoubt on the north side of the railroad, but were 
driven out at the point of the bayonet by a brigade of Georgians. 
By this time the ammunition of the Ninth being reduced to ten 
rounds, General Eeno ordered up the Fifty-first Pennsylvania to 
take its place, but Colonel Heckman begging that he might be per- 
mitted to charge, the order was finally given. That charge settled 
the contest. Dashing eagerly forward, leaping from ditch to ditch, 
now wading knee-deep in mire, now rushing over pit-falls, through 
an almost impenetrable abattis, the irresistible assailants swept up to 
the earthworks, climbed their blood-stained, slippery sides, and a 
moment after had captured the whole line of fortifications in their 
front, with six guns, one stand of colors, many prisoners, and field, 
staff and artillery horses. Almost simultaneously the flags of the 
*Ninth waved from two of the enemy's redans, while the right 
guidon floated from a third, which but a moment before had been 
occupied by the enemy. The Ninth was followed by the Fifty -first 
New York, Colonel Ferrero, on the right, and soon after by the 
entire division, which took complete possession of the rebel works, 
mounting some sixty-nine cannon. Having thus gained possession 
of the main line of the enemy's defences, Burnside next turned his 
attention to the river batteries in the rear, but these were at once 
evacuated, and both the land and water approaches to Newberne 
being thus opened, all that remained was to march in and take 
possession. This was done in the evening, the Ninth, however, 
going into camp at the junction of the Trent and Neuse Eivers, 
some four miles from the line of the captured works. In this 



214 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



engagement, the regiment lost four killed and fifty-eight wounded, 
one- sixth of the entire Union loss. Among the killed was 
Lieutenant W. C. Walker. 7 

Two days after this battle, Lieutenant-Colonel Heckman received 
his commission as Colonel of the regiment, while Major "Wilson was 
notified of his promotion to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy. At the 
same time, Adjutant Zabriskie was promoted to the Majority, and 
Lieutenant Abel, of Company E, was made Adjutant. The regi- 
ment remained in camp until the 1st of April, when it proceeded 
to Newport Barracks, relieving the Fifth Ehode Island on duty at 
that post. The headquarters of the regiment remained at the 
barracks during the siege of Fort Macon, while various companies 
were engaged in picket-duty, guarding all approaches from the 
direction of Wilmington, and losing during these operations nine 

" Among the incidents of this battle the following may be mentioned : A rebel bat- 
tery, in front of Company H, having given considerable annoyance, Captain James 
Stewart, Jr., (afterwards Brigadier-General,) seized a rifle, and, watching his oppor- 
tunity, shot a rebel cannoneer through the head. On entering the battery, shortly 
after, the dead body was found and recognized as that of Captain William C. Martin, a 
rebel renegade from New Jersey. 

The New York Tribune, in speaking of this battle, made the following candid state- 
ment: 

" In the capture of Newberne, the Ninth New Jersey Regiment sustained the honor 
of their State with characteristic gallantry. Though their position in that brilliant 
engagement was one of great exposure, they bore themselves through the conflict like 
veterans, suffering more severely than any other regiment on the field. Out of a total 
loss of three hundred and sixty- four killed and wounded, they lost sixty-two, or one- 
sixth of the whole, although twelve regiments were in the battle. Bravo for the 
Jersey Blues !" 

A correspondent of the Newark Daily Advertiser said of the battle : 
" I never calculated upon witnessing more cool, substantial, effective bravery, thai 
was exhibited by the New Jersey Ninth on that day. Private Luke Davison, of Company 
K, from Princeton, was shot through the foot, the ball passing clear through the middle, 
near the instep. He fell, and was ordered to be carried to the rear ; biit he refused to 
go, and went on loading and firing very deliberately, until a peremptory order to go 
back was given. Private Thomas Macquaid, of Elizabeth, was struck by a spent ball 
on the shoulder, and tumbled down ; but, when being carried back, he suddenly broke 
away and said, ' Let me take off my coat and see that first ; ' and finding the shoulder 
much swollen, he went on a few steps and concluded to ' take another look,' when he 
said he 'guessed he'd take a few more shots,' came back and fought bravely until the 
victory was won. Sergeant Joseph Wright was shot through the shoulder, and sat 
down in his place a moment, and then slowly turned to his commander, saying, very 
coolly, almost drily, 'Captain, I am wounded.' That officer finding his company 
pretty well cut up, and not wishing to send back more men with the wounded than 
was absolutely necessary, asked 'if he was much hurt?' 'He didn't know,' he said, 
' but thought he would let the Surgeon see,' and had gone some distance, when he re- 
turned, saying, ' Captain, may I take my rifle with me ?' Of course he could." 



THE NINTH EEG-niEXT. 



215 



enlisted men as prisoners. Now and then bands of guerrillas 
attacked the outposts, and expeditions were sent out for their cap- 
ture, being, however, for the most part fruitless of " game." 

On the 26th of July, six companies of the Ninth, three compa- 
nies of cavalry and two pieces of artillery, all under command of 
Colonel Heckman, started on an expedition to Young's Cross Eoads, 
some thirty-six miles distant, with instructions to co-operate with 
other forces sent out from Newberne, Eeaching the Cross Eoads 
on the following clay. Colonel Heckman disposed his infantry in 
ambush, and then, at the head of a company of cavalry, proceeded 
some distance down the Onslow road. Suddenly, however, upon 
turning a bend of the road, he was assailed by a volley from a party 
of bushwhackers, causing him to retire. A dozen or two of the 
cavalrymen were prom ptly dismounted and deployed as skirmishers, 
but upon advancing it was found that the enemy had retreated 
across "White Oak Eiver, destroying the bridge after crossing. 
Meanwhile, Captain Hufty, hearing the firing, hastened up with 
two companies and one gun ; this was put in position, and at once 
opened with canister on the enemy posted on the opposite bank, 
while parties were detailed to find a ford. The water being found 
too deep and rapid to be forded, Heckman hastily rebuilt the bridge, 
and at the expiration of an hour. Captain Hufty dashed across on 
the double-quick, only to find, however, that the enemy had again 
retreated, leaving in their hasty flight a quantity of small arms, 
sabers, &c, together with several horses. Eighteen prisoners were 
taken, who reported the rebel force to number three hundred men. 
The Union loss was seven wounded, two severely, while the enemy 
lost four killed and eighteen wounded. Among the wounded were 
Colonel Heckman and Surgeon Woodhull — the latter of whom re- 
ceived two balls in his body and another in his hat, his horse being 
also badly hurt/ After the engagement, the captured guns were 

* While many of the surge on s of New Jersey regiments achieved eminence during 
the war, none attained to a higher place in the esteem of their superiors, or rendered 
more signal services in their sphere of duty than Doctor A. W. Woodhull, of the 
>x inth. When the first call for troops was made, Doctor "Woodhull had just attained to 
a profitable practice in the city of Newark, where he had located but a few years 
previously ; but, born near a revolutionary battle-ground of the State and patriotic 



216 NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 

examined and each found to be loaded with seven buckshot and 
two minie bullets. 

in every instinct of his nature, lie at once abandoned the prospect opened before him, 
and offering his services to Governor Olden, was appointed (August 23, 1861,) Assistant- 
Surgeon of the Fifth Regiment. He continued in this position, serving most accept- 
ably, until February 6, 1862, when he was made Surgeon of the Ninth, but was unable 
to reach his new field of labor until after the battle of Newberne. There, in the crowded 
hospitals, among the wounded and suffering, he found ample employment for his skill ; 
and he did not shrink from the task. Unremitting in his labors, faithful and gentle 
in his attentions — never neglecting a single duty — he won rapidly upon the confidence 
and esteem of all in distress, and soon, unconsciously to himself, came to exert a 
commanding influence both over the well and the sick. He understood, as many do 
not, that a kind word, a sympathetic touch, an ennobling thought dropped in the 
craving heart, is oftentimes a better medicine than any known to the schools, and many 
to whom he, as a Christian healer, spoke a word in season, think of him to-day with 
blessings on their lips. 

At the time when Doctor Woodhull reached North Carolina, there were comparatively 
few surgeons at Newberne, and consequently there was little relaxation from labor 
for those stationed at that post. Among them all none displayed greater skill in the 
treatment of serious cases than Doctor Woodhull, and this soon coming to the atten- 
tion of General Burnside, he was at once appointed to a position of great responsibility, 
in which he exhibited administrative qualities of a high order. Under his supervision 
hospitals were arranged, which for convenience, comfort and character tof accommo- 
dations, were not surpassed by any in use, while their government was in all respects 
commendable. When wounded at Young's Cross Roads, he was not more than one 
hundred yards distant from the enemy, but managed to effect his escape under a 
shower of balls, when, notwithstanding his hurts, which were serious, one rib being 
broken and one arm disabled, he dressed the wounds of every man injured in the 
engagement before leaving the field. In the fall, he was appointed Surgeon in Charge 
of the Hammond General Hospital at Beaufort, where he remained until the departure 
of Generals Foster and Heckman for South Carolina. Upon taking the field, he was 
made Surgeon of Heckman' s Star Brigade, in which capacity he served with fidelity 
for a long time. In the summer of 1863, in addition to his other duties, he superin- 
tended the erection of Mansfield General Hospital at Morehead City, which was 
pronounced a model institution of its kind. In the summer of 1864, he served with 
the brigade in Virginia, and upon returning to North Carolina in the autumn of that 
year, when the yellow fever was raging at Newberne, he at once offered to assist in the 
work of combating and extinguishing the epidemic, and through the whole period of 
its ravages was found constantly at his post. 

As exhibiting the arduous nature of Doctor Woodhull' s duties, it may be stated that 
during a part of the time he was in the field, he was obliged to ride a distance of sixty 
miles, in order to reach all his posts — this duty being uniformly performed twice a 
week. But it is in the medical statistics of the regiment that we find the most con- 
clusive evidence of his diligence and skill. These show, that during the time he was 
connected with the regiment, but three men died in camp or regimental hospital in 
each year, making nine in all, and this, too, when but few were sent to the general 
hospital. This was doubtless due to the unceasing care with which Surgeon W T ood- 
hull looked after the habits of the men, the condition of their quarters, the injunc- 
tions he always gave the soldiers to attend early to any indisposition they might feel, 
and the pertinacity with which he insisted upon daily inspecting the processes for pre- 
paring food. These, after all, were the really important duties of a Regimental Sur- 
geon. On the 13th of March, 1865, Doctor Woodhull was brevetted Lieutenant- 
Colonel, the honor coming to him unsolicited, and, therefore, so much the more val- 
uable. 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



217 



The expedition from Newberne not being beard from, and provi- 
sions growing scarce, Colonel Heckman returned with his command 
to the city, whence several reconnoitering parties were sent out 
during the following month, bat without any material results. On 
the 31st of August, Lieutenant Thomas Burnett, commanding 
Company B, was attacked by a large force of rebels about two miles 
from the camp, but after an hour's fighting, succeeded in driving 
them. A corporal of the company was shot in the hand. Subse- 
quently, two companies under Lieutenant B. W. Hopper, went in 
pursuit of the rebels, capturing two guerrillas and taking fifty stand 
of arms. 9 From this time until the 30th of October, the regiment 
was not actively engaged. On that day a force of some thirteen 
thousand men, under Major-General John G. Foster, started on 
an expedition for Tarborough — two brigades being transported by 
water to Washington, and a third marching overland. 10 All the 
troops having come up on the morning of November 2d, the column 
moved forward, encountering and dispersing squads of rebel rangers 
as it advanced. After marching some nineteen miles, it became 
evident that an engagement was imminent, the rebels increasing 
both in numbers and audacity. About four o'clock, the advance 
was checked by a heavy fire from the opposite side of a deep creek, 
on which a large force of the enemy had posted themselves to dis- 
pute the passage of the stream, having already fired the bridge. 
Colonel Stevenson, commanding the Second Brigade, ordered 
forward the Forty-Fourth Massachusetts, but this regiment, after 

9 A very pleasant episode in the camp history of the Ninth occurred on the same 
day. The regiment being drawn up for parade, Colonel Heckman was surpi'ised by 
the presentation of an elaborately ornamented sword, the gift of the line officers — the 
presentation address being made by Captain Boudinot. The sword cost seven hundred 
dollars, and was ever afterwards worn with pride by the Colonel. On the following 
day, a handsome sword, with sash and belt, was presented to Captain James Stewart 
by his company — Corporal J. E. Matthews performing the presentation ceremony. 

" This force consisted of the First Brigade, Colonel Amory, composed of the Eighth, 
Seventeenth, Twenty-Third and Twenty-fifth Massachusetts ; the Second Brigade, 
Colonel Thomas Stevenson, composed of the Twenty-fourth and Forty-fourth Massa- 
chusetts, Tenth Connecticut and Fifth Rhode Island ; and the Third Brigade, Colonel 
Lee, composed of the Third, Fifth and Twenty-seventh Massachusetts, and the Ninth 
New Jersey, with five hundred cavalry, five full batteries of artillery, and a section of 
boat howitzers, in command of Lieutenant-Colonel Manchester, of the Marine Artil- 
lery. 

28 



218 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



a brief engagement, retired, whereupon the Twenty-fourth Massa- 
chusetts was advanced. But it, too, was soon forced to fall back, 
before a galling fire, behind the swamp across which it was neces- 
sary to advance ; and again the Ninth New Jersey was ordered to 
the rescue. 11 At the word of command, with Heckman in advance, 
the brave Jerseymen rushed on the run through the files of the 
Twenty fourth and Forty -fourth, dashed past the fort of the 
enemy, and passing the still burning bridge, halted under a high 
clay bank, beyond the swamp near Bowles' Mills. Here parties 
were at once detailed to discover convenient fords above and 
below the bridge ; a third party, under Lieutenant Abel, to examine 
the condition of that structure : and a fourth, under Lieutenant 
A. B. Brown, to start the mill near by, for the purpose of drawing 
off the water from the dam. Lieutenant Abel reporting that the 
river could be crossed by infantry, Heckman placed Belger's Napo- 
leons in position, and then as the pieces opened with double-shotted 
canister, dashed upon and over the burning bridge into the works 
of the rebels, who fled precipitately before him — leaving a consid- 
erable quantity of propert}^ behind. Darkness coming on, it was 
impossible to pursue the foe, and Angel's Battery having crossed 
and taken position, the Ninth bivouacked on the field. Few 
achievements of the North Carolina campaign were more gallant 
than this passage of a burning bridge and rout of the enemy, 
strongly posted, by a single regiment. 

From this point, the expedition moved forward, on the 3d, in 
the direction of Tarborough, learning on the way that the enemy 
was retreating in great confusion. On the 5th, the force reached a 
point only four miles distant from Tarborough, but a storm coming 
on, and it being ascertained that the enemy had been largely rein- 
forced, it was determined to return, which was done without 
molestation or loss, other than that inflicted by the storm — the 
Ninth reaching Newport on the 12 th. 

u General Foster, commanding the expedition, remarked: "I know I have one 
regiment here which can and dares to cross this swamp," and at the same time sent 
his orders to Colonel Heckman, commanding the Ninth. In and through went the 
men of the Ninth, but on coming to the other side, it seemed as if the rebels had 
heard the remark made and order given, for no rebel was to be seen. — Diary of Her- 
mann Everts. 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



219 



On the 8th of December, Colonel Heckman was assigned to an 
independent command, consisting of the Ninth New Jersey, a 
detachment of the Third New York Cavalry, Major Cole, and the 
First Ehode Island Battery, Captain James Belger, and three days 
after, at the head of his command, set out, together with all the 
troops available for duty, (some twelve thousand,) on a march 
directly inland. The object of this movement, in which a large force 
participated, was to reach and destroy, if possible, the important 
railroad junction at Goldsborougb, some forty miles distant. On 
this as on the previous march, squads of rebel videttes were encoun- 
tered, some of whom were captured, but no evidences of serious 
opposition were discovered until a point some sixteen miles distant 
from Newberne was readied, where the road was found effectually 
blockaded by fallen timber. After a hasty reconnoissance, Heckman 
determined to push the Ninth through the obstructions, and the 
regiment accordingly moved forward, the men leaping from tree to 
tree and from branch to branch, sometimes in water, oftener in mud 
and mire. Finally, just at dark, the regiment emerged into an open 
space, where pickets were at once strongly posted on the roads 
leading to Kinston and Trenton, with instruction to conceal them- 
selves, and on the approach of any small party of the enemy, to 
permit him to pass and then close up — thus cutting off his line 
of retreat. Here the command remained until the following morn- 
ing, when, the obstructions having been removed, the march was 
resumed, the advance soon coming up with detachments of rebel 
cavalry, who sharply contested its progress, but were steadily driven 
with loss — several being killed and a number captured. Beaching 
a point ten miles from Kinston, on the morning of the 18th, 
Colonel Heckman, with the entire cavalry force and a section of the 
Third New York Artillery — the main column continuing the 
advance on the main road — -made a detour to the left, on the Trent 
road, for the purpose of catting off any reinforcements in that 
direction, and, if possible, attacking the enemy in flank should he 
be found in position. After proceeding some six miles, he found 
the rebels in an entrenched position on the opposite side of South- 
west Creek — the bridge over which had been destroyed — and at 



220 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



once ordering the cavalrjr to dismount, speedily drove the rebel 
skirmishers into their works — after which a section of artillery was 
brought into action and a vigorous fire opened on the enemy. 
Major Coles, with his dismounted cavalry, having meanwhile 
approached to within short musket range of the enemy's works, 
had discovered several pieces of artillery and a considerable body 
of infantry, and this discovery seeming to make a direct attack 
unwise, Colonel Heckman directed Morrison's Battery also to open, 
which was done in an effective manner, the enemy responding with 
equal spirit. While this was going on, three companies of the 
Ninth were deployed to the left of the enemy along the bank of 
the creek, with instructions to cross and attack in flank the moment 
that Morrison's Artillery ceased its fire. A mill-dam having been 
discovered on the rebel right, the remainder of the regiment was 
placed in a convenient position for crossing at that point, awaiting 
the signal to advance — the movement being supported by Wessel's 
Brigade. At length the firing ceased, and the Ninth cautiously 
crossed the dam, pressing straight up to the rebel works, when, 
being discovered by the enemy, they dashed with a cheer right 
against the foe, the last of whom passed safely out, as the assailants 
climbed through the embrasures into the fortifications. 12 Thus 
once more the gallant Heckman, with a handful of men, had put 
the enemy to flight, capturing a strong position, defended by two 
thousand five hundred men and one piece of artillery. But only 
a moment was given to exultation, when the Ninth again started 
forward. Upon turning a bend in the road, some five hundred 
yards from the works, it received a charge of grape and canister 
from a twelve-pounder, but a minute after, members of Company 
A were astride the gun, clubbing the gunners with their muskets. 
The drivers, succeeding in extricating their horses, managed to join 
the main force, which was now retreating in great disorder, the 
rear guard, however, being soon overtaken, and a large number 
captured, together with a caisson, a guidon and other trophies. 
The pursuit was kept up with great vigor for a considerable distance, 



12 A rebel officer was heard to exclaim to his men, " There comes that Dutch Heck- 
man. You had better save yourselves while yer have the time." 



THE XIXTH BEGIMENT. 



221 



when, an open country being reached, Heckman halted and awaited 
the arrival of the column. Later in the day he moved across the 
open space at the head of a squadron of cavalry, and coming upon 
the enemy posted in the timber, again ordered up the Ninth, the 
right wing of which, deploying, dislodged the rebels, with the loss 
of but one man wounded. 

The advance had now reached a point within only two or three 
miles of Kinston, where the enemy was concentrated in large 
force, and strongly posted in the woods. On the following morning, 
at seven o'clock, the skirmishers of the Ninth, once more advancing, 
again entered the heavy timber, shortly after becoming warmly 
engaged along the entire line. Hotly pressing the skirmishers 
of the enemy, the Ninth, far in advance of the main body, was 
suddenly fired upon by several pieces of heavy artillery, posted on 
rising ground about a mile from the bridge leading across to 

Oct O O 

Kinston. Satisfied that his further advance would be vigorously 
disputed, Colonel Heckman, after wading the swamp, fronting the 
enemy's line, and finding the position to be naturally a strong one, 
covered by an almost impenetrable swamp on three sides, and the 
Neuse Eiver on the other, and defended by artillery and a large 
force of infantry, ordered up Morrison's Battery with a brigade of 
infantry as a support. The battery being placed in a commanding 
position, at once opened the engagement, known in the records of 
the war as the battle of Kinston. Shortly after, while making a 
detour to the right with the Ninth New Jersey and Seventeenth 
Massachusetts, Heckman discovered two rebel regiments moving in 
the direction of the woods on his left, and almost simultaneously 
with his formation to meet this demonstration, two other regiments 
were found lying under cover of a slightly-elevated stretch of 
ground, immediately on the right of the Ninth. At this moment, 
fortunately, he was reinforced by the Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania, 
Fifty-second New York, Colonel Gray, and the Eighty -ninth New 
York, Lieutenant-Colonel Weldon, with a section of Wiard guns. 
These were put in battery on the extreme left of the line of battle, 
supported by the Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania, facing to the right, 
while the Fifty-second and Eighty-ninth New York were ordered 



222 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



to charge the regiments under the hill, with instructions, if suc- 
cessful, to prevent their reaching their works. In this Colonel 
Gray was eminently successful, cutting off one rebel regiment from 
the main body. Meanwhile, Heckman pressed forward over the 
open ground, under cover of a belt of woods, with the Ninth New 
Jersey and Seventeenth Massachusetts, forcing the two regiments 
in his front to the left and rear of their batteries, and Colonel 
Gray at the same moment emerging from the woods on the left of 
the road, both commands started on a run for the bridge — hoping 
thus to prevent the retreat of the enemy. But the rebels, dis- 
covering the movement, at once abandoned their works, and hurried 
towards the same point. Having the inside line, the greater part 
of their force succeeded in crossing the bridge, but finding the pur- 
suers close upon their heels, the rear-guard fired the structure, 
which in a moment was wrapped in flames — having been pre- 
viously sprinkled with spirits of turpentine. A considerable 
number of the fugitives who had fallen upon the bridge, borne 
down by the press and rush of the retreat, met a horrible death, 
being roasted alive in the flames which their comrades had kindled. 
At the same time, some four hundred of the enemy who found it 
impossible to cross, were taken prisoners by our advance, while 
seeking the shelter of their works. Heckman and Gray, with the 
men of the Ninth New Jersey and Fifty-second New York, at 
once set to work to extinguish the flames, now rapidly destroying 
the bridge, and this they succeeded in doing, although greatly 
annoyed by sharpshooters, when the Color Company of the Ninth, 
Captain William B. Curlis, dashed across and into the work at the 
end of the bridge— capturing some fifty rebels who had remained 
crouching behind the fortification, fearing to make an attempt to 
escape, owing to the close proximity of the Union troops, who 
commanded the position. Without delay, Colonel Heckman 
pushed forward into the town, followed by the Ninth, which was 
the first regiment to enter the place. During the pursuit, Heck- 
man succeeded in wresting from the hands of the bearer a stand 
of Texan colors, which were afterwards sent to the Governor of 
New Jersey and by him deposited among other trophies obtained 



-THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



223 



by our troops. This exploit of the dashing Colonel was loudly 
cheered by the Ninth, in whose presence it was performed. The 
total fruits of this victory were one stand of colors, three brass 
guns and several hundred prisoners. 13 

On the morning of the 15th, having bivouacked on the field, 
the army re-commenced its march. Ee-crossing the bridge, which 
was then immediately burned, to prevent pursuit, the force pressed 
along a road which skirted the southern banks of the Reuse, to- 
wards Whitehall, a town lying directly west upon the river, some 
twenty miles from Kinston. Beaching a point some three miles 
distant from Whitehall, the troops halted for the night. Early on 
the morning of the 16th, a detachment of cavalry having been, 
meanwhile, dispatched to Mount Olive, a station on the Wilmington 
and Weldon Kailroad, fourteen miles below Goldsborough, where 
the railroad track was destroyed for about a mile, as was the bridge 
at Goshen Swamp, four miles distant — the infantry, with the Ninth 
again in the advance, pushed on to Whitehall, finding on arriving 
that the bridge over the Neuse had been destroyed, and that the 
enemy, in considerable force, had taken position on the opposite 
side, with ten guns in battery, protected by long lines of rifle pits. 
Whitehall, which is only a hamlet, is situated on a perfectly level 
plain, extending from the river westward a distance of half a mile, 
where it becomes slightly rolling. It was in this open space that 
Colonel Heckman deployed the Ninth, the men advancing under 
a withering fire from the enemy, concealed on the other side of the 
river. Gaining the bank, however, and selecting such cover as 
the nature of the ground afforded, they opened vigorously on the 
enemy, who had now become visible, although still protected by 
the heavy trees. Finding the Ninth warmly engaged, and unable 
to silence the entire rebel force, Heckman ordered forward the 
Seventeenth, Twenty-third and Twenty-fifth Massachusetts Eegi- 
ments, who at once opened briskly — -several pieces of artillery, at 
the same time, getting into position well to the right of the forces 
engaged, and pouring an enfilading fire into the rebel ranks. Guns 

is During the following: night, six additional guns were captured at a rehel work, 
Borne distance down the river. 



224 



NEW JERSEY AND THE KEBELLION. 



were also placed on a slight elevation under the bluffs, and the 
engagement soon became general, the rebels, however, speedily 
becoming dispirited and slackening their fire, our artillery causing 
great havoc in their ranks. Finally, after a combat of some two 
hours, the rebels retired, and, deeming his object accomplished, 
General Foster ordered the column to resume its march towards 
Goldsborough. Bivouacking that night eight miles from the place 
of destination, the little army, on the morning of the 17th, again 
moved forward to the completion of its work. Goldsborough, the 
objective of this movement, lies at the junction of the "Wilmington 
and Weldon and the Atlantic and North Carolina Eailways, and the 
principal object of the expedition was to destroy the former of 
these roads, which was the main line of Northern communication 
for the rebels. To make this interruption complete it was neces- 
sary to destroy a bridge, an eighth of a mile long, which here 
spanned the river, and which could not be re-constructed without 
much labor and great expense. The enemy, of course, fully appre- 
ciated the importance of this bridge, and was prepared to make 
a vigorous stand for its defense. By feints, however, at other 
points, he somewhat distracted attention, compelling the rebels to 
detach bodies of troops from the main force to resist his attacks at 
the menaced points, and thus rendering his success in the main 
purpose of the expedition more probable and certain. The main 
force advancing, as we have stated, came up with the enemy posted 
on the edge of the woods lining the railroad. The Ninth New 
Jersey at once moved to the right and along the country road 
under cover of the timber until the railroad track was reached, 
when, leaving the Seventeenth Massachusetts to hold this point 
until the arrival of Wessel's Brigade, Heckman " changed direction 
to the right," and being presently joined by the Seventeenth 
Massachusetts, moved straight up the track towards the bridge. 
The enemy had now divined the purpose of the advancing column, 
and at once concentrated heavily at the threatened point, opening 
a rapid fire, both musketry and artillery. General Foster having 
meanwhile come up, ordered all his available guns to open on the 
enemy, and, under cover of their fire, Heckman still steadily 



TflE NIXTH KEGIMENT. 



225 



advanced, engaging and repulsing two rebel regiments which 
presumed to dispute his progress. After some two hours of con- 
tinuous fighting, the command reached the 'bridge, which was still 
covered by the enemy's guns, and volunteers were at once called 
for to advance and fire the structure. Nearly every member of the 
Ninth at once volunteered, begging the privilege of engaging in 
the perilous service, but as three or four could perform the work 
as well as a hundred, Corporal James W. Green and Private Elias 
0. Winans, of Company K, were selected from the many offering 
their services, and being supplied with fuses, set out on the expedi- 
tion. Eunning rapidly forward, under cover of the railroad 
embankment, exposed all the wa}~ to a perfect storm of bullets 
from the enemy's sharpshooters, they soon reached the bridge. 
There, covering themselves as much as possible, they endeavored 
to kindle the fires, but these not igniting, they attempted to fire 
the structure with matches. These, too, failed. Meanwhile, the 
leaden hail fell around them, and the situation every moment 
grew more perilous. But the gallant fellows, determined on success, 
did not flinch. At length, Winans, watching an opportunity, crept 
down the bank into the edge o'f the timber, and hastily gathering 
a quantity of leaves and lightwood, started to return, confident 
now of success. But just at this moment, being discovered by a 
party of rebels under the bridge, a sharp fire was opened upon 
him. One bullet passed through his canteen and cup, another 
through his coat, and a third grazed his face, but steadily, unflinch- 
ingly, he crept forward, until at last reaching his companion, like 
himself so far unharmed, the matcli was struck, the" leaves were 
ignited, and the bridge was fired! Just at this moment, a terrific 
storm of bullets swept along the structure, and, looking to 
the rear to discover the cause of the outburst, Green and Winans 
saw Lieutenant Graham, Aid to Colonel Heckman, and Private 
William Lemons, of Company E, entering the wooden structure on 
the run, each bearing a fresh supply of fuses. By a desperate effort, 
loosening a plank, these gallant soldiers fired the fuses, and thrust- 
ing them into the aperture, awaited the result. A minute after, 
a column of smoke rose over the bridge, then tongues of flame 
29 



226 



• 

NEW JEKSEY AND THE BEBELLICOs. 



shot iDto the air, and the work was accomplished. Then, hurrying 
from their shelter, the heroes of the day, under cover of the dense 
cloud of smoke, started for their comrades, whom they safely 
reached, cheer upon cheer welcoming them, as with flushed faces 
they came once more to their places in the ranks. During these 
operations, several members of the Seventeenth Massachusetts had 
attempted to reach the bridge, but had failed, and the glory of 
this grand achievement belongs exclusively to the Ninth. The 
regiments were now deployed along the railroad, and the track torn 
up for a distance of several miles, after which the Ninth and 
Seventeenth were withdrawn, both having suffered severely, being 
the only troops engaged. 14 

At three o'clock in the afternoon, the object of the expedition 
having been accomplished, the army commenced its return. The 
Ninth had reached a distance of perhaps three miles, when it was 
suddenly halted — heavy firing being heard in the rear — and was 
soon after dispatched to the relief of the rear-guard, who had been 
suddenly assailed by the enemy. Fatigued as they were, the 
gallant Jerseymen promptly moved to the rescue, arriving on the 
field just in time to witness the retreat of two rebel brigades, which 
had been repulsed with heavy loss by Belger's and Morrison's 
Batteries. No further attack being apprehended, the column 
resumed its march towards Newberne, where it arrived on the even- 
ing of the 20th, having accomplished, on the last day, a distance of 
thirty-two miles in eleven hours, and having, during ten days, 
marched one hundred and fifty miles and fought three engagements, 
with a total loss of about one hundred and fifty men in killed and 
wounded. 

On the 22d of December, Colonel Heckman received his com- 
mission as Brigadier-Greneral, bearing date of October 29, 1862, the 
announcement of his promotion for " signal ability and meritorious 
services," occasioning the liveliest enthusiasm among the men of 
the Ninth. General Heckman was at once assigned to the com - 

i* General Foster, in his official report of this engagement, says: " Colonel Heck- 
man, of the Ninth New Jersey, was, with his admirable regiment, always in advance, 
and displayed the greatest courage and efficiency." 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



227 



mancl of the First Brigade, Second Division , Eighteenth Array 
Corps, consisting of the Ninth New Jersey, Third, Eighth and 
Twenty-third Massachusetts Eegiments. On the same clay Doctor 
A. "Woodhull was made Brigade-Surgeon, reporting for dutj< 
with the gallant Heckman. On the 24th, a beautiful stand of 
colors, costing seven hundred dollars, the gift of the New Jersey 
Legislature, was presented to the Ninth, the following resolutions, 
passed by the Legislature, accompanying the gift : 

"Resolved, That the Ninth Regiment of New Jersey Volunteers, by their patient 
endurance under privation and fatigue, and by their courage at the ever-to-be-remem- 
bered battles of Roanoke and Newberne, (a courage evinced by the havoc made in their 
own unwavering columns, better than by the reports of partial journals,) have sustained 
the high reputation which, since the days of the Revolution, has belonged to the sol- 
diers of New Jersey, and as evidence of our appreciation of that acme of every manly 
virtue, ' patriotic devotion to country,' the Governor of the State is requested to have 
prepared and forwarded to said regiment a standard on which shall be inscribed these 
words : ' Presented by New J ersey to her Ninth Regiment, in remembrance of Roanoke 
and Xewberne.' 

"Resolved, That Colonel Charles A. Heckman, who so gallantly led his well-ordered 
men to the conflict, is requested, at the proper time, to report to the Clerk of the 
House of Assembly, the names of those who fell, killed or mortally wounded, on either 
of the said battle-fields ; and that the Clerk of the House is, by virtue of this resolution, 
ordered to enter their names, with the place where they fell, on the minutes of the 
Assembly of New Jersey, as men who have fallen in defence of the best government of 
the world. 

"Resolved, That New Jersey looks with pride upon all her soldiers in the field, with- 
out exception or distinction, and is prepared to honor them; and while extending 
congratulations that the occasion has never yet occurred when they have been put to 
flight by an enemy, entertains entire confidence that such occasion will never be recog- 
nized by them. 

"Resolved, That New Jersey highly appreciates the disinterested fidelity of Brigadier- 
General Philip Kearney, in declining proffered promotion, rather than separate himself 
from the command of Jerseymen to him entrusted. 

"Resolved, That with the families, relatives and friends of those members of the 
Ninth Regiment, who, on the 14th of March, met death in that form most courted by 
the true soldier, on the battle-field, with their faces to the foe, we most deeply sympa- 
thize and sincerely condole. 

" Resolved, That copies of these resolutions be forwarded to the Generals and Colonels 
commanding the New Jersey troops. 

The year 1863 opened with the Ninth in camp, and with Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Zabriskie promoted to the Colonelcy of the command. 
On the 7th of January, the brigade to which it was attached — known 
from that date as " The Star Brigade," was reviewed by General H. 
M. Naglee, commanding the Second Division, and three days sub- 
sequently left its camp for Morehead City, where the following- 
explanatory order was read to the troops : 



228 NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 

"Headquarters First Brigade, Second Division, j 
Eighteenth Army Corps, Morehead City, > 
North Carolina, January 14, 1863. ) 

" General Order, No. 4. 

"As rapidly as any of the following vessels are supplied with coal, water and ten 
days' provisions, you will commence embarking your troops designated to go with 
them, leaving cooks and cooking utensils to supply them temporarily : steamer City of 
Bath, Eighty-first New York, four hundred men ; steamer Expounder, Eighty-first New 
York, one hundred and ninety-one men ; ship Morton, Twenty-third Massachusetts, 
seven hundred and forty-five men ; steamer Curlew, Ninth New Jersey, three hundred 
and seventy-two men ; steamer Key West, Ninth New Jersey, two hundred and seventy- 
one men ; steamer United States, Ninety-Eighth New York, four hundred and seventy- 
four men. Headquarters of the brigade will be established on the steamer United 
States'. * * * Sealed instructions will be furnished each vessel. * *t * 

"By command of Brigadier-General C. A. Heckman, Commanding Brigade. 

"William H. Abel, Capt. and A. A. G. 

On the 20th, the vessels having received the necessary supplies 
the- troops were embarked, but the fleet did not sail until the after- 
noon of the 29th, when it slowly steamed out of Beaufort harbor — 
some one hundred vessels in all. The sea being unusually rough, 
several of the steamers struck the shoals, the Curlew at one time 
being in considerable danger, but succeeding at last in getting off 
with the loss of a portion of her keel. Early on the morning of the 
31st. the fleet entered Port Eoyal Harbor, South Carolina, sailing 
past Hilton Head, and anchoring off St. Helena Island, where, on the 
9th of February, Heckman's Brigade disembarked, being followed, 
on the following day, by Fosters entire force, consisting of two 
divisions. During its stay at this point, the corps was almost 
continuously under drill, General Hunter, who commanded the 
department, appearing determined to tax the endurance of the 
troops to the utmost. Frequently, after undergoing the severest 
drill, the regiments were ordered out for review, for no other 
purpose, apparently, than the gratification of the whims of the 
Commanding General. On the 5th of March, General Naglee was 
relieved of the command of the Second Divison, to which he said 
farewell in a stirring order, urging every man to do his duty in the 
future as in the past. By order of General Hunter, General 
Heckman then assumed command of the division, and on the 4th 
of April, embarked his troops on transports, with instructions to 
proceed to the Edisto River, and there await further orders ; the 
troops not to disembark, unless it should be necessary to give sup- 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



229 



port to General Stevenson, then occupying Seabrook Island — in 
which case, sufficient force should be put on shore to enable him to 
hold his position. At this time operations against Charleston were 
going vigorously forward ; many of the approaches to the city had 
already been occupied, and it was now proposed to make a com- 
bined land and naval attack, a fleet of iron-clads having been 
collected in the mouth of the North Edisto Eiver, whence they 
were to move up to the harbor and open upon the outlying forts of 
the enemy. This movement was made on the 6th of April. 
Meanwhile, General Heckman, in obedience to orders, had reached 
Edisto Eiver, and on the 7th, learning that the rebels were prepar- 
ing fire-ships a short distance from his anchorage, ordered Captains 
Hufty and Townley to land their companies and make a careful 
reconnoissance, which was promptly done, but without discovering 
any signs of the enemy. The same day the bombardment of 
Charleston by the iron-clads had been opened with great vigor, 
but had failed to produce any satisfactory results, and this render- 
ing co-operation by the land forces useless, Heckman's command 
was not engaged, greatly to the disappointment of both officers and 
men. Instead of an order to move up to Charleston, the General 
received, on the 10th, an order to proceed immediately, with his 
division, to Port Eoyal harbor, disembarking one brigade under his 
own command at Hilton Head, (of which port he was to assume 
command,) and sending the other at once to Beaufort, there to 
report to General Foster. This order, though unwelcome, was at 
once obeyed, the Second Brigade being sent to Beaufort and the 
First disembarked at Hilton Head, whither General Hunter returned 
on the 12th. On the same day, the steamship Augusta Dinsmore, 
arrived from Morehead City, brought news that General Foster was 
besieged at Little Washington, North Carolina. This intelligence 
caused the greatest commotion among the men of the Ninth, as 
well as throughout other commands, and Major Giles, of the Third 
New York Artillery, with Captain Hutchins, A. Q. M., who were 
familiar with the facts as to General Foster's dangerous position, 
having just arrived on the steamer, at once prepared a statement 
of the condition of affairs, to be laid before General Hunter — soli- 



230 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



citiDg the return of the Eighteenth Corps to jSTorth Carolina. Sub- 
sequently, General Heckman, with the officers named, waited upon 
the Commanding General at Beaufort, and presenting the statement, 
awaited a reply, but none was received, General Hunter entering 
into conversation on other matters, and obliging the officers to leave 
without any information as to his intentions. 1 -"' The next day. 
however, General Heckman received the following order : 

" Headquarters Department of the South. , 
Helton Head, South Carolina, 

April 12, 1863. | 
" Special Order, Xo. 160. 
"It having been officially represented to the Major-General Commanding, by Briga- 
dier-General Heckman, Major S. Giles and Captain W. V. Hutchins, thatMajor-General 
Foster, Commanding Department of North Carolina, is besieged and in danger of being 
captured by the enemy at Little Washington, North Carolina, Brigadier- General Heck- 
man, United States Volunteers, is hereby ordered to proceed -with his brigade, con- 
sisting of the following regiments: Ninth New Jersey, Twenty-third Massachusetts, 
Eighty-first and Ninety-eighth New York, to Newberne, North Carolina, where he will 
report to the General in command for service in relieving Major-General Foster. This 
duty executed, or it being found that Major-General Foster has been already relieved, 
Brigadier-General Heckman will forthwith return with his command to this Depart- 
ment. "By command of 

"Major-General Hunter." 

As may be imagined, General Heckman hastened with all possi- 
ble despatch to obey this order, but from unavoidable causes, some 
of the vessels having to be coaled and watered, there was a delay 
of an hour or two in getting the brigade embarked and on its way. 
During this time the wharf was crowded with officers and men of 
the Eighteenth Corps, praying for permission to return to their old 
campaign-grounds, and the Department Headquarters was besieged 
with applicants craving the same favor. Presently, while awaiting 

15 Captain J. M. Drake furnishes the following account of this interview : 
" The statement being presented, General Hunter read it, winked several times, and 
then quietly folding the document, placed it in his pocket. An answer was, of course, 
expected, or that further information would be asked for. Whether General Hunter 
wished to be waggish or not, does not appear; but he certainly exhibited a quaint way 
of disposing of a matter of so much importance as that which had just been laid before 
him. ' Ah ! General Heckman,' said he, ' you are from New Jersey, I believe ?' 
'No, General,' answered Heckman, 'I was born in Pennsylvania, in the town ot 
Easton, but I have lived in New Jersey for the last fourteen years.' 'In what part, 
pray?' 'In the town of Phillipsburg.' 'What town did you say?' 'Phillipsburg.' 
' Phillipsburg ! where is that beautiful place?' 'Phillipsburg, sir, is forty miles from 
Trenton, on the line of the Belvidere, Delaware and Central Railroads, and directly 
opposite Easton.' 'Ah! indeed.' (A solemn pause of three minutes here ensued, 
during which period not a word was spoken on either side. Hunter, however, seemed 
to be keeping up a continual thinking.) At last the silence was broken by General 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



231 



the arrival of one of the vessels by which his command was to be 
transported, General Heckman received the following note from 
General Hunter, who seemed anxious to deepen as much as possi- 
ble the unfavorable impression he had already made on the fighting 
men of the Ninth : 

" General : I am instructed by the Major-General Commanding to call your atten- 
tion to the delays in getting off your command— delays the less excusable in view of 
the representations of urgent haste made yesterday afternoon, on which it was decided 
to send your brigade to General Foster's relief. Should these delays be continued, 
in view of the imminent probability of active operations in another quarter, it will be 
necessary to countermand the orders already given to your brigade. 

"Tours respectfully, 

C. G. Halpinb, A. A. G.ig 

This brusque note produced an instantaneous effect throughout 
the brigade, though it did not quicken by one jot the desire of the 
men to go to the relief of their North Carolina comrades. Their long- 
ing in that direction was already intense ; the mere thought that 
General Foster, under whose eye they had so often fought, and for 
whom all alike entertained feelings of the liveliest esteem, was in 
danger, induced in every regiment and company a painful, eager 
anxiety to move to his rescue. At last all were embarked, an€ the 
vessels sailed direct for Morehead City, where they arrived on the 
16th. Thence the command proceeded by rail to Newberne, reach- 
ing that city just as the steamer Escort, with Major-General Foster 
on board, touched the wharf — having run the gauntlet of the rebel 
batteries which the rebel General Hill had planted on both sides of 
the river. 17 The rejoicing among the troops at the escape of their 
favorite General, and among the loyal citizens at the timely arrival 
of Heckman's Brigade, was, as may be conceived, of the heartiest 
character ; but for the " Star Brigade " there was work still to be 
done. During the night, General Heckman gave himself up to pre- 

Hunter, who, good naturedly, asked if those present would not take a little whiskey. 
' Thank you,' said General Heckman, 'we have just taken a little sherry wine. (An- 
other ominous pause, which was broken by the fortunate intervention of the dinner 
bell. Declining an invitation to dine, General Heckman and his party left, to await the 
decision of .the Commanding-General." 

16 To say the least, this curt note was uncalled for, but it Was characteristic of General 
Hunter. The statement as to the imminency of operations in that department or else- 
where was simply untrue, the demonstration against Charleston having already been 
abandoned, and no other movement being thought of. 

17 In passing the long line of batteries, the steamer had been subjected to a terrific 



232 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



parations for the relief of Little Washington, which was still sur- 
rounded by a large rebel force, and shortly after noon on the 17th, 
the Ninth, crossing"the Neuse, marched towards the imperilled post, 
closely followed by the other regiments. The road was very heavy, 
the men at times marching in water up to their knees. At two 
o'clock, p. m., on the 18th, the column reached Blount's Mills, 
where Heckman made a reconnoissance, but finding no enemy, rode 
into the abandoned works of the enemy, followed by the Ninth. 
These earthworks were situated on a promontory, and commanded 
every approach to Little Washington with the exception of that 
from the southeast. The evacuation of this very important position 
satisfied Heckman that the rebel Hill had raised the siege, which 
proved to be the case. Heckman then dispatched two squadrons 
of cavalry, with a section of howitzers, to ascertain Hill's line of 
retreat — General Naglee and staff volunteering to accompany the 
expedition ; and at a late hour the same night, the following report 
was received, showing the success of the pursuit : 

"Junction Greenville and Washington Roads, ) 
% Half-past eight o'clock, p. m. f 

u Dear General : We came upon Hill's rear-guard at this point, charged them, 
killing one officer and two men, wounding several, and capturing one guidon, one 
officer and five privates, whom I send to you under guard. I will have the squadron 
remain here until you arrive with the infantry. I never saw cavalrymen equal to the 
squadron you sent with me. 

"Respectfully, 

"H. M. Naglee, General." 

On the 14th, Major William B. Curlis, with three companies of 
the Ninth, found the regiment, having marched from Newberne, a 
distance of some forty miles, in a day and a night, 18 and the 

fire, and so completely was she riddled that on reaching Newherae her side, and hull 
resembled a honey-comb more nearly than "Avails of oak." Before starting on the 
perilous trip, General Foster had taken the precaution to have the machinery well 
protected by cotton bales. The Escort was a fast sailer, and besides her machinery had 
been well oiled and an abundant supply of pine-knots had been provided, which aided 
greatly in keeping up a full head of steam, and so enabled her to escape the rebels, 
who felt confident of her capture. More than seventy Whitworth bolts (so generously 
furnished the rebels by our English "friends,") poured through the hull of the 
vessel during the trip— one going through a stateroom which General Foster had 
occupied only a moment before. 

is Those companies had been left in the hasty embarkation at Helena" Island. The 
march made by them to overtake their comrades is one of the most extraordinary of 
the war. 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



233 



advance being resumed, Heckman entered Washington at the head 
of his column at three o'clock in the afternoon, receiving a hearty 
welcome both from citizens and soldiers, who acknowledged him 
as their deliverer. It was, no doubt, an apprehension of attack from 
this intrepid command which had induced Hill to withdraw as he 
did, abandoning all the works he had been at so much pains to 
construct at Eodman's and Kee's Points and elsewhere. The Ninth 
returned to Newberne by steamer the following day, and, on the 
25th, was sent to its old camp at Carolina City, (consisting of two 
or three small houses,) where it remained for several weeks, recu- 
perating from the fatigues of its arduous campaigns. 

On the 18th of May, Colonel Zabriskie assumed command of the 
District of Beaufort, during the temporary absence of General 
Heckman who commanded the department, and about the same 
time (25th) Surgeon "Woodhull was ordered to superintend the 
erection of the hospital at Morehead City, afterwards known as the 
Mansfield General Hospital. 19 Subsequently, General Heckman 
was placed in command of the forces and defences of Newberne, 
which position he held for some time. On the 3d of July, the 
Third New York Cavalry, and a portion of the First North Carolina 
Cavalry, having started from Newberne for the purpose of destroy- 
ing the railroad at Keenansville, some forty-five miles distant, 
Heckman, with the Ninth New Jersey, Seventeenth, Twenty-third 
and Twenty-seventh Massachusetts, and Eighty-first and One 
Hundred and Fifty-eighth New York, and Belger's and Angel's 
Batteries marched as a support, proceeding by way of Pollocksville 
and Trenton to Free Bridge, on the river Trent, where, on the 
6th, the rebels were encountered in some force, and after a sharp 
fight, compelled to retreat — leaving us in possession of the road 
and bridge, and so enabling the cavalry to cross and rejoin the 
infantry on their return from the point against which they were 
operating. Only three men of the Ninth were wounded in this 
affair. The cavalry force was eminently successful, destroying 
several miles of railroad, together with government and commissary 

19 Doctor Woodhull was complimented in a General Order for the able and faithful 
manner in which he performed his manifold duties, 

30 



234 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



stores, and a factory for making sabers and other arms. About three 
hundred fine horses were also captured, while a large number of ne- 
groes flocked into our lines, eager to be of service. The expedition 
returning, reached Newberne on the evening of the 7th. On the 
14th, the Ninth, with one or two regiments, proceeded to the White 
Oak Eiver, for the purpose of making a reconnissance, ascertaining 
by soundings, &c, the best crossings within five miles of its mouth 
which being done, the force returned, for once having no engage- 
ment with the enemy. On the 17th, General Foster having been or- 
dered to the command of the Department of North Carolina and Vir- 
ginia, with headquarters at Fortress Monroe, General Heckman as- 
sumed command of the District of North Carolina, and eight days 
after, with a large force, embarked and sailed up the Chowan Eiver 
for Winton, reaching that place about three o'clock on the afternoon 
of the 26th. Here Lieutenant Kobert Swain, commanding Company 
I, immediately landed his men, and advanced a short distance from 
the river, being soon followed by the entire regiment, which pushed 
forward for about a mile, when, it being ascertained that the wrong 
road had been taken, a countermarch was ordered. The Seven- 
teenth Massachusetts now took the advance, but without deploying 
skirmishers, supposing the Ninth to be still leading the column. 
It was not a little surprised, therefore, when, as it moved foward, 
it was suddenly assailed by a shower of bullets from both sides of 
the road, along which the enemy lay concealed behind earthworks. 
Speedily recovering, however, from their momentary confusion, 
the men of the Seventeenth vigorously returned the enemy's 
salute, and in a short time, with the assistance of the Ninth, which 
had now come up, compelled him to evacuate a strong position. A 
mile beyond, however, the fugitives re-formed behind fresh earth- 
works, on the right bank of Pattacassey Creek, and prepared again 
to deliver battle. At this point there was a bridge which Heck- 
man had been ordered to carry and hold, and he lost no time in 
attempting the task, advancing the Ninth for the purpose. Moving 
slowly forward until the bridge was reached, the dauntless Jersey- 
men, in the face of a galling fire, charged swiftly over the struc- 
ture right into the works of the enemy, capturing thirty prisoners, 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



235 



and putting the remainder of the rebels to flight, with a loss of 
only a few men wounded — Lieutenant J. Madison Drake being hit 
in the shoulder, and two or three others otherwise injured. The 
objective point having thus been reached, Heckman made a dis- 
position of his forces, and awaited the arrival of General Foster 
with a force of cavalry from Fortress Monroe, by way of Suffolk.'-' 
This force, consisting of the First New York Mounted Eifles, 
Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry and Stewart's (Kegular) Battery, 
arrived on the 27th, crossing the Chowan Eiver at Winton, when 
it was ascertained that all the cavalry were to operate against 
Weldon, destroying the important railroad communications at that 
point, while the infantry were to hold Hill's bridge, taken from the 
enemy the day previous. Here, therefore, Heckman's command 
remained until the 30th, when, the cavalry returning, having been 
unable to turn the rebel position at Jackson, situate some ten miles 
east of, and covering, Weldon, the entire force proceeded to Winton, 
and late at night embarked for Newberne. 

On the 13th of August, Major-General Peck took command of the 
District of North Carolina, relieving General Heckman, and on the 
26th, many members of the Ninth being sick with chills and fever, 
the regiment was sent to Carolina City, where it remained unem- 
ployed for a month and a half. At this time, nearly three hundred 
men were daily reported sick and unfit for duty. On the 18th of 
October, the regiment again broke camp and proceeded to Newport 
News, Virginia, the remainder of Heckman's command, the Twenty- 
third, Twenty -fifth and Twenty-seventh Massachusetts, Eighty - 
first and Fifty-eighth New York, Third New York Cavalry, and 
Belger's and Kiggs' batteries, reaching the same place on the 20th, 
and with the Ninth going into camp near the river. Here the regi- 
ment remained during the remainder of the year. 

20 "While before Wintori, and in bivouac, Private Charles Midler, Company A, 
of the Ninth Regiment, from Newark, went into the woods for pleasure, carrying a 
small wooden stick in his hand, when he came up with three rebels standing under a 
tree, their loaded guns, with equipments, standing by their side at the tree ; to secure 
the arms and to tell the men that they were his prisoners, was the work of a moment, 
and carrying the arms himself, with the men walking before him, Charles returned to 
camp, still with the wooden stick in his hand. His march past the artillery and 
cavalry guards, and his arrival in the camp of the Ninth, caused much amusement 
among the men." — Diai-y of Hermann Everts. 



236 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



On the 16th of January, 1864, General Heckman being ordered 
to the command of the District of Suffolk, issued the following 
farewell order, which was read to the Ninth at dress- parade : 

" Headquarters, Newport News, j 
January 12, 1864. J 

" General Order, No. 2. 

"Having been relieved from the command of the brigade, by Special Order, No 12, 
from Headquarters Department of Virginia and North Carolina, I, therefore, bid fare- 
well to the officers and men composing the command. The intercourse, both official 
and personal, between myself and those serving in the command, has been highly 
satisfactory, and will always be remembered with pleasure. To those troops which 
formed a part of my old command 1 bid an affectionate farewell. From my first 
association with them at Trenton, through the perils and affliction at Hatteras, the 
gallant charges at Roanoke and Newberne, the noble daring and brilliant deeds at 
White Oak, Southwest Creek, Kinston, Whitehall and Goldsborough, my feeling 
towards them has been one of affection and pride. 

"Called to another command, I will continue to watch over you with unabated 
interest, feeling confident that your future history will be equally brilliant as the 
past. 

"By order of " C. A. Heckmax. 

" W. H. Abel, Captain and A. A. G." 

The term for which the Ninth had volunteered having now 
nearly expired, Colonel Zabriskie, on the 21st, addressed the regi- 
ment on the subject of re-enlistment, a majority having already 
expressed a wish to do so if the Colonel would agree to remain in 
command. In his remarks, Colonel Zabriskie stated that he would 
cheerfully continue with the command which had already achieved 
so enviable a distinction, and two-thirds of the entire number at 
once re-enlisted for " three years or the war." The number required 
to entitle the whole regiment to a veteran furlough, in accordance 
with the regulations announced by the War Department, being 
thus secured, the regiment, on the 31st, embarked, and on the 
2d of February sailed for the North, reaching Jersey City the fol- 
lowing da}^. On the 4th, upon landing, the command was formally 
received by the city authorities, after which, having paraded the 
principal streets, it was entertained at Taylor's Hotel, and late in 
the afternoon, proceeded to Trenton, where its arms were stored, 
and the men scattered to the homes, where fond ones awaited 
their coming. 

During the absence of the Ninth, the portion who did not re-enlist 
were ordered on a reconnoisance to Deep Creek, where, the enemy 
appearing in strong numbers, the little band, under command of 



* 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



237 



Lieutenant Thomas Burnett, was compelled to retreat leaving the 
bodies of Albert Nutt and Joel Hulse, of Company D, in the hands 
of the rebels, who mutilated them in a horrible manner. General 
Heckman, who was at Getty's Station, on learning of the affair, 
hastened to the relief of the detachment with five hundred men, 
and, enraged at the wanton cruelty of the enemy, did not halt until 
the menacing force was driven into North Carolina. During the 
pursuit, the rebels, who were under command of General Eansom, 
and numbered four regiments, were severely punished for their 
barbarism. * 

On the 15th of March, the gallant Ninth, strengthened by a 
number of recruits, once more set its face towards the field. Beach- 
ing Portsmouth, Virginia, on the 17th, it proceeded to Getty's 
Station, where it re-united with Heckman's command, which con- 
sisted of the Eighty -first, Ninety -sixth, Ninety -eighth and One 
Hundred and Thirty -fourth New York, First Brigade ; Ninth New 
Jersey, Twenty -third, Twenty -fifth and Twenty-seventh Massachu- 
setts, Second Brigade; Fourth Ehocle Island, One Hundred and 
Eighteenth New York, Eighth Connecticut, Tenth and Thirteenth 
New Hampshire, Third Brigade ; with nine batteries and thirty-two 
pieces of artillery, mounted on the line of fortifications. On the 
14th of April, " Heckman's old Brigade" embarked at Portsmouth 
and sailed up the Chuckatuck Eiver, landing on the following day 
at Cherry Grove, the enemy being met near that point and engaged 
by several companies of the Ninth, with a loss of a number of men 
wounded. The rebels retiring, the command advanced to Smith- 
field, a point some miles northward of the Norfolk and Petersburg 
Eailroad; but returned the next day to its camp, where, on the 
26th, it was transferred to Yorktown. From this point the division 
advanced towards Williamsburg, a large number of transports, 
crowded with troops, meanwhile, sailing up the York Eiver. 
Heckman's movement being designed only as a feint, he suddenly 
countermarched to Yorktown, embarked his division, and during 
the night sailed down the river, with the Eighteenth and Tenth 
Corps, to Fortress Monroe. On the morning of May 5th, the fleet 
again moved, the iron-clads in advance, and at six o'clock in the 



238 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



evening, the Ninth disembarked at Bermuda Hundred, on the south 
side of the James Eiver — being among the first to land. Bivouack- 
ing about two miles from the river, the division, at six o'clock on 
the morning of the 6th, moved forward, the Ninth, as usual, having 
the post of honor, Company D, Lieutenant J. Madison Drake, being 
deployed as skirmishers. At this time the army of the Potomac 
was just emerging from the Wilderness, after its terrible encounter 
with Lee, and the movement of Butler's army towards Petersburg 
was part of the grand plan by which General Grant hoped to reduce 
the rebel Capital and put an end to the rebellion. There was a 
possibility of desperate fighting, needing the sturdiest courage and 
most robust endurance, and it was only natural, this being true, 
that the veterans of the Ninth should have the post of honor and 
of danger. Moving steadily forward, the regiment at noon came 
within sight of Petersburg, halting at a point north of the Appo- 
mattox River, three miles from the Petersburg and Richmond 
Railroad. From this point. General Butler, two hours later, ordered 
Heckman to advance towards Petersburg, and ascertain, if possible, 
the position and strength of the rebel army, but not to bring on a 
general engagement. The " Star 1 Brigade," proud to head the 
column, obeyed this order with the utmost alacrity, advancing to 
Port Walthall Junction, where, strongly posted, it found Beau- 
regard's South Carolina Arm} 7 , just arrived from Charleston. 
Beauregard, seeing the small force sent against him, at once opened 
the engagement, our men being obliged to fight in an open field, 
while the enemy had the advantages of good protection and a bright 
sun at their backs. The contest, necessarily, under these circum- 
stances, was a very unequal one, but our troops stoutly held their 
ground, continuing the engagement for some two hours, when, in 
obedience to orders, they retired. Tne Ninth in this engagement 
lost four killed and thirty wounded. General Heckman had his 
horse killed under him, the faithful animal being pierced by no less 
than thirteen bullets. On the morning of the 7th, the brigade again 
moved to the scene of hostilities, speedily finding the enemy and 
bringing on an engagement, during which General Weitzel moved 
around to the right, with a view of destroying the railroad between 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



239 



Petersburg and Bichmond. For some time the fighting was less 
severe than on the preceding day, but about noon, the enemy, evi- 
dently determined to drive Heckman from his position, advanced 
in strong numbers, rendering his situation extremely critical. But 
just at this moment, as the combatants were coming to close quar- 
ters, the enemy were startled by a heavy fire in their rear. Weitzel. 
having torn up the railroad for a distance of seven miles, had fortu- 
nately discovered the designs of the rebels, and at once attacked 
them with great ardor, inflicting considerable loss, and causing 
Beauregard to abandon altogether his purpose of assailing Heckman, 
and to act for the remainder of the day purely on the defensive. 
At sunset, Heckman and Weitzel, having accomplished their object, 
returned to their camp, the Ninth having lost one man killed and 
ten wounded. 

The following day being Sunday, the regiment remained in camp, 
but on the morning of the 9th, both corps of Butler's command 
moved southward to Swift Creek, three miles from Petersburg — 
Heckman's Brigade again having the advance. The enemy, though 
strongly posted at the creek, were at once attacked and driven some 
two or three miles with heavy loss, our troops tearing up the track 
of the Petersburg and Richmond Eailroad as they advanced. 
Coming, however, within two miles of Petersburg, on the turnpike, 
into which the column debouched from the track of the railroad, 
the enemy was encountered in strong force, and fighting was 
immediately resumed, continuing with great violence until darkness 
put an end to the combat. Both armies held during the night the 
ground occupied during the day ; the rebels seeking in vain, by a 
swift clash upon our pickets, at midnight, to break our lines. 
During the day, some two hundred prisoners were taken from the 
enemy. The loss of the Ninth was one man killed and nine 
wounded. On the following day, Heckman's Brigade was not 
engaged, but on the 12th, the whole army again advanced, encoun- 
tering the enemy on the Richmond and Petersburg turnpike. 
After some skirmishing, Weitzel's Division established itself on the 
turnpike, driving the enemy on the run in the direction of Fort 
Darling. Night closing active operations, both armies rested on 



240 



NEW JERSEY ANTJ THE REBELLION. 



their arms until the 18th, when skirmishing was resumed at day 
light, and continued with little intermission during the entire da}^, 
the enemy being gradually driven at all points of the line. It being 
rumored that the rebels were evacuating Fort Darling, (Drury's 
Bluff,) General Heckman dispatched Captain Samuel Hufty with 
one hundred men of the Ninth to reconnoiter the enemy's position, 
which duty was satisfactorily performed, the party returning before 
^daylight with a report that the enemy still occupied the fort, with 
their lines established as during the previous day. On the 
morning of the 14th, the artillery opened vigorously upon the 
enemy. Heckman's Brigade soon after advancing, with Companies 
D and Or, of the Ninth, commanded by Lieutenants Drake and 
Peters, deployed as skirmishers, and compelling the enemy to fall 
back to their fortifications. Lieutenant Drake, upon discovering 
the works of the enemy, halted his command to await the arrival 
of General Heckman, who soon after coming up, the two stealthily 
crept some distance to a point under the brow of a hill, where, as 
they were examining the rebel position, they were discovered and 
fired upon, but fortunately without injury. Heckman, now under- 
standing the situation, at once ordered Drake to drive the enemy 
behind his works, which was speedily done without loss to his com- 
mand. At noon, Companies D and E were relieved by Captains 
Hopper and Townley, who silenced the enemy's guns, and during 
the remainder of the day rendered them useless, our sharpshooters 
picking off every rebel gunner who ventured to show his head. 
Our army at this time was facing northward, and operating against 
Eichmond. The enemy held a strong line of works, extending 
from Fort Darling on the right to the Appomattox Kiver on the 
left, and it was towards the capture of this fort, which com- 
manded the James, that the attention of our forces were particularly 
directed. 

On the 15th a sharp musketry fire was kept up all day, but no 
general demonstration was made. During the day, learning that 
the enemy were in very strong force, and preparing to assume the 
defensive, General Heckman, whose old brigade held the extreme 
right, asked for reinforcements of infantijy and artillery, but these 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 241 

could not be furnished. During the evening, the purpose of the 
enemy to make an attack becoming still more obvious, a second 
request for reinforcements was made, but being again denied, 
preparations were at once made to hold the position without them, 
if at all possible. Passing along his thin and extended line, the 
gallant Heckman apprised his men of the probability of an attack, 
and directed them to construct as quietly and rapidly as possible a 
breastwork of such materials as they could gather, in order that 
they might defend to the last the position which it was so important 
they should hold. Silently but rapidly stacking their arms, the 
men obeyed the order of their chief, in whose sagacity they had 
implicit confidence, and whose expectation of an attack was very 
soon realized. At midnight, the rebels moved out from their works, 
massing strongly on Heckman's extreme right, held by the Ninth 
New J ersey. Between this point and the river, a distance of a 
mile and half, were posted two squadrons of cavalry, who, however, 
could. not operate owing to a dense swamp. Just before daylight, 
the enemy, having obtained position, rushed with great impetuosity 
upon the pickets, but after a desperate struggle was forced back 
by the heroic Captain Lawrence, and day broke, thanks to the 
vigilance of Heckman and the gallantry of his men, with our lines 
still unbroken. But that clay which broke so calmly over the 
field, (16th) was a sad one for the " Star Brigade." Shortly after 
dawn, under cover of a dense fog which completely concealed the 
enemy from our view, five picked brigades in column debouched 
from the rebel works, and rapidly advancing, drove in our pickets, 
pressing up on a run to our main line. Heckman's Brigade, hearing 
their approach, swept instantly into line, and in steady column 
awaited their coming. On and on they came, careering madly to 
the shock. Still the veteran brigade stood immovable, holding its 
fire. But at last, when only five paces intervened between the 
rebel bayonets and that inflexible line, one simultaneous, resistless 
volley swept into the faces of the exultant foe, smiting scores to 
the earth, and hurling the whole column backward in dismay and 
confusion. But soon, encouraged and rallied by their officers, the 
doomed rebels, reforming, again advanced to the attack, but 
31 



242 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



only to be again repulsed, hundreds falling at every discharge of 
our well-aimed muskets. Finding that it was impossible to force 
Heckman's position, the enemy now changed his front, and 
attempted to flank his extreme right, held by the Ninth, but here, 
too, the right wing having been reversed, they were met by a 
heavy fire of musketry, and again for a moment faltered. But 
soon they once more advanced in column by brigade, and the 
Ninth, being without artillery and withal vastly outnumbered, was 
compelled to give way. While this movement (involving a change 
in the position of the Ninth) was being executed, General Heckman, 
whose aids were engaged in other parts of the field, passed along 
the line to a point where the Twenty-third Massachusetts was sup- 
posed to be stationed, but where he found instead a rebel sergeant, 
with a scpad of men, who at once demanded his surrender. With 
rare naivette, however, the General responded by bidding the 
sergeant attend to his duty, saying, in reply to a farther inquiry, 
that he was " Major Anderson of General Eansom's staff." This 
seemed to satisfy the sergeant, who at once marched off ; but Heck- 
man was as yet by no means extricated from his predicament, the 
fog being still so very dense as to make it impossible for him to 
distinguish his whereabouts. However, he made a dash, and imme- 
diately found himself on a rebel line of battle, headed by the traitor 
Gracie, formerly of Elizabeth, New Jersey, who commanded an 
Alabama brigade. Gracie, at once recognizing the General, of course 
took him in charge, remarking with a leer, "Heckman, I am right 
glad to meet you under these circumstances, and am proud to say 
that I have been fighting Jerseymen all day." 21 

The Ninth lost heavily in this battle, some one hundred and 

21 " Before the General was captured, lie said truly, and with bitterness : 'I am out- 
done this time, when with only two sections of artillery and with one regiment and a 
half of infantry, as reinforcements, I would have been able to prevent the sad catas- 
trophe.' According to subsequent accounts, made by rebel prisoners and rebel official 
reports, ' the loss of the rebels in front of this (Heckman's) Brigade doubled in number 
the whole of that brigade !' The loss of the Ninth was ten killed, seventy-seven 
wounded and seventy-five missing ; the loss on Thursday, when regiment left camp, 
and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, was two killed and twenty-three wounded ; mak- 
ing a total of twelve killed, one hundred wounded and seventy-five missing during this 
five days' engagement."— Diary of Hermann Everts. 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



243 



fifty being killed and wounded. The regiment at the commence- 
ment of the engagement, had nineteen officers, thirteen of whom 
were killed and wounded, and three taken prisoners. From first to 
last the men fought with characteristic gallantry. At one time 
during the battle, the colors of the regiment being in imminent clan- 
ger of capture, the color-bearer, George Meyers, took them from 
the staff, and secreting them upon his person, seized a rifle, and 
killing two or three of the enemy, got away in safety. A member 
of Company H, being badly wounded, two comrades were ordered 
to carry him to the hospital in the rear. They had gone perhaps 
one hundred yards bearing their wounded companion, when a shell 
from the enemy exploding a few feet from them, severed their heads 
from their bodies, which were otherwise mutilated in the most hor- 
rible manner. The three died as they had fought, as " comrades in 
battle," alvv^ays brave, always faithful to the flag. Among the 
wounded in this engagement was Colonel Abram Zabriskie, who, 
while encouraging his men, was struck by a ball in the front part of 
the throat, passing through the windpipe and lodging in the spinal 
column of the neck. The brave Captain Lawrence, who was near at 
the time, was directed to inform Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart of the 
circumstance, with instructions to assume command, but Lawrence 
also fell soon after, shot through., the leg, which, being amputated, 
he died two weeks later. Seeing that most of his officers were dis- 
abled, Colonel Zabriskie, although weak from loss of blood, went 
himself in search of the Lieutenant-Colonel, to whom he transferred 
the command, and then staggered to the rear, the gallant Captain 
Thomas Burnett, who had also been wounded some time before, 
and was now much exhausted, hastening to lend him all possible 
assistance. The Colonel, on passing to the rear, and seeing some 
of his men retreating, attempted to rally them, but his voice failed 
him, and he proceeded to the field hospital, where his wound was 
dressed by Surgeon Woodhull, who, though from the first consider- 
ing it mortal, did everything in his power to relieve the suffering 
of his brave commander. But the faithful Surgeon, with all his 
tender care, was not able to calm the mind of the wounded man, 
whose thoughts were still with his command, his lips murmuring 



244 



NEW" JEESEY AND THE KEBELLION. 



continually, "Poor boys, poor boys; they are in a bad scrape!" 
On Tuesday, the 17th, the Colonel was sent to Chesapeake Hospital 
where he lingered until the 24th, when, with friends and relatives 
around him, he breathed his last. One who served under him in 
all his campaigns, says of him, that "he was not only highly 
esteemed by his officers, but they looked upon him with a reverence 
founded on a more noble, a more sublime impulse than that of mere 
rank — a reverence springing from a superiority of principle, of 
knowledge, and of virtue rarely found in one so young. The rank 
and file loved him no less sincerely, looking upon him as a father. 
Every man in the Ninth would cheerfully have risked his life to 
shield his Colonel from harm, and all felt his loss as that of a close 
personal friend." 

But Colonel Zabriskie and Captain Lawrence were not the only 
officers who fell on that bloody day. The regiment also lost Captain 
Edwin Stevens Harris and Adjutant Edward S. Carrell — the former 
a son of Rev. N. Sayre Harris, of Hoboken, and the latter a son of 
Rev. Mr. Carrell, Chaplain of the regiment. Both were brave and 
efficient officers, and fell with their faces to the foe. 22 Among the 
wounded in the engagement were Captains Burnet, Hopper and 
Townley, Lieutenants Brown and Shepherd, and Lieutenant-Colonel 
Stewart, the latter being severely wounded in the thigh. The 
command of the regiment, the Major having been disabled by an 
accident, devolved upon Captain Hufty, who led it, at the close of 
the clay, from the field. The repulse of the Ninth, however, disas- 
trous as it had proved to that regiment, had proved of little advan- 
tage to the enemy. It is true that having turned this flank, he for 
a time swept on unresisted, but presently encountering two regi- 
ments, fortunately moving into the break, he was hurled back with 
heavy loss, and did not again advance to the attack on that part of 
the line, though it subsequently fell back some little distance to a 
new position. 

During the three following days fighting was continued along the 
front, but the Ninth was not engaged. On the night of the 20th, it 
was called twice to repel the enemy, which was handsomely done 

22 Both these officers had been married hut a short time hefore this hattle. 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



245 



in both instances. In one of these movements the regiment cap- 
tured a large number of prisoners, including Major- General Walker 
and other officers. Daring the 21st, the cannonading was continued, 
out without decisive results. On that day, General Butler sent a 
flag of truce to the enemy, offering to exchange Major-General 
Walker for Brigadier-General Heckman, but the proposition was 
declined, the rebels being evidently disinclined to afford the New 
Jersey General another opportunity to unsheathe his sword against 
them. Indeed, the Eichmond Examiner, of May 19th, made sub- 
stantially this admission, using the following language : u We con- 
gratulate Beauregard on his victory over Beast Butler, and have a 
lively satisfaction at the destruction of Heckman's Brigade, and the 
capture of its daring commander. His celebrated New Jersey .Rifle 
Begiment has been completely destroyed — thus ridding, although 
at a late clay, the bleeding Carolinas of a terrible scourge. Heckman 
feels his imprisonment keenly, but his indomitable spirit does not 
seem to be at all broken. At any rate, he is prevented, for a time, 
from making further raids upon our lines of communication with 
his 'foot cavalry.' " No language could constitute a better eulogy 
of Heckman and his gallant command than this from the bitter 
pen of an antagonist. 

On the 22d, Major-General " Baldy" Smith having requested 
that four men be sent him from the Ninth to act as scouts within 
the rebel lines, privates James Van Buskirk and Kobert White, of 
Company B, and Marshall Howell and Daniel Johnson, of Company 
H, volunteered and were dispatched on the perilous undertaking. 
The first two penetrated to a point only two hundred yards from 
Petersburg, where they were taken prisoners, and threatened with 
hanging, being, however, afterwards taken to Beauregard's head- 
quarters, whence they were sent to Andersonville, and afterwards 
to Millen and Savannah. At the expiration of ten or eleven 
months, they were paroled and sent to Annapolis, Maryland, where 
they were exchanged, rejoining the regiment in the spring of 1865. 
Both suffered much, while in prison, from scurvy and other diseases 
incident to the "hells" in which they were confined. Marshall 
Howell, who left camp at four o'clock on the afternoon of the 22 d, 



246 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



finding himself observed on passing our outer cavalry -picket post, 
sought the shelter of the woods on the right, but had not proceeded 
very far when he came upon two rebel pickets, who fired at him, 
but without effect. Pushing forward and hiding himself in the 
woods, he finally got into the rear of the rebels, who were posted 
on the edge of an open field, about one mile from Adam's Mill. 
Here, taking position in a ravine, at a point which General Smith 
had described to him before starting, he made his observations. 
He saw the enemy engaged in re-constructing the track of the rail- 
road which our forces had destroyed a few days before ; and after 
remaining some three hours, closely examining the ground, set out 
on his return, reaching camp in safety at six o'clock on the evening 
of the 23d. Two hours after, he reported to General Smith, who, 
satisfied with his exploit, furnished him a proper recommendation 
to General Butler, by whom, on the following morning, he was paid 
the promised reward, five hundred dollars in cash, for the infor- 
mation received. 

During the five days next ensuing, the Ninth was more or less 
constantly engaged in skirmishing, severe fighting at some times 
taking place, but the withdrawal of Smith's Corps being ordered 
for the purpose of reinforcing the Army of the Potomac, the regi- 
ment, on the 29th, embarked at City Point, and after some delays, 
caused by getting aground, proceeded to White House, on the 
Pamunkey Eiver, where a landing was effected on the 1st of June. 
From this point, the regiment marched to Cold Harbor, where 
Grant's army was already taking positicn. Peaching the scene of 
action on the 3d, the Ninth was ordered to the front line, and almost 
immediately became engaged. The fire of the enemy being very 
severe, the Jerseymen hastily threw up a slight breastwork, using 
their baj^onets and even their pocket-knives to loosen the earth, 
and their tin cups to scoop it up, (in the absence of spades and other 
implements,) and with this covering renewed the assault with 
unsparing vigor. Late in the afternoon, engineers arrived on the 
ground to build a new work, and the rebels anticipating their 
design, charged our lines with great fury, but were repulsed with 
heavy loss, the engagement lasting an hour. Subsequently, the 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



247 



Combat was renewed and continued until darkness closed upon the 
scene — having been of the most murderous and desperate character 
throughout. Owing to the heavy firing, it was impossible to afford 
any relief to the wounded, and many perished miserably, crying 
for help and praying for only a drop of water to cool their parched 
tongues. On the 4th, the fighting was continued along the whole 
line, but the Ninth was not engaged. On the 5th, it was again 
ordered into the breastworks, but the army having already com- 
menced its flank movement to the left, the hostilities were not 
general. On the 6th, Burnside, who had been left to hold the right, 
arranged an armistice 23 of two hours, during which the dead were 
hastily buried, being thrust into such graves as could be dug, and 
the wounded brought in and carried to the rear. Many of the 
latter had remained in the open air for three days, exposed not only 
to the burning rays of the sun, but to the fire of both armies, 
between whose lines they were lying. Upon the expiring of the 
armistice, the firing on both sides was renewed, and continued until 
the 11th, with more or less vehemence, but with less fatal results 
than before. On the 12th, Grant having determined to pass the 
Chickahominy far to Lee's right, General Smith's army gradually 
withdrew from its position — the Ninth covering the withdrawal, — 
and marched directly to White House, where it embarked and 
proceeded to Bermuda Hundred. The total loss of the Ninth 
during the operations at Cold Harbor, extending from the 3d to 
the 12th, was five killed and thirty wounded. 

On the loth, having reached Bermuda Hundred the evening 
previous, and reported to General Turner, nine companies of the 
Ninth New Jersey, with a part of the Twenty-third Massachusetts, 
being all that was left of Heckman's old brigade, were, with other 
troops whose organizations were lost, united under the title of 
Provisional Brigade, and attached temporarily to the Tenth Corps. 
This brigade, on trie morning of the 16th, moving out from its 
breastworks, charged and entered the rebel fortifications, which it 
held during the day ; the Ninth participating in several skirmishes, 



23 Surgeon Woodhull, of the Ninth New Jersey Volunteers, was in charge of the flag 
of truce. 



248 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



and on retiring, burning all the buildings which had been used by 
Beauregard as headquarters and for other purposes. On reaching 
the railroad, which had been destroyed on the 9th of May, but 
afterwards rebuilt by the enemy, the men again tore up the rails 
for a distance of a mile, at the same time leveling to the ground a 
carefully -built rebel redoubt. The enemy, who had been reinforced 
on the withdrawal of the Ninth, pursued nearly to the line of the 
breastworks, but was easily repulsed. The regiment during these 
operations, which formed a part of the assault on Petersburg, had 
marched a distance of thirty -five miles in twelve hours, and had 
all parts of Smith's army done as well, and moved as promptly, 
the center line of works which protected that city might have been 
carried. The fighting was continued for two or three days after- 
wards in this quarter, but the golden opportunity had been lost, the 
enemy taking up a new and stronger line of defences, and Peters- 
burg was not taken. On the 21st, the Ninth was advanced to a 
new position, crossing the Appomatox and taking possession of the 
rifle pits beyond the City Point and Petersburg Eailroad, where, on 
the day following, it assisted in repelling a charge of the enemy, 
losing one man killed. At this time, the regiment was brigaded 
with tbe Twenty -third, Twenty-fifth and Twenty-seventh Massa- 
chusetts, Eighty-ninth New York, Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania and 
Fifth Maryland Eegiments, but remained in the works, ( the other 
regiments retiring,) for some days longer, participating in several 
sharp conflicts brought on by charges of the enemy, who was in 
all cases repulsed. On the 2oth, it was relieved, but again moved 
to the front on the 27th, and on the 29th, had several men severely 
wounded by the explosion of a shell. Here, in the front line, the 
regiment remained, with brief intervals of relief in the second line, 
until the 29th of July, losing several men, but not having any pitched 
engagement. On the 29th, marching orders were received, and the 
command proceeded to a new position to act as a reserve to the 
Ninth Corps, in front of which the "Burnside Mine" was exploded 
on the 80th. A day or two after, returning to its position, the 
regiment again went into the entrenchments, remaining for a fort- 
night, exposed to a steady fire from the enemy. On the 16th of 



THE NINTH KEGIMENT. 



249 



August, Major Hufty was wounded in the left arm, and the staff 
of the regimental State colors was cut in two by a shot from a rebel 
sharpshooter — nine bullets passing through the colors. On the 25th, 
the regiment, after various movements on the right, crossed the 
Appomattox, having left the front of Petersburg, and proceeded 
to Point of Kocks. Up to this time, the Ninth had been sixty-four 
days before Petersburg, fighting forty days in the rifle pits, from 
which it was dangerous to move owing to the contiguity of the rebel 
sharpshooters, and performing other service no less arduous or 
perilous. Often, when in the breastworks, the men were obliged to 
remain for two or three days without being relieved, it being impossi- 
ble to advance fresh troops to supply their places except on the 
very darkest nights. At the Point of Kocks, an agreeable surprise 
awaited the command. General Heckman, having been exchanged, 
had just arrived, accompanied by General Butler, and the brigade 
being formed in line, cheering him as he came to the front, he pro- 
ceeded to address them, though at first too much overcome by 
emotion to speak with much freedom. It was no wonder that his 
eye filled and his voice failed him as he looked along the thinned 
ranks. The commanding form of Zabriskie was no longer seen at 
the head of the gallant Ninth ; the faces of Lawrence, Harris and 
Carrell no longer shone along the line; Brown and Hobart, with 
many others, equally brave and true, of the rank and file, were 
missing, disabled by wounds, while Drake and Peters and a hundred 
of their comrades," whose voices would have swelled that day's 
welcome, were still lingering in rebel prisons — victims to all the 
torments of rebel ferocity. Heckman would have been other than 
he was had he not wept at the pathos of the scene and the memories 
1 evoked. But finding voice at last, he pledged himself, as the 
best evidence he could furnish of his appreciation of their kindly 
reception, to use his utmost endeavors to secure the return of the 
brigade to its old "tramping ground" in North Carolina; and 
with that, as a fresh gust of cheers swept along the line, took his 
old place at the head of the column and with it moved forward to 
its destination. 

The fighting of the Ninth in Virginia was ended. On the 17th 
32 



2o0 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



of September, it proceeded to Bermuda Hundred, and with the 
Twenty-seventh Massachusetts, embarked for North Carolina, 
reaching Morehead City on the 21st, and proceeding at once to its 
old camp at Carolina City. Here the regiment was rejoined by 
Colonel Stewart and Major Curlis, and for the first time in ten 
months the men were paid. About this time, the yellow fever 
broke out in Newberne, introduced, as afterwards appeared, through 
the devilish ingenuity of Doctor Blackburn, who had trunks, filled 
with infected clothing, sent to the city for distribution. For a time, 
the epidemic prevailed to a fearful extent among the citizens, some 
one thousand nine hundred of whom died, but the soldiers, though 
seriously affected, generally escaped fatal consequences. The army 
surgeons were unremitting in their exertions to stay the pestilence, 
and some thirteen of their number fell victims to it. Several 
members of the Ninth, whose term of service had expired, and 
who had stopped in Newberne on their way home, died of the 
disease — Corporal John S. Parkhurst, of Company K, being among 
the number. This brave soldier had been badly wounded at New- 
berne, but, although incapacitated for active service, refused a dis- 
charge, resolved in some way to serve his country. This he did 
for two years in the capacity of Chief Clerk in the Foster General 
Hospital, where he earned the esteem of all with whom he came in 
contact. Sergeant Pulaski Hines, who served for two years in the 
Signal Corps with Lieutenant Edward S. Moffatt, also fell a victim 
to the epidemic. The Sergeant possessed fine literary abilities, was 
a brave soldier and had many friends. Both Parkhurst and Hines 
were from the city of Elizabeth. The Ninth was also exposed, 
about this time, to another scourge, the small pox, which prevailed 
in a regiment of negro troops encamped near Carolina City, but by 
cutting off communication and isolating each case as much as pos- 
sible, the loathsome disease was fortunately excluded from the camp 
of the "Star Brigade." 

On the 21st of October, one hundred and eight men of the Ninth, 
whose term of service had expired, left the camp for Trenton, where 
they were mustered out. The party was accompanied by Color 
Sergeant George Meyers, with the worn-out colors of the regiment. 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



251 



which Colonel Stewart had directed should be delivered to the State 

authorities, with the following letter : 

" Headquarters Ninth New Jersey Volunteers, Carolina City, ) 
North Carolina, October 15, 1864. \ 

" To His Excellency, Joel Parker, Governor of New Jersey.: 

" Sir : — I herewith have the honor to forward to you for safe keeping in the archives 
of New Jersey, the National and State colors of the Ninth Regiment New Jersey Volunteer 
Infantry. Three years ago they were entrusted to our hands. How well we have 
performed our trust, our past record must show. In every engagement they have been 
with us, and hattle-worn and bullet-riddled as they are, we can proudly look upon 
them with the consciousness that not upon a single thread is there the least speck of 
dishonor or shame. 

"At the expiration of original term of enlistment we now return them to the 
authorities of our State, well assured that they will sacredly cherish them as priceless 
relics of the brave men who have fallen, as well as the most precious deposit of those 
who remain. 

"Corporals Delaney, Company K; Hand, Company C; Hubncr, Company A; 
Garthwaite, Company G ; Smith, Company D, the bearers of the State colors, were 
severely wounded while bearing them at the battles of Newborn e and Goldsborough, 
North Carolina, and Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor and Petersburg, Virginia. 

"Color-Sergeant George Meyers, has carried the National colors for the whole of the 
three years, and by singular good fortune his life has been spared, and doubtless he 
lias known no prouder day than that in which he safely replaces them in the Capitol of 
our State. Understanding it to be your intention to furnish the regiment with new 
National and State emblems, we can only say we shall be gi-atified to receive them, and 
it shall ever be our utmost endeavor to preserve them as unsullied as are those we now 
juace in your hands. 

I have the honor to remain, your Excellency's obedient servant, 

James Stewart, Jr., 

Colonel Commanding. 

On the 27th of October, Major Hufty rejoined the regiment, 
having entirely recovered from his wounds, and one month later, 
Color-Sergeant Meyers returned from the North, bringing new 
colors, together with a very complimentary letter from Governor 
Parker. On the 5th of December, the regiment proceeded to 
Newberne, and embarking on gunboats, was transferred to 
Plymouth, at the head of Albemarle Sound, near the mouth of the 
Roanoke River. Plymouth, during the previous summer, had been 
taken from us by the rebels, but had been re-occupied by us late 
in October. About the same time, the rebel ram Albemarle, lying- 
in the Roanoke River, had been destroyed by an expedition under 
Lieutenant William B. Cashing. On landing at Plymouth, the 
Ninth at once took possession of the town, the men quartering in 
the houses, — which had been greatly damaged by the bombardment 
by our fleet a few weeks previous, — and making themselves as 



252 



NEW JERSEY AND THF REBELLION. 



comfortable as possible. On the Ninth, the regiment, with detach- 
ments of several other regiments and two pieces of artillery, 
advanced from the town in the direction of Gardner's Bridge, where, 
the enemy's cavalry being met in some force, the Ninth, with the 
gallant Stewart at its head, charged on a double-quick, speedily 
dispersing the rebels, who left several of their wounded behind. 
Still advancing, the Ninth bivouacked for the night about a mile 
from Foster's Mills, and the next morning, resuming the march, 
encountered the rebels strongly entrenched near Foster's Bridge. 
A fierce engagement ensued, lasting over an hour, when the enemy 
again withdrew, destroying the bridge as he retired. In this affair, 
the Ninth had two men wounded, but took a number of prisoners, 
including a Lieutenant, who took the oath and followed the column 
several days. After repairing the bridge, the troops crossed and 
took possession of the mill, in which ihey found a large quantity of 
flour, and after a brief halt, pressed on towards William ston, on 
the Roanoke, discovering a force of the enemy on the way, but 
being unable to overtake them. Late on the following night, (11th,) 
the column reached Spring Green Church, in the direction of 
Rainbow Bend. Here it was ascertained that a strong force 01 
infantry and cavalr}^, with several pieces of artillery, were posted 
some distance, ahead, at Butler's Bridge, and Colonel Stewart was 
ordered to take the Ninth New Jersey, Twenty-seventh Massachu- 
setts, and Third New York Light Artillery, and by a flank move- 
ment gain the enemy's rear, while the remainder of the force should 
hold the enemy in front. The undertaking was known to be a 
perilous one, but Colonel Stewart entered promptly upon it, passing 
noiselessly down Butler's Creek, and, at the designated point, 
stealthily crossing his men in single file upon the floating logs which 
bridged the stream. Pushing on, the command soon reached Fort 
Branche, grimly guarding the Roanoke, its garrison all unconscious 
of their peril. Soon the fort was passed, but still the enemy gave 
no sign. Hastily disposing his forces, two companies of the Ninth 
were ordered to advance, and a moment after swept u-pon the rebels, 
capturing couriers, cooks, pickets and detached parties of the enemy, 
who did not so much as dream of danger. Indeed, the surprise 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



253 



was complete. Colonel Hinton, of the Sixty-eighth North Carolina, 
commanding the fort, thinking that the troops were reinforcements 
which he was expecting, and which were really only four hundred 
yards in the rear, rode directly into our lines, and with many others 
was taken prisoner. The excitement now became intense, but not 
a sound was heard except the summons to halt and surrender, as 
post after post of the enemy was taken. On reaching the vicinity 
of the bridge, Colonel Stewart formed line of battle, the Ninth on 
the right and the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts on the left, Com- 
pany A being deployed as skirmishers, with Company I as a 
support, when an advance was at once made, the interior line of 
the enemy's works being carried without a shot being fired. But 
soon aloud "halt" was heard, then a shot and a rush succeeded, 
and the works at all points were ours. The rebels flying towards 
the bridge, Company I, Captain Charles Hufty, went in pursuit, 
driving them, as was supposed, right into the grasp of the force left 
on the front. But this expectation proved delusive. Colonel 
Frankle, who had command of the expedition, had unaccountably 
failed to secure the Tarborough road, the only avenue by which the 
enemy could escape, and thus they, after all, eluded our grasp, 
much to the chagrin of Stewart and the men who had so effectively 
performed the part of driving the game from cover. By this time, 
however, the expected reinforcements had come up and occupied 
the line of works which Stewart had just passed, but discovering 
the fact, he promptly charged back over the ground he had 
traversed, and speedily cleared the works, driving the enemy in 
confusion far to the rear. During this movement a number of 
additional prisoners were taken, and doubtless had Stewart been 
in command of the expedition, the entire rebel force would have 
been taken, together with all the works in that vicinity, along the 
Eoanoke and elsewhere. 

On the 12th, the Ninth being again in the advance, the enemy 
was once more discovered, but retired without giving battle. About 
noon, the object of the expedition, which was to hold a portion of 
the North Carolina State troops while operations were carried on 
against the enemy at another point, having been accomplished, the 



254 



jSTEW jersey and the rebellion. 



column came to a halt, and soon after commenced its return, reach- 
ing Jamestown on the evening of the 13th. Thence the troops 
were carried on steamers to Plymouth, where they remained until 
the 22d, when another expedition proceeded up the Eoanoke, re- 
turning, however, two days after, fruitless of results. The Ninth 
remained at Plymouth until the 7th of January, 1865, when it pro- 
ceeded to Carolina City — thus terminating one of the most fatigu- 
ing as well as unprofitable expeditions in which it was ever engaged. 
During the entire movement, the men suffered greatly from long 
marches, being poorly provided with shoes, while the absence of 
overcoats and blankets during the severely cold nights, rendered 
their condition anything but comfortable or desirable. 

On the 14th of January, Lieutenant J. Madison Drake, who was 
captured at Drury's Bluff on the 16th of May, 1864, returned to 
the regiment, having effected his escape from the rebels by leaping 
from a train of cars while in transitu from Charleston to Columbia, 
South Carolina, and marching some seven hundred or eight hun- 
dred miles, most of the distance barefooted, and without hat or 
suitable clothing. This gallant officer was warmly welcomed on 
his return — the story of his marvelous escape finding many listening 
ears. Colonel Stewart at once promoted him to a captaincy, but 
the ill-health of Lieutenant Drake prevented an acceptance of the 
commission. The Colonel anxious of retaining his services, then 
kindly offered him an honorable position on the staff, but this was 
also necessarily declined — the Lieutenant preferring his old position 
in the command. 

On the 1st February, four companies of the Ninth — E, B, H and 
I— commanded by Major Hufty, proceeded to Newport, whence, 
being there joined by Captain Graham's Cavalry, they marched to 
Adams' Creek, a distance of thirty-one miles, and crossed over to 
Hard's Island, then a notorious covert for guerrillas. Dividing into 
sections, the force thoroughly scoured the island. Captain Hopper, 
piloted by two natives, succeeded in dispersing a gang of thieves, 
and completely destroying their rendezvous. Having effectually 
explored the island, the force returned on the oth to Carolina City, 
where the Ninth remained until the 4th of March. At this time,! 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



255 



Sherman's victorious arm}', having cut loose from Savannah and 
swept through South Carolina, was rapidly approaching the heart 
of the old North State, the enemy in vain endeavoring to arrest his 
progress. Indeed, his advance was already close to the line, carry- 
ing everything before it ; on the coast, Fort Fisher had fallen, and 
Schofleld had occupied Wilmington ; while at other points disasters 
no less serious had overtaken the enemy, who, retiring inland, now 
awaited grimly and doubtingly the final issue. Immediately upon 
the occupation of Wilmington, Schofleld ordered an advance upon 
Kinston, with Goldsborough as its objective, and on the 4th of 
March, the Ninth marched out from its camp with other troops 
to participate in this movement ; being brigaded with the Twent}^- 
third Massachusetts, Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, Eighty- 
fifth New York and Battery C, Third New York Artillery, under 
command of Brigadier-General Harland. Advancing on the line 
of the railroad leading to Goldsborough, the command, on the 7th, 
reached a point five miles east of Southwest Creek, where the enemy 
was encountered in. strong force, and a sharp skirmish ensued, the 
Ninth being engaged during the entire day. At dusk, a charge 
was made on the rebel breastworks, but without decisive results, 
the regiment losing, however, Captain Charles Huftv, who received 
a wound from which he died a few days afterwards. During the 
night, the Ninth fell back half a mile, joining the line of battle, 
where it remained during the following day behind hastily-con- 
structed breastworks. In the night, fighting was renewed, the 
enemy, late in the afternoon, making seven distinct charges on our 
left, resting on Wise's Forks, but being each time repulsed. The 
Ninth, on this day, was ubiquitous, moving rapidly from one point 
to another — at one time repulsing a charge on the left at another 
returning on the double-quick to the center, charging the foe — being 
ever in the thickest of the conflict, always at the very front. The 
combat continued until evening, when the enemy, who had suffered 
severely, retired from the field, leaving our forces in command of 
the position. During the night, however, Lieutenant A. H. Evans, 
of Company E, with a picket of sixteen men of the Ninth was 
captured by the rebels, together with a number of men belongino* 



256 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



to the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts. On the following morning, 
the enemy, apprised that reinforcements were hurrying forward to 
our assistance, renewed the battle at an early hour, charging the 
Union lines with great ferocity. During the day a force of eleven 
brigades charged in solid column as many as eleven times in suc- 
cession, but their desperate assaults were fruitless, our line standing 
as immovable as a wall of granite. During the whole engagement 
the Ninth fought with all its accustomed gallantry, winning the 
most cordial plaudits from the Western troops, who witnessed their 
resistless onslaughts upon the rebel ranks. The loss of the regiment 
amounted to one officer (Lieutenant Joseph Wright), and nine men 
wounded. During the evening, a remarkable silence pervaded the 
rebel camp, inducing the conviction that they were evacuating their 
stronghold, and this proved to be the fact, Captain Hopper, of the 
Ninth, discovering, early on the following morning, that they had 
retreated, leaving eight hundred dead upon the field. These were 
decently interred, together with some seventy of our own soldiers, 
after which the command again advanced, passing through the aban- 
doned works of the enemy on the right bank of Southwest Creek, and 
reaching the Neuse Eiver at noon on the 14th. Here the railroad 
bridge had been destroyed and the woods fired by the retreating 
rebels. Leaving the river and Kinston to the right, the column 
pursued its march, crossing the river by pontoon bridges on the even- 
ing of the next day, and bivouacking southeast of Kinston — the 
Ninth being detailed to do garrison duty in the town. On the 19th, 
however, it was again placed in the advance, Colonel Stewart taking 
charge of the brigade, and on the 21st, about noon, reached Wepton, 
but a short distance from Goldsborough. Here the enemy having 
a force of one thousand five hundred cavalry and two hundred and 
twenty-five infantry, brisk skirmishing commenced, but the rebels 
were steadily driven, the Ninth pushing forward, in their eager 
desire to enter Goldsborough, with resistless velocity. At length, 
the suburbs were reached, when, with loud huzzas, the men dashed 
through the principal street to the Court House, where, the mayor 
being found, the town was at once surrendered to Colonel 
Stewart. Two minutes after, the colors of the regiment floated 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



257 



triumphantly from the top of the Court House— being the first 
Union flag raised over the city — while cheer upon cheer rolled along 
the streets, only to be taken up by the incoming troops, and rolled 
back with deeper volume along the serried lines. Colonel Stewart 
at once detailed detachments of the Ninth to guard certain portions 
of the town, and the main column, on coming up, were greatly 
surprised to find a provost-guard already established, with Major 
Hufty as provost-marshal. On the following day, Sherman's 
advance entered the town, and on the 23d, his whole force having 
arrived, a general review was ordered. Sherman's troops entered 
Goldsborough with wagon loads of provisions, numbers of cattle 
and other live animals, with carriages drawn by four and six horses ; 
in some cases, they seemed to have carried, off the entire product 
and possessions of the plantations lying on their route. During 
the 23d, about one thousand prisoners were brought in, and over 
one thousand two hundred negroes, flocking to our lines, were sent to 
rTewberne. A large number of white refugees, men, women and 
children, also appeared, clamorous for provisions, having been 
reduced to the verge of starvation under the pressure of a relentless 
rebel conscription. On the 25th, the engineer and construction 
corps having arrived from Kewberne, the work of repairing the 
railroad was commenced, and it being reported that the Ninth was 
about to be relieved from provost-duty, a petition, numerously 
signed by the citizens, was forwarded to the Commanding General 
requesting that the regiment might be permitted to remain, the 
conduct of the men having been such as to give general satisfaction. 
On the 3d of April, however, the regiment was transferred to the 
Second Brigade, Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, the 
brigade, consisting of the Sixty-fifth Illinois, Sixty-fifth Indiana 
and One hundred and Seventy-seventh Ohio, and seven days after 
was relieved from provost duty. 24 On the 6th, a special order from 

H On the 10th, Lieutenant George Peters, Company G, who was taken prisoner at 
Drury's Bluff, May 10, 186-1, returned to the regiment. This officer shared the same 
fate as Lieutenant J. Madison Drake, until the latter made his escape, October 6, 1864. 
Lieutenant Peters remained at Columbia, South Carolina, two months, when, with 
three brother officers, he escaped from Camp Sorghum, and took the swamp. After 
marching some two hundred miles towards the mountains, they were finally captured 

33 



258 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Sherman's headquarters was read to the troops, announcing the 
joyful intelligence of the capture of Petersburg and Kichmond, 
with five hundred cannon, three rams and three thousand prisoners, 
and at once the entire army, was filled with the wildest commotion 
— the glad news, as it ran along the lines, stirring even veterans' 
pulses like a bugle-peal. On the 10th, Colonel Stewart, being 
relieved from command of the brigade, returned to his regiment, 
which at once moved from the town, encamping for the night some 
six miles distant/ The following day, the march was resumed, 
nothing, however, being seen of the enemy. On the 12th, just 
as the troops were preparing to continue the advance, a courier 
arrived from General Sherman, announcing, as he rode along the 
lines, "Lee has surrendered!" The scene which ensued no pen 
can describs. Instantly one hundred thousand voices broke into 
deafening huzzas, fifty bands struck up the old, familiar airs, 
innumerable flags were fluttered joyously along the line, and 
" veterans of a hundred fights " danced and wept together for very 
joy. And was it any wonder? These men, for four long years, 
had faced all the perils of the field ; had endured untold privations, 
suffered sickness and wounds for the nation's sake; had, with un- 
failing hope, held on to the Cause amid all the gloom of disaster, 
when scarcely a ray of promise shone through the battle-clouds, and 
now at last the End towards which they had hewn their way with 
royal fortitude and faith was in sight ; the victory of law, of liberty, 
of good government, for which they bad marched, and fought and 
suffered, was achieved. Was it any wonder that as the rebel flag 
went down at Appomattox Court House, and the Confederacy 
crumbled as the baseless fabric of a dream, these armies of ours, 
everywhere in the widely-expanded field, grew wild with exultation, 
and looked with eyes at once tearful and glad upon the flag under 
which they fought — the symbol now not only of an unbroken 

by the Home Guards, who returned them to Columbia. Lieutenant Peters, a sincere 
Christian, did much in relieving- the necessities of his younger companion, Lieutenant 
Drake, who suffered greatly during his long confinement. Lieutenant Peters deserves 
well of his country; he served bravely in his regiment, and in the prison -pens of the 
South suffered patiently—not a murmur ever escaping his lips, while others about him 
bitterly anathematized the Government and its chief officers for failing to effect their 
exchange. 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



259 



nationality, but of a more perfect freedom, a more enlarged justice, 
than ever before ? That day to hundreds of thousands of heroes, 
as the song of triumph pealed through the land, visions of far-off 
homes, where dear ones awaited their coming, loomed sweetly into 
view ; and through all the tumult, all the wild carnival of the 
camp, faces of wives and children, of sisters and brothers, of gray- 
haired fathers and mothers, shone radiantly out, wreathed with 
welcoming smiles. The war, with all its hideous horrors, was 
ended now; peace had come; home was within view — was it any 
wonder that the bugles broke into exultant paeans, that the drums 
rolled in triumph, that the army of the Republic lifted its voice in 
one grand song of thanksgiving? 

From that time forward, the march of the Ninth was a march of 
triumph. Reaching Raleigh on the 14th, it halted until the 2d of 
May, 25 when it proceeded by rail to Greensborough, near which 
place an encampment was ordered, one company, (Gr,) however, 

25 The following from the Diary of Hermann Everts, shows the movements, &c., of 
the regiment during this period : 

" April li.th. Marched about six a. m. ; halted several times; bivouacked finally in 
open field, near Raleigh ; the city had already been surrendered by the Mayor, William 
H. Harrison, Honorable Kenneth, Doctor McKee, and several others, to General 
Kilpatrick. After the surrender, a few of the rebel cavalry, who had remained as rear- 
guard, fired on some of Kilpatrick' s men, of whom two were captured and hung. 
Governor Vance's dwelling was taken for General Sherman's headquarters, and the 
State House used for Provost-Marshal and other offices. 

" April 21st. Orderly Hulsart, Company D, Sergeant Wood, Company A, Sergeant 
Fatty, Company G, Corporal Hill, Company G, and many others, who had been from 
ten to eleven months in the numerous rebel prisons, seen their horrors and devilishly- 
designed tortures, joined the regiment again, all of them unfit for duty, suffering from 
scurvy, anasarca and general debility, contracted and produced in the filthy dens of 
so-called chivalrous, but more properly hellish invention, to bolster up their traitorous 
cause, by slow starvation, poisonous vaccination, &c. They were in the prisons at 
Libby, Augusta, Camp Sumpter, Georgia, Charleston, Florence, &c, &c. Their nar- 
ratives differ but little from those already related. Hulsart reports nine deaths out of 
sixteen captured, belonging to his company, (D.) Hill reports twelve deaths out of 
sixteen captured, belonging to Company G. 

"Lieutenant-General Grant, who had arrived on the previous day, reviewed the 
troops : General Sherman on his right, and each division commander taking his posi- 
tion on the left, as troops arrived. 

"April 27th. Orders for a move; moved southwest of camp; this day the papers 
published the general order of Johnson's surrender, but the excitement was not so 
much as had been expected. 

" April 29th. Thirteen guns were fired at sunrise, one every half-hour afterwards 
and thirty-six at sun-down : one for each State, as ordered by the War Department in 
memory of Abraham Lincoln. The regiment formed line at ten a. m., to have the order 
referring to the assassination, read to the men. 



260 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



being dispatched to Charlotte, and another, (I,) to Salisbury for 
guard duty. On the 13th, these companies were rejoined by the 
regiment, the Captain of Company Or, making the following report: 

" He ad quarters Company G, Ninth New Jersey Volunteers, * 
Greensborough, North Carolina, May 18, 1865. J 

"Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report : ' In accordance with orders 
from Major-General Cox, I left Greensborough, North Carolina, with my company on 
May 5, 1865, and proceeded by railroad to Salisbury, North Carolina, arrived there at 
eleven, a. m. I left Salisbury at five, p. m., and was transported by rail to within five 
miles of Concord, a station twenty-one miles from Charlotte, North Carolina. The 
next morning, May 6th, I marched to Concord and telegraphed to Charlotte for a 
train. I received an answer, stating that an accident had happened to the downward 
train, and that no train would run for a day or so. I immediately took up line of march, 
and that evening encamped thirteen miles from Charlotte. The next morning, I resumed 
the march and arrived in Charlotte at five and a half, p. m. 1 found the town filled with 
rebel soldiers ; raids were made by mobs on stores that had been left by the rebels. 
Drunkenness and disorder generally had been the order of the day. I immediately 
issued an order, assuming command of the post, also another, prohibiting the sale of 
allkinds of spirituous liquors. After my arrival, good order prevailed. The following 
is the list of stores taken possession of and guarded by my command : Medical Pur- 
veyor's establishment, containing a large quantity of medical stores; there being no 
Surgeon in my command. I had no means of determining the value of them. The 
rebel Navy Yard, containing a large amount of machinery, iron, &c, most of which had 
been taken from the Portsmouth (Virginia) Navy Yard. A number of boxes said to 
contain the records of the rebel War Department, and all the archives of the so-called 
Southern Confederacy. Also, boxes said to contain all the colors and battle-flags cap- 
tured from the national forces since the beginning of the war ; a quantity of naval 
stores, and a quantity of commissary stores ; a branch of the United States mint was 
found, containing the machinery connected with it, all in good order. On Friday, the 
12th, Brigadier-General Thomas, of the First Brigade, First Division, Twenty-third Army 
Corps, arrived, relieving me of command of the post. On Friday, at five o'clock, p. 
m. I received an order by telegraph to report to my regiment without delay. The 
next day, the 13th, I had my command placed on cars, and reported at regimental 
headquarters at Greensborough, at four o'clock, p. m.,the same day. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

' M. C. RUNYON, 

' Captain Commanding Company G, Ninth New Jersey Volunteers. 
To E. W. Welsted, Lieutenant and Adjutant Ninth Jersey Volunteers.' " 26 



26 In connection with this report, the following account of Lieutenant George Peters, 
of Company G, is of interest : 

" As we approached the Yadkin River, on May 5th, we came up with the rear-column 
of Johnston's army, on their way home, numbering eight to ten thousand; a situation 
novel to us and all who witnessed it. For the first time we did come in contact with 
the rebels, without having to fight. To see them swarming around us, and to hear 
their expressions of friendship and good feeling, was, indeed, very strange to us, more 
so while they outnumbered us one hundred to one ; one-fifth of these being armed. 
One remarked that he had never before seen the Yankees, without being compelled to 
lay down, or without being ordered to do so. There were others who did not like the 
way pursued by their Generals ; these would rather have fought on than to succumb, 
but the majority were, tired of the war. Many stated that they would never have been 
in the rebel army, if they could have avoided it. The delay at Salisbury was very 
unpleasant, as, in case of any trouble, we would have been at their mercy, but every- 
thing passed off quietly, the troops being remarkably orderly. On the 7th, on our 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



261 



On the 20th of May, Lieutenant Hopper, with thirty men, pro- 
ceeded to Yanceyville, Caswell County, for the purpose of organ- 
izing police companies and electing twelve magistrates for the 
county. From this time until $he 14th of June, detachments of the 
Ninth were employed in various duties. On that date, two hun- 
dred and sixteen men of the regiment, whose term of service had 
expired, were mustered out, and two days after left for Trenton, 

march to Charlotte, we met numbers of stragglers along the road; also citizen-strag- 
glers, who were out to steal cotton, clothing, provisions, — in short, anything they could 
lay hands on and make use of. It is doubtful if there are many or any other company 
which has been situated as we were, surrounded and marching with our late enemies, 
they outnumbering us, and that, too, when we were cut off from all our forces by nearly 
one hundred miles of railroad, with a break in it, so that trains could not run. The 
citizens of Charlotte we found very hospitable ; the rich and well-to-do class seemed 
to be very well satisfied with the change ; the middle-class and the poor spoke bitterly 
and with condemnation of Jefferson Davis and his clique. The military institution, 
lately used for the Medical-Purveyor's office, was stored with great quantities of medi- 
cines, some of which, such as morphine and nitre, were very valuable ; all with English 
labels, and of English manufacture, which had been procured by blockade running. 
Among others, we found two twelve-pound brass field pieces ; two cannons ; about 
nine hundred small arms ; four hundred thousand percussion caps ; one thousand four 
hundred pounds of powder; an immense quantity of sabers, cutlasses, &c, cartridge- 
boxes and other equipments. Out of a large number of flags and trophies, taken from 
our forces during the whole of the war, Captain Runyon picked the State-colors of the 
Thirty-third New Jersey Regiment, intending to forward the same to the Adjutant- 
General of the State of New Jersey. The United States Branch Mint was found in 
good order, but no specie or other valuables could be seen. Specie was plenty in the 
hands of the citizens, and quantities of goods and arms were stored away, which, by 
this time, have been found and taken care of by the Colonel who came to relieve us. 
As soon as Captain Runyon, commanding post, put guards where the archives of the 
so-called Confederacy (about eighty-four boxes) were stored, General Johnston, who 
still remained at Charlotte, communicated the facts to General Schofield, commanding 
Department of North Carolina, at Raleigh, and a staff-officer was immediately dis- 
patched, and arrived at Charlotte, to take charge of tile valuable documents, and to 
forward the same to Raleigh. There was no opportunity left for Captain Runyon to 
earn laurels, and it is very doubtful if General Johnston would have reported as he did, 
if no guards had been posted, and chance had been left to him to burn or destroy the 
written and printed proofs of their shameful treachery and rebellion. Thus, we see, 
that to the gallant old Ninth is due the enviable credit of having captured and preserved 
from harm all the archives of the rebel government, their trophies, and many of their 
valuable stores. Too much credit cannot be accorded to Captain Runyon for the man- 
ner in which he performed his peculiar duties, and it is doubtful if any one could more 
judiciously have comported himself, when, with only a small company of men, he was 
compelled to crowd his way through the thousands of rebel soldiers with whom he had, 
.as it were, just been engaged in the fiercest fight. The records here obtained by Cap- 
tain Runyon have been, are and ever will be of so great value to the Government of 
the United States, that it is almost impossible to magnify the importance of the capture 
thus made. In less careful and scrupulous hands they might have been mutilated or 
lost. But in spite of the wishes and schemes of rebel officers, who were present, 
Captain Runyon insisted that they should be ' severely let alone, 1 and in all their com- 
pleteness succeeded in turning them over to the Government he served." 



262 



NEW JEESEY AND THE EEBELLION. 



where they arrived on the 22d, being welcomed by the city authori- 
ties, and also entertained by the ladies of the town at the " Soldiers' 
Welcome Home." On the 12th of July, the regiment, as an 
organization, was mustered out at Gxeensborough, and the next clay 
proceeded by rail to Danville, Virginia. Just before leaving Greens- 
borough, the following congratulatory order from General Carter, 
commanding that post, was read at the head of the regiment : 

"Headquarters Twenty-third Army Corps, District of Greensborough, ) 
Green sborough, North Carolina, July 13, 1865. \ 

" Colonel James Stewart, Jr., Ninth New Jersey Veteran Volunteer Infantry : 

"My Dear Colonel : — While it may be that I can add but little to the well-earned 
reputation of the gallant officers and men of your veteran regiment — a reputation made 
on many hard-fought fields, which have become matters of history — still I cannot 
have you leave for your homes without joining my testimony to that of others, as to 
the discipline, drill, gallant conduct, soldierly-bearing and efficiency of your noble 
regiment. On the march, in camp, under fire and in the performance of all the 
duties of a soldier, the example of the Ninth New Jersey Veteran Volunteer Infantry 
has been worthy of imitation, and entitles it to all praise and commendation. 

"With your regiment, my relations have never been other than the most pleasant, 
and I shall always cherish with the liveliest feelings of pleasure the fact that I have had 
the honor to command such men. 

"You return to your homes only after the rebellion has been crushed and peace 
restored, with the proud consciousness that you, as a regiment, did your part nobly 
and fully towards re-establishing the national authority, and securing the blessings 
which I trust you may, under God's good Providence, long live to enjoy. While I 
regret much the severance of the ties which have existed between us, I heartily congrat- 
ulate you on a speedy return to the loved ones at home, who are, even no^ so anxiously 
waiting to greet and crown you with the victor's wreath, and shower upon you the 
plaudits which are justly your due. 

With the best and kindest wishes for yourself, your officers and men, and a ' God- 
speed' you on your 'homeward-bound' journey, I am, my dear Colonel, with feelings 
of attachment and respect, very truly, your friend, 

"(Signed,) S. J. Carter, 

• "Brigadier-General Commanding." 

Leaving Danville on the 14th, the regiment reached City Point 
on the following day, and at once embarked for Baltimore, were it 
arrived on the 17th. Eeaching Philadelphia the same evening, it 
proceeded, after a brief delay, to Trenton, arriving at half-past six 
o'clock on the following morning. 27 The men were at once fur- 

27 The Trenton State Gazette, noticing the arrival of the regiment, said : 
" The Ninth, armed with Springfield rifles, had been frequently exercised in target- 
firing, and were expert marksmen. While encamped at Meridian Hill, some of the 
' crack shots' of the Berdan Sharpshooters challenged the Ninth. This was accepted, 
and a match to a trial of skill took place, resulting in the victory of the Ninth. * * 
It is remarkable that of the officers returning with the regiment, all except the Colonel 
and Lieutenant-Colonel originally joined the regiment as privates. This not only 
shows that the Ninth has seen hard service, and lost many officers, but that it was com- 
posed of a good class of men." 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 263 

louglied until the 28th, when the final discharge-papers were issued, 
and on the day following, after nearly four years of service, the 
Ninth Eegiment ceased to exist. Before the final separation, the 
officers of the regiment presented Colonel Stewart a beautiful and 
costly badge — being of gold, richly enameled — as an evidence of 
"their respect and affection." Subsequently, upon the strong 
recommendation of the various commanders under whom he had 
served, Colonel Stewart received a commission as Brigadier-Genera], 
to date from March 10, 1865, the day of the battle of Wise's Forks, 
North Carolina, in which he handled a brigade with distinguished 
skill and efficiency. 

New Jersey will ever be proud of the record of the regiment 
which, thus, having helped to achieve a just and honorable peace, 
folded its standards and passed into history. 28 Its story is the 
story of the war — its eulogy is its own great deeds. During its 
term of service it participated in forty- two battles and engagements, 

2S We append the following sketches of some of the officers of the Ninth Regiment : 

BRIGADIER-GENERAL JAMES STEWART, Jr. 

James Stewart, Jr., was horn in Warren county, in the year 1840. Before the war 
he was engaged in a lucrative mercantile business in the city of New York. Coming, 
however, from patriotic stock, he promptly forsook his business at the call for troops, 
and entered the service as a First-Lieutenant in the Ninth Regiment. At the-battle of 
Newberne, he distinguished himself by silencing a rebel battery which had greatly 
annoyed the Union forces. He took an active part in the Goldsborough expedition 
in 1863, losing some thirty men of his company in killed and wounded, and displaying 
the utmost gallantry in every engagement. After his promotion to the Colonelcy of 
the Ninth, he commanded, during a large part of the time, a brigade, and at one time a 
division — being frequently complimented by his superiors for his ability and courage. 
In his regiment he was highly esteemed, the men having the most implicit confidence 
in his efficiency and skill as an officer. In many respects, he was peculiarly qualified 
for the life of the soldier, possessing largely that element of good nature which 
reconciles its owner to any fate, however perilous or unpleasant, and having, withal, 
a heartiness of manner, and a genuine kindness of disposition which secured him 
friends in such numbers as to make even the camp something of a home to him. He 
had, moreover, the love of adventure, and the fondness for hazardous enterprises 
which constitute invariable characteristics of the true soldier. In the hottest battle, 
he was as serene as upon parade ; in the face of death, his laugh was as cheery and 
buoyant, his smile as natural and unconstrained as in the drawing-room, or around 
the camp-fire. But under all this smiling exterior, there was a character as sturdy, a 
nature as thoughful and earnest as ever grew— just as under the tree in blossom there 
are the solid, massive trunk and the great roots clasping the immovable rocks far down 
below. 

Upon the return of peace, General Stewart marched home at the head of his com- 
mand, receiving a hearty welcome from the people of the State, who rejoiced to do 
honor to one who had so honored them. 



264 NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 

and traveled by rail and on foot a distance of seven thousand six 
hundred and fifty-two miles, making, while in North Carolina, 
some of the most remarkable marches on record. Entering the 



COLONEL ABRAM ZABRISKIE 

Was the third son of Honorable A. 0. Zabriskie, now Chancellor of this State, arid was 
horn at Hackensack, New Jersey, on the 18th of February, 1841. He entered the Col- 
lege of New Jersey in 1856, and graduated with honors in 1859, immediately commenc- 
ing the study of the law, which he prosecuted until he entered the army. From his 
earliest childhood, he had been distinguished by vigor and clearness of intellect, no less 
than by great intrepidity of character, and those characteristics made him a man of 
mark from the moment he enlisted in the nation's service. At the time when the 
rebellion flowered into open hostilities, Zabriskie had just completed his preparations 
for a tour in Europe ; his state-room had been engaged, and he confidently expected to 
sail with Honorable William L. Dayton, our Minister to France. But he was not one 
to consult his own pleasure when the country was in peril, and instantly upon hearing 
of the fall of Sumter, he decided to abandon the trip to which he had looked forward 
with so much satisfaction. Soon after, having deliberately determined upon his course, 
he entered the service as Adjutant of the Ninth Regiment, with which he was identified 
until he fell upon the field. Although only nineteen years of age, he commanded from 
the first the profoundest esteem of his comrades, among whom his influence was 
unbounded. Ability, courage, the most sterling patriotism were all his, and wherever 
placed, these high qualities found conspicuous manifestation. As Colonel of the Ninth 
Regiment, his record was not merely spotless ; it was lustrous. Even in his last hours, 
when the shadow of death lay upon his face, and life's beauty and joy faded like a 
pleasant picture from his darkened vision, his thoughts were of his country and of the 
comrades who were still, with heroic endurance, braving the perils of a doubtful field. 

The high estimate placed by the public upon Colonel Zabriskie's services, was clearly 
exhibited in the expression of the press, as well as the action of public bodies, imme- 
diately upon his death. The Common Council of Jersey City, at a special meeting 
called for the puqoose, adopted a series of resolutions warmly applauding his patriotic 
course and lamenting his decease as a loss to the country at large. The members of 
the bar of Hudson County issued a memorial commemorative of his virtues, while all 
the leading journals pronounced glowing eulogies upon his character. His remains 
were interred at Greenwood Cemetery, May, 28, 1864, four days after death, and twelve 
after receiving the fatal wound. 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL WILLIAM B. CURLIS 

Raised a company, and was commissioned a Captain of the Ninth Regiment by 
Governor Olden on the 23d of September, 1861. Although he held a commission from 
President Lincoln as Postmaster, he cheerfully forsook the emoluments and comforts 
of civil life for the dangers and honors of the battle-field. Captain Curlis acted with 
great gallantry in the various battles in which the regiment was engaged, and February 
13, 1863, was commissioned Major for gallant services. He was appointed Lieutenant- 
Colonel June 20, 1864. In April, 1863, he was appointed Provost-Marshal of the sub- 
district of Beaufort, North Carolina, and remained until the September following, when 
he was relieved at his own request, and returned to the regiment. On the 1st of October, 
1861, he was ordered to take command of the Twenty-third New York Cavalry, 
Seventeenth Massachusetts Infantry, one detached company of the First North Carolina 
Cavalry, one company of the First North Carolina Infantry, and one company of the 
Second Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, and occupy a nine-gun fort near his quarters, 
which he did, holding the command until the 1st of February, 1865. He was mustered 
out of the service on the 19th of the same month on his own application. 



THE NINTH REGIMENT. 



265 



service with one thousand one hundred and forty-two men, and 
at various times strengthened by recruits, the mean strength of the 
regiment when mustered out was only six hundred men. Eight 
officers offered their lives a sacrifice on the natioirs altar, while 
twenty-three received wounds in battle — most of them of a serious 
nature. Sixty-one enlisted men were killed in battle, and four 
hundred wounded. Forty-three men died from wounds, and one 
hundred from disease. The total loss of the regiment from all 
causes was one thousand six hundred and forty-six men. No 
fact could more strikingly exhibit the consuming nature of the 
campaigns in which the regiment participated than this, clearly 
authenticated by official reports. The entire number of men and 
officers taken prisoners was about one hundred and thirty, forty - 

CAPTAIN BENJAMIN W. HOPPER 

Entered the regiment as a Sergeant. His bravery at Roanoke and Newberne attracted 
the attention of General Heckman, who promoted him to a Lientenantcy and sub- 
sequently to be a Captain. In this position he showed superior ability. His company 
was soon brought to a high state of efficiency ; while his men, seeking to emulate his 
example, performed prodigies of valor. Captain Hopper on the return of the regiment 
was senior officer of the line. No officer enjoyed a better reputation for bravery and 
skill, while few equaled him in those qualities which go so k far to make up a XJerfect 
soldier. Captain Hopper was repeatedly complimented for bravery. 

CAPTAIN THOMAS BURNETT 

Was also a fine soldier. At one time he acted as drill-sergeant, and in performing the 
"manual," his rifle seemed to be part of himself; in its use none could excel him. 
Whenever an important and dangerous duty was to be performed, this gallant 
officer was sure to be selected. He uever knew failure where success was possible. 
At the close of the war, he participated in the attack on Canada — holding a com- 
mission as Lieutenant-Colonel in the New Jersey (Fenian) Regiment. 

LIEUTENANT J. MADISON DRAKE, 

at the time the war broke out, was a citizen of Trenton, where he had been for some 
years connected with journalism. He was among the first to enlist, and within three 
days after the fall of Sumter, recruited seventy-seven men. Being chosen Captain, he 
declined the position, and seiwed with the Third Regiment (three months' men) as 
color-bearer. Upon his return, he organized another company for the war, but troops 
not being at that time received, he returned to his business. When, however, the 
Ninth Regiment was formed, he joined it as a Sergeant of Company K, in which posi- 
tion he served for eighteen months, when he was made Second Lieutenant of Company 
K, haying meanwhile declined a Captaincy in another regiment. After commanding 
Company D for nearly a year, he was made Eirst Lieutenant of Company K. In the 
battle of Bermuda Hundred, May 16, 1S61, he was captured while in the advance, and 
after being confined for some time in Libby Prison, was carried to Macon, Georgia, 
thence to Savaunah and thence to Charleston, suffering all the horrors which rebel 
malignity could inflict, but finally, in October, effecting his escape, and after forty-seven 
days wandering in the mountains, reaching the Union lines in safety. 

34 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



seven of this number dying while in the hands of the enemy. The 
principal battles and engagements of the regiment were as follows : 

Roanoke Island, North Carolina, February 8, 1862 ; Newberne, North Carolina, March 
14, 1862; Fort Macon, North Carolina, April 25, 1862; Young's Cross-road, North 
Carolina, July 27, 1862 ; Rowell's Mill, November, 2, 1862; Deep Creek, North Carolina, 
December 12, 1862; Southwest Creek, North Carolina, December, 13, 1862; before 
Kinston, North Carolina, December 13, 1862; Kinston, North Carolina, December 
14, 1862; Whitehall, North Carolina, December 16, 1862; Goldsborough, North 
Carolina, December 17, 1862; Comfort, North Carolina, July 6, 1863; near Winton, 
North Carolina, July, 26, 1863 ; Deep Creek, North Carolina, February 7, 1864 : Cherry 
Grove, North Carolina, April 14, 1864; Port Walthall, Virginia, May 6 and 7, 1864; 
Swift Creek, Virginia, May 9 and 10, 1864; Drury's Bluff, Virgina, May 12, 13, 
14, 15 and 16, 1864, five days in succession ; Cold Harbor, Virginia, June 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 
9, 10, 11 and 12, 1864, ten days in succession ; Petersburg, Virginia, from June 20 to 
August 24, 1864; Gardner's Bridge, North Carolina, December 9, 1864; Foster's Bridge, 
North Carolina, December 10, 1864; Butler's Bridge, North Carolina, December 11, 
1864; near Southwest Creek, North Carolina, March 7, 1865; Wise's Fork, North 
Caolina, March 8, 9 and 10, 1865 ; Goldsborough, North Carolina, March, 21, 1865. 



CHAPTEE VIII. 



THE TENTH REGIMENT. 

The Tenth Eegiment had a history peculiar to itself. Being 
recruited under authority from the War Department, without the 
consent and against the wishes of the Governor of New Jersey, 1 its 
earlier experience was very similar to that of the First Cavalry, 
which was raised under like circumstances. The organization was 
first known as the " Olden Legion." It was recruited by William 
Bryan, of Beverly, (at which place it had its headquarters,) who 
was its first Colonel, John M. Wright being Lieutenant-Colonel, 
and Matthew Berry man, Major; Captain Henry A. Perrine, of 
Company K, afterwards Major of the regiment, was also one of the 
original officers. 

The regiment proceeded to Washington in December, 1861, but 
for a time was of little service, falling almost immediately, indeed, 
into disrepute, owing to its defective organization and the absence of 
all proper discipline. In January, 1862, the Secretary of War 
applied to Governor Olden to take charge of the organization as 
part of the quota of New Jersey and place it on a proper footing 
for service, but this the latter declined to do, being unwilling to 
become responsible for the character of an organization raised and 
officered in contravention of all the rules he had established and 
observed in organizing other regiments. Later in the same month, 
however, the Governor was again appealed to by the Secretary of 

i On the first roster of the regiment, after being placed in State service, is this 
endorsement : 

" This regiment was raised hy individuals, not authorized by the State, and accepted 
by the War Department as an independent organization, some time in the fall of 1861, 
and was not known by the State authorities until it was placed under their care, 
January 29, 1862." 



268 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



War, who stated, among other things, that it would be necessary to 
disband the regiment unless the State would assume control of and 
properly arrange it. Thus appealed to, Governor Olden sent for 
Colonel William R Murphy, in whose discretion he had confidence, 
and after referring to his uniform opposition to the regiment on 
account of the manner in which it was raised, proposed to accede 
to the request of the War Department, provided that Colonel 
Murphy would accept the command, and address himself to the 
task of rescuing the regiment from the demoralization into which 
it had fallen. After a full and free conference, Colonel Murphy 
acquiesced in the proposition of the Governor on condition that the 
Quartermaster of the State should be directed to equip and supply 
the regiment like the others, and that he (the Colonel) should be 
permitted to select its officers. These conditions being assented to, 
Colonel Murphy at once prepared to accept the command, and on 
the 19th of February, 1862, reported to Brigadier-General Casey 
at Washington, was mustered in and ordered to join the regiment. 

At this time the command was in an almost hopeless condition. 
One of the radical defects of its organization consisted in the fact 
that it included a company enlisted and equipped as cavalry, thus 
impairing its unity and necessitating a diversity of drill and disci- 
pline eminently prejudicial to its regimental character. Many, if 
not all the men, attached to this company, were in arrest for refusing 
to do infantry duty, and chaos prevailed in all directions. The 
matter was at once brought to the notice of the Commanding 
General, who, seeing that a wrong had been done to these men either 
through ignorance or by design, issued an order to muster them 
out, while at the same time authority was given to the Governor 
by the War Department to recruit a company of infantry to com- 
plete the regimental organization. This being done, followed by 
the discharge of a considerable number on account of physical dis- 
ability, and the commissioning and mustering of field and company 
officers, the prospect of regimental usefulness became more encour- 
aging. But before this was completed, the Army of the Potomac 
had gone to the Peninsula, leaving the regiment attached to the 



THE TENTH REGIMENT. 



269 



command of Brigadier-General Wadsworth. The morale of the 
regiment continued to improve rapidly, and this, together with its 
superior soldier-like appearance, as compared with others, soon 
attracted attention, and early in the summer of 1862, it was ordered 
into Washington and placed upon provost-duty. The command, 
however, soon became anxious for more active service, and the 
Colonel, who fully shared this feeling, accordingly remonstrated 
with the authorities against the detention of the regiment at that' 
post, when, as it seemed to him, it could be more usefully employed 
elsewhere. To all his entreaties, however, but one reply was made, 
namely, that his was the only regiment that could be trusted, and 
with this gratifying, but unsatisfactory compliment, he was obliged 
to be content. The regiment continued doing provost-duty during 
the entire remainder of the year — .Major Charles H. Tay, of the 
Second Eegiment, being in September appointed Lieutenant Col- 
onel — and in the early part of 1863 permanent barracks were erected 
for its occupation. This seeming to indicate that no change in the 
character of its duties was to be expected, Colonel Murphy, who 
had hoped for active service, on the 12th of March resigned his 
commission as Colonel, and Colonel H. O. Eyerson, formerly of the 
Second Eegiment and more recently of the Twenty-third, was 
appointed in his place. 

At length, on the 12th of April, the desire of the regiment for 
service elsewhere was gratified, orders being received directing it to 
proceed at once to Suffolk, then menaced by the enemy in force 
under Longstreet. Suffolk being an important railroad junction,' 
lying at the head of the Nanseniond, twelve miles from its con- 
fluence with the James Elver, covering the landward approaches to 
Norfolk, and virtually commanding that part of North Carolina 
east of the Chowan Eiver, its occupation by our troops was of the 
greatest importance, and it had, therefore, early been seized and 
fortified. No serious demonstration, however, had been made 
against it until April 10th, when Longstreet suddenly advanced 
with a force of some forty thousand men, designing to cross the 
Nansemond, and seize the roads to Norfolk, upon which he might 



270 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



then march unmolested. General Peck, however, penetrating his 
designs, prepared promptly to defeat them, and it was to aid in the 
execution of his plans that the Tenth, with other regiments, was 
hurried to his department. Reaching its destination, the regiment, 
being attached to Corcoran's Brigade, was placed in the works at 
the front, extending across the Edenton road, active operations 
meanwhile going on at other points of the line. At length, on the 
24th of April, it was sent out on a reconnoissance on the Edenton 
road, with a view of ascertaining the location, strength and plans 
of the enemy, the movement resulting in a lively skirmish, in which 
the enemy's outposts were driven back. The loss of the Tenth 
was only one or two men wounded. The regiment was not again 
engaged until the 4th of May, when Longstreet having raised the 
siege, General Peck sent out a column of some seven thousand 
men, including Corcoran's Brigade, in pursuit. Coming up with 
the enemy at Carsville, near the Blackwater, the Tenth speedily 
became engaged, capturing some prisoners and inflicting consider- 
able loss on the retreating foe. This was the first severe engage- 
ment in which the regiment had participated, but the men behaved 
with marked steadiness, showing that the discipline to which they 
had been subjected had not been without influence in maturing 
their soldierly character. The regiment lost several men killed and 
wounded. 

Longstreet having abandoned the siege, many of the troops under 
General Peck were withdrawn for^ service elsewhere, the Tenth 
being ordered to join the Army of the Potomac during the month 
of July. Upon arriving at Washington, it was sent to Philadelphia, 
where it was feared the enforcement of the conscription would 
lead to disturbances of the peace. Here the regiment remained for 
two months on provost-duty, becoming very popular with the 
citizens, who flocked in crowds to witness its dress-parades. The 
discipline of the regiment at this time was equal, perhaps, to that 
of any regiment in the service, and elicited cordial commendation 
from all who visited the camp. In the month of September, the 
regiment was sent to Pottsville, Pennsylvania, where there were 
indications of riots among the miners, and thence was ordered to the 



THE TENTH REGIMENT. 



271 



fords of the Potomac near Shepherclstown, were it remained about 
a month, doing picket duty with other troops, the rebels under 
Imboden threatening a raid into that part of Maryland. In 
November, riots having broken out in other parts of the mining 
regions of Pennsylvania, it was ordered to Mauch Chunk, where it 
was placed in charge of the sub-military district of Carbon, com- 
posed of the County of Carbon and part of Luzerne, one company 
remaining at Mauch Chunk, and the others placed at various 
points — the right and left companies being stationed seventeen 
miles distant from each other. Here the regiment remained all 
winter. During much of this time, Colonel Eyerson was President 
of a Commission which tried many of the semi-rebels of that region, 
who were encouraging desertions, interfering with recruiting, inter- 
rupting mining operations and murdering loyalists conspicuous for 
their devotion to the national cause. Lieutenant-Colonel Tay was 
also engaged for a time on court-martial duty. During the winter, 
the regiment re-enlisted and was otherwise recruited, but to such 
an extent were desertions instigated by the tories of that section, 
that the Colonel, who was also anxious to be united with the Army 
of the Potomac?, urged the Department to place his command in the 
field. This request was finally granted, and in the month of April, 
the regiment proceeded to Brandy Station, where it was attached 
to the First New Jersey Brigade, only a short time before the army 
crossed the Eapidan in the grand movement against. Eichmoncl. 

The record of the regiment from this time forward was almost 
identical with that of the First Brigade, which is elsewliere given. 
It shared in all tire battles of the Wilderness and fought with its 
corps all the way to Petersburg, on every field displaying conspicu- 
ous gallantry. In the battle of the 6th of May, it suffered severely, 
especially in the assault of the rebel General Gordon on our right, 
made just before dark. In the engagement resulting from this 
assault, the regiment lost nearly one entire company in prisoners 
alone. Among the mortally wounded on this day, was Colonel 
Ryerson. 2 During the 7th, the regiment was not engaged, but on 
the evening of the 8th, it again met the foe. At this time, War- 

2 At the close of the heavy fighting of the day, the Tenth Regiment was taking 




272 



NEW JEESEY AND THE EEBELLION. 



ren's Corps, which, coming up with the enemy at Alsop's Farm 
early in the day, had vainly essayed to carry his position, was pre- 
paring to make a second attack, and the Sixth Corps having arrived, 
one division was ordered to take part in the movement. The Tenth 
Eegiment — no other regiment of the First Brigade participating — 
was accordingly put in on the right of Crawford's Division of the 
Fifth (Warren's) Corps, and moving forward, bravely attacked the 
enemy in its front. Unfortunately, however, the regiment on its 
left became in some way separated from it, and the two being thus 
isolated, were pounced upon by the enemy with great celerity and 
force ; compelling them to give way, with heavy loss — the Tenth 

repose in line, though ordered to be in momentary expectation of a rush by the enemy. 
Colonel Kyerson had just T risen upon his knees to reconnoiter, when his corps-badge 
upon his cap was torn away and his skull fractured by the Minie ball of a sharpshooter. 
He was carried to a log-cabin in the rear, where two of his Captains, with Captain 
Cooke, Adjutant-General of the brigade, waited by him through the. night, unable to 
get surgical assistance, expecting his speedy death and the sad duty of burying him. 
During the night, our line fell back, and early in the morning the whole party were taken 
prisoners. Colonel Kyerson was left at Locust Grove Confederate Hospital, where he 
died on the 12th, attended by a paroled Vermont surgeon who marked his grave and 
so described it that at the close of the war his remains were found, and re-interred in 
the cemetery of his native town. 

Colonel Henry Ogden Eyerson was the fifth child of the late Thomas C. Eyerson, 
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of New Jersey from 1834 till his death in 
1838. He was the youngest of three sons and a daughter who survived their father, 
the eldest being Martin Eyerson, who also held for a time, and until his resignation, 
the same office. On the mother's as well as father's side, he was descended from loyal 
stock. His father's ancestors were connected with the Society of Friends, and yet 
had their representative in the Quartermaster's Department of the Eevolutionary 
Army. His father did his tour of duty in the militia in the War of 1812, and the 
records of the State Historical Society sufficiently show the part taken by his mother's 
family in the War of the Eevolution, her father and uncles being field or staff offi- 
cers in the Continental Army, and her grandfather one of the New Jersey Committee 
of Safety. Her uncle, Aaron Ogden, was aid to Layfayette, and a trusted agent of 
Washington in connection with the affair of Andre and Arnold. 

Colonel Eyerson was born at Newton, Sussex County, January 10, 1826, and was left 
an orphan by the death of his mother in 1835, and his father in 1838. Declining a 
collegiate course, he passed from the grammar-school directly to the study of the law, 
and was licensed in 1847. From that time until 1855, he lived an unsettled life in 
Chicago, California and the Sandwich Islands ; having gone to the Islands on account 
of intermittent fever, which was incurable in San Francisco. After returning to 
New Jersey, and taking his counsellor's license, he lived in Belvidere until 1857, when 
he returned to his native town, where at the breaking out of the rebellion he held the 
office of public prosecutor. While engaged in taking depositions in Chancery at Jersey 
City, he saw the first call for volunteers, returned home, and, baggage in hand, walked 
directly to the recruiting office and volunteered as a private. Elected Captain by his 
comrades, he led them to the field as Company B, of the gallant Second Eegiment. 
As an officer of this regiment, Captain, and afterwards Major, Eyerson had high reputa- 
tion for soldierly bearing, tactical skill and high discipline. His enthusiasm led him to 



THE TENTH REGIMENT. 



273 



having eighty men and several officers captured, including Colonel 
Tay, who, being with the other prisoners, taken to the rear, was 
next clay started for Richmond, but was fortunately on the same 
day rescued from the hands of his guards by General Sheridan, at 
Beaver Dam Station. The total loss of the regiment up to this 
time, aside from prisoners, had been one hundred and thirteen — 
eighteen killed and ninety -five wounded. In the fighting along 
the Po, the Tenth shared with the brigade, and at Cold Harbor 
again suffered largely, being in the first day's engagement in the 
third line of battle, and losing some seventy in killed and wounded. 
In the assault upon the enemy's position on June 3d, the regiment 

practice the bugle calls of the skirmish line, and when assigned to command in brigade 
drill he was always readj and accurate. At the battle of Gaines' Mill, six companies of 
the Second Regiment, under Colonel Tucker and Major Ryerson (promoted to that va- 
cancy in his regiment just before leaving Alexandria,) were sent in to relieve a whole 
regiment. So rapid and effective was their fire that they kept a whole brigade at bay, 
until our line had fallen back on both sides of them. Exposed to a double cross-fire, 
and the gallant Tucker mortally wounded, the regiment began a hasty retreat; Major 
Ryerson seized the standard, and was rallying the battalion when he fell, shot through 
both thighs, and bleeding so profusely, as he was carried away, that his attendants re- 
ported him mortally wounded in the abdomen, and left him on the field. There he 
remained ten days, three of them without food. Water, however, was abundant in the 
swamp, for one of his wounded brother officers paid a Confederate soldier ten dollars 
in gold to drag him out of it to dry ground. That ten days' exposure, and three 
weeks (before his exchange,) in a Richmond prison, gave him the fever, which 
aggravated his wounds and kept him away from his regiment until the 1st of October. 
With one wound still open, he rejoined his regiment as Lieutenant-Colonel, hurried to 
the field by the record of his comrades at Crampton's Gap. 

Just as the army began to move towards Manassas he was placed by General 
Torbert over the Twenty-third Regiment of nine months men, and received a regular 
commission as Colonel. With this regiment he participated in the first battle of 
Fredericksburg, where they were for a short time under heavy fire, and suffered 
severely. When the Twenty-third was mustered out, Colonel Ryerson was transferred 
to the Tenth, with which he served, as we have seen, until killed. While at Suffolk, 
he performed (for a part of the time,) Brigadier's duty, and in that capacity received 
General Peck's written compliments for his vigilance, knowledge of the stragetic 
character of the country, &c. 

Colonel Ryerson' s courage, which was conspicuous on all occasions, was of the 
kind which arises from that pre-occupation of mind and intentness on an object 
which exclude self. He never saw personal danger. But he was scrupulously careful 
of his men in action, just as he was in camp, because he was responsible for their 
welfare both to his superiors and to the country's cause. He was, besides, of a generous 
disposition and anxious for the comfort of his command. A strict disciplinarian also, 
lie was yet beloved, because impartial towards officers and men. It is the testimony 
of Chaplains that he was also mindful of the spiritual interests of his men, furnishing 
all the assistance in his power for religious instruction, both in the camp and on the 
march. Had he lived, it is known that he would have been promoted at an early day ; 
but falling, he received, as is believed, higher than earthly promotion, from the 
Captain over all, under whose banner he had enlisted. 

85 



274 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



charged alone at a peculiarly exposed point, and sustained heavy loss, 
amounting in all to some sixty-five in killed and wounded. From 
this time forward until the appearance of the army before Peters- 
burg, the regiment was constantly on duty, responding cheerfully 
to all demands upon it, and on all occasions" acquitting itself with 
eminent credit. 

Transferred with the First Brigade to the Shenandoah Valley, 
the Tenth was there, too, found equal to every emergency. On the 
15th of August, it participated in a sharp picket skirmish near 
Strasburg, and two days after took part in the battle of Winchester, 
assisting (with the rest of the brigade) to hold the whole of Early's 
army in check for a period of six hours. In this engagement, the 
Tenth was formed on the left of the Fourth Regiment, and held its 
position until heavily overlapped by the enemy on the left, and 
even then, with its ammunition exhausted, stood firm, after a part 
of the brigade — right wing — had retired. From some cause, inex- 
plicable to those most vitally concerned, no order was sent to the 
regiment to withdraw, and the result necessarily was, that holding 
on from moment to moment, fighting and waiting, it was gradu- 
ally surrounded, so that when at last the attempt was made to fall 
back, it only fell into the snare set for it. The regiment not only 
lost considerabty in killed and wounded, but also in prisoners, 
Colonel Ta}^ being again captured with one hundred and fifteen 
men of the brigade — mainly of the left wing. At the close of this 
affair, the Tenth, which crossed the Eapidan in May with six hun- 
dred men, had only eighty men left for duty — a fact which exhibits 
more forcibly than any words the severity of the experience which 
it had been called upon to undergo. 

In the subsequent battles in the Yalley, the regiment, feeble as it 
was, bravely maintained its reputation. During the winter of 
1864-5, having with the brigade rejoined the army before Peters- 
burg, and being largely recruited, it participated in the various 
movements which resulted so detrimentally to the enemy, and in 
the grand assault of the 2d of April, rendered distinguished ser- 
vice. When the rebel flag went down at Appomattox, it turned its 
face homeward, reaching the vicinity of Washington, four hundred 



THE TENTH REGIMENT. 



275 



and fifty strong, on the 2d of June. Thence, some weeks after, it 
proceeded to Trenton, and was in due time discharged. Its record, 
from the day that it took the field, was one of sublime devotion to 
the work in which the nation was engaged, and in the legends and 
chronicles of the firesides to which its survivors came back scarred 
and laureled, its deeds will live for long years to come. 



CHAPTER IX. 



ELEVENTH REGIMENT. 

The Eleventh Kegiment, of which Robert McAllister was 
appointed Colonel on the 30th of June, 1862, left Trenton on the 
25th of August following, and reported at Washington on the 26th, 
at noon. It was at once sent into Virginia, by order of General 
Casey, and performed various duties in that department until 
November 16th, when it was attached to the brigade of Brigadier- 
General Carr, (General Sickles' Division,) at Fairfax Court House. 
Two days subsequently, it took up its march for Falmouth, 1 
where it arrived on the 27th, having forded the Occoquan River, 
and suffered 'many hardships, owing to the prevalent rains, on the 
march. On the 9th of December, General Rurnsicle having com- 
pleted his plans for an assault upon the enemy in the rear of 
Fredericksburg, the regiment received orders to prepare for service, 
and, on the morning of the 11th, moved from camp to a position 
on a hill overlooking Fredericksburg. Meantime, pontoons had 
been thrown across the river, and a lodgment had been effected in 
the city. On the morning of the 12th, the regiment was ordered 
to move down, by a circuitous route, to the river bank for the 
purpose of guarding the pontoon bridge at General Franklin's 
crossing, where it remained until the 14th. The general attack 
on the enemy, stretched along and behind the southern bluffs of 
the Rappahannock for a distance of four or five miles, was made 
on the 13th. Rebel guns, posted on the eminence, raked every 
foot of ground by which the assailants could advance, and bravely 

i Owing to the exposure and difficult duty to which the regiment had been, up to 
this time, exposed, a great deal of sickness prevailed among the men, and when orders 
were received for this advance, some two hundred were unfit for duty. There had 
already been twelve deaths. 



THE ELEVENTH REGIMENT. 



277 



as our veterans fought, they but dashed themselves in vain against 
an impregnable position. The slaughter was pitiless, terrible ; the 
courageous columns, pressing up the slopes with eager step, were 
shattered and broken by the fire of three hundred tireless guns ; 
and though stubbornly maintaining the conflict until night closed 
the scene, not a foot of ground had been gained, and heaps of 
dead and dying alone attested the gallantry which, in the very face 
of death and disaster, serenely and proudly held its own. 

On the morning of the 14th, the Eleventh crossed the river, 
under orders of General Carr, and took position in the second line 
of battle, being shortly afterwards sent forward to the front line to 
relieve the Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Eegiment — two companies 
being dispatched to take the place of the pickets of the regiment 
thus relieved. These companies, with others that were afterwards 
sent in under a galling picket fire, behaved with the greatest 
steadiness. While thus engaged, the regiment sustained a loss of 
two enlisted men killed, four wounded and six missing. On the 
15tb, the regiment re-crossed the river to its old position, and soon 
after returned to its former camp near Falmouth — General Burn- 
side having wisely abandoned, upon the remonstrance of General 
Sumner and others, all thought of a second assault, and directed 
the withdrawal of the entire army from the south side of the 
river. 2 

2 " Headquarters Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers, [ 
Camp near Ealmouth, Virginia, December 23, 1862. \ 
" It is with feelings of pride that I congratulate you on your hearing during all our 
hard marches in this campaign, and particularly upon the bravery and gallantry you 
displayed on the field of battle, before the heights of Fredericksburgh. 

" I would say to those of you who went in under that galling picket-fire, when the eyes 
of thousands of our comrades were upon you, and like old veterans, stood the raging 
storm of battle, not only holding, but gaining ground ; I would say, you deserve my 
warmest praise. 

" We sorrow over the remains of the gallant dead who fell by our side, and sympathize 
with their loved ones at home, trusting that God will bear them up in their bereave- 
ment. 

"We have before us the consoling fact that they died as brave soldiers, fighting for 
their country, and that those of our day, and posterity, will do them justice. 

" To the wounded I would say, bear up under your affliction with the cherished hope 
that in the providence of God you will soon be able to join us, and assist in more suc- 
cessful encounters to put down this rebellion, and restore peace to our land. 

"R. McAllister, 
" Colonel Commanding Regiment." 



278 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



The regiment remained in camp — having, however, changed its 
position to "Fitzhugh Farm," some two and a half miles from 
Falmouth — until February 5th, when it accompanied the division 
on a reconnoissance, in the direction of the Orange and Alexandria 
Eailroad, the march being one of great hardship, a storm of snow 
and rain prevailing during almost the entire time, while the men were 
without tents or any means of shelter. In this expedition, several 
bridges were destroyed, and the regiment was warmly complimented 
for the manner in which it performed the work assigned it. During 
the winter, the efficiency of the regiment was increased by drills 
and by careful instruction of the officers in their duties — schools 
of the captains and the lieutenants, as well as the non-commissione d 
officers, being established and maintained by the Colonel. The 
regiment, too, took a lively interest in the political questions then 
occupying the attention of the people, and at a meeting held early 
in March, at which ike utmost enthusiasm was manifested, bonfires 
being kindled and speeches made in honor of the event, a series of 
patriotic resolutions were adopted, and being signed by the officers, 
were forwarded to the Governor as expressing the hostility of the 
regiment to any attempt to distract public sentiment by untimely 
partizan clamors for a dishonorable peace. 3 On the 20th of April, 

s The following are the resolutions referred to : 

Whereas, The Legislature of our native State, a State hallowed by the rernembranee 
of the battles of Princeton, Trenton, and Monmouth; fields stained by the blood of our 
forefathers in the establishment of our Government, has sought to tarnish its high honor 
and bring upon it disgrace, by the passage of resolutions, tending to a dishonorable 
peace with armed rebels ; seeking to destroy our great and beneficent Government ; the 
best ever designed for the happiness of the many ; and 

Whereas, We, her sons, members of the Eleventh Regiment New Jersey Volunteers ; 
citizens representing every section of the State, have left our homes, to endure the 
fatigues, privations and dangers, incident to a soldier's life, in order to maintain our 
Republic in its integrity, willing to sacrifice our lives to that object, fully recognizing 
the impropriety of a soldier's discussion of the legislative functions of the State; yet 
deeming it due to ourselves that the voice of those who offer their all in their country's 
cause be heard, when weak and wicked men seek its dishonor ; therefore, 

Resolved, That the union of the States is the only guarantee for the preservation of 
our liberty and independence ; and that the war for the maintenance of that Union 
commands now, as it has done, our best efforts and most heartfelt sympathy. 

Resolved, That we consider the passage, or even the introduction of the so-called 
" Peace Resolutions, as wicked, weak, and cowardly, tending to aid by their sympathy, 
the rebels seeking to destroy the Republic. 

Resolved, That we regard as traitors alike, the foe in arms, and the secret enemies of 



TftE ELEVENTH REGIMENT. 



279 



the regiment was visited by Governor Parker, and a review of 
the division to which the regiment was attached, was had in his 
honor. 

On the 21st of January, Burnside having asked to be relieved 
very soon after his failure at Fredericksburg, General Hooker had 
assumed command of the Army of the Potomac, and for two months 
employed all his influence and authority to improve the discipline, 
perfect the organization and elevate the spirit of his men. By the 

our Government, who at home foment disaffection, and strive to destroy confidence in 
our legally chosen rulers. <» 

Resolved, That the reports, spread broadcast throughout the North, by sympathizing 
prints and voices, that the army, of which we esteem it a high honor to form a part, is 
demoralized, and clamorous for peace on any terms, are the lying utterances of traitor- 
ous tongues, and do base injustice to our noble comrades who have never faltered in 
the great work ; and are not only willing, but anxious to follow the gallant and chival- 
ric leader against the stronghold of the enemy. 

Resolved, That we put forth every effort, endure every fatigue, shrink from no dan- 
ger ; until under the gracious guidance of a kind Providence, every armed rebel shall be 
conquered, and traitors at home shall quake with fear as the grand emblem of our Na- 
tional Independence shall assert its power from North to South, and crash beneath its 
powerful folds, all who dare to assail its honor, doubly hallowed by the memory of the 
patriot dead. 
(Signed,) 

Robert McAllister, Colonel Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
Stephen Moore, Lieutenant-Colonel Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
John Schoonover, Adjutant Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
Garret Schenck, Quartermaster Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
E. Byington, Assistant-Surgeon Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
G. Ribble, Second Assistant-Surgeon Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
E. Knighton, Chaplain Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
Luther Martin, Captain Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
John T. Hill, Captain Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
William H. Meeker, Captain Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
Thomas J. Halsey, Captain Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
Philip J. Kearney, Captain Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
William B. Dunning, Captain Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
S. M. Layton, Lieutenant Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
Ira W r . Corey, Lieutenant Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
Lott Bloomfield, Lieutenant Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
A. H. Ackerman, Lieutenant Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
Edward S. E. Newbury, Lieutenant Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
John Oldershaw, Lieutenant Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
W. H. Lloyd, Lieutenant Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
Milton S. Lawrence, Lieutenant Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
E. T. Kennedy, Lieutenant Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
S. W. Volk, Lieutenant Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
Samuel T. Sleeper, Lieutenant Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
Edwin R, Good, Lieutenant Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
John Sowter, Lieutenant Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 
Alexander Beach, Jr., Lieutenant Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 



280 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



10th of April, he had so increased the efficiency of the army, and 
circumstances had become so generally favorable, that he determined 
upon again assuming the offensive, and accordingly, on the 13th, 
General Stoneman was dispatched with a large force of cavalry to 
initiate his movement against the enemy. Lee still remained at 
Fredericksburg, but his position could be turned, and this General 
Hooker proposed to do. On the 27th, orders were issued for a 
movement of the infantry and artillery, and on the following day, 
the Eleventh Kegiment, then attached to the First Brigade, Second 
Division, Third Corps, left its camp and moved up the river, silently 
but rapidly, to the United States Ford of the Eappahannock, crossing 
at noon on May 1st, and thence to Chancellorsville, halting that 
night near the headquarters of General Hooker. Meanwhile, the 
enemy had hurried up from Fredericksburg in strong force, and 
had taken position at a convenient point, whence on Saturday, May 
2d, he opened on our left, gradually, however, shifting his forces to 
the right. At this time, the Third Corps was posted in reserve near 
our center. About sunset, the enemy having moved his lines, 
suddenly pounced with terrible power upon our right, sweeping 
the Eleventh Corps completely from the field, and leaving the 
Third critically exposed, the woods in its front being fall of rebels, 
while the cavalry at that point, upon which General Sickles (com- 
manding the corps) had relied, was lamentably weak. Bat that 
brave officer was equal to the occasion, and promptly advanced his 
men into the breach. The Second Division, with Hooker, Sickles 
and Barry riding at its head, moved at a double-quick to the rescue, 
the men cheering loudly as they swept through the disordered ranks 
of the panic-stricken Eleventh (Corps,) and fell into line of battle 
right and left of the "plank road, of which the enemy had so far 
maintained a tenacious hold. Soon the order to charge was given, 
and the men with a shout rushed, amid the booming of cannon 
and crackle of musketry, upon the rebels, slowly driving them 
from the ground lost by Howard in the morning, and recovering 
several abandoned guns and caissons. But though beaten, the 
enemy did not withdraw out of range. Eepeatedly during the 
night, he renewed the contest — once massing in great force in our 



THE ELEVENTH REGIMENT. 



281 



immediate front in a determined effort to break our lines, but being 
again repulsed with great slaughter. At a later hour, being rein- 
forced, he once more advanced to the assault, pressing with 
impetuous daring against our lines, but again our batteries, playing 
over the heads of our infantry far into the massed columns of the 
foe, compelled him to retire with terrible loss. In both of these 
combats, the fighting was of the most desperate character, and the 
scene, as the flash of the heavy guns flamed out upon the gloom of 
the solemn wood, and the flying missiles crashed and screamed 
among the trees, carrying a cloud of branches before the terrible 
storm, was grand and almost fearful in its sublimity. 

Towards daybreak, under orders from General Carr, the Eleventh 
formed in line of battle, with its left resting on the plank road, 
and the line at right angles with it, the Eleventh Massachusetts 
taking position on the right. 4 Immediately in front of the Eleventh 
New Jersey, on the first line of battle, with its left resting on the 
road, was the First Massachusetts Eegiment ; while on the left, on 
the road, was Osborn's Battery, forming a rear line. The Second 
ISTew Jersey Brigade, commanded by General Mott, was stationed 
on the left of the road. In the rear of this brigade were a number 
of batteries, occupying an elevation which enabled them to fire 
over the infantry. All these batteries soon became actively 
engaged, and did fearful execution in the ranks of the enemy. 
As dawn approached, it became evident that another desperate 
contest was at hand, and very soon, the enemy, once more in 
massed columns, advanced to the charge, and for two terrible hours, 
the contending hosts fought with unexampled desperation for the 
coveted position. At last, the left wing of the First Massachusetts, 
on the advanced line, gave way. Soon after, the enemy was 
discovered on the flank of the Eleventh, which wheeled into line 
for a charge. Subsequently, however, an assault caused its right 
wing to fall back, but the men were rallied, and the regiment 
stoutly held its position, forming a connecting link between the 
third line and the battery on the road, as well as with Mott's 
Brigade. Up to this time, therefore, the progress of the rebels 

A 'he regiment was now on the second line of battle. 

36 



282 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



had been checked, being repulsed in every charge. But, vastly 
outnumbered and surrounded on three sides by the enemy, our 
right gave way, and the position of the Eleventh became one of 
imminent danger. The line in its rear had retired, the horses in 
the protecting battery had been shot down, compelling the can- 
noneers to haul off their pieces by hand ; the Second New Jersey 
Brigade was falling back, General Berry and other brave and 
valuable officers had been killed, and there was no alternative but 
to retire. But even then the men were reluctant to go. Ketir- 
ing slowly across the road, delivering a steady fire as they went, 
they presently united with other Jersey troops, and then, in a grand 
burst of enthusiasm, charged upon the pursuing rebels, driving 
them from the cannon-pits just wrested from us. These, however, 
could not be held, and the regiment slowly retired to another line 
of defense near the Headquarter's House, where it acted, for a time, 
as a support to the artillery. At this point, three men in one 
company were killed by a shot from the enemy. General 
Sickles here, as during the previous night, was at all times in the 
thickest of the fight. Colonel McAllister, upon reaching head- 
quarters, said to him: "Here I am with the remainder of my 
regiment; where my brigade is, I cannot tell." The General 
replied: "Fall into this line without reference to organizations — 
you are all my men ; we must hold this line if every man of us 
should fall." During all this time the battle raged without inter- 
mission. Many of our troops, exhausted by hours of fighting, fell 
prostrate to the ground ; others, weary and faint, moved here and 
there along the line, encouraging as best they could the dispirited 
men, while others still less courageous, huddled in convenient 
nooks, or crept from the field, in search of some place of safety. 5 

5 A letter of an officer referring to this part of the engagement, says : 
"About this time an officer rode up to the Colonel and said : "Detail ten men, and 
send them to me to carry ammunition." The Colonel was making the detail, when the 
officer returned and said : "Don't take your men, they are inline and doing their duty ; 
take those men who are doing nothing," pointing to a number of men at the end of an 
old outbuilding close by. The Colonel walked up to them and gave them the order to 
go for ammunition. Three of them obeyed ; the others hesitated. The Colonel said, 
"You must obey the order." They still held back. At that moment, a ball passed 
clear through the building, right into the squad, killing several, and wounding others. 
Those who escaped did not need to be told another time." 



THE ELEVENTH REGIMENT. 



283 



It soon became apparent that the line could not be held, but 
fresh froops coming up and forming in the rear, the progress of the 
enemy was stayed for a time. The Eleventh reaching its brigade, 
took position behind a fortified line, where it remained, having 
several lines in its front, until the following clay, the enemy having 
abandoned his attempt in that part of the field, or rather failed 
to pursue. The Eleventh had lost heavily — twenty killed and one 
hundred and thirteen wounded — but its heroic deeds had made it 
a name which would 'be imperishable, and that thought lent a 
halo even to the hour of disaster. The corps had sustained the 
whole weight of Stonewall Jackson's force, had repelled five fierce 
charges, mainly with the bayonet, had captured eight flags, (all 
taken by the New Jersey troops,) had taken many prisoners without 
losing any ; and it was not without reason that the officers and men 
of the Eleventh, having shared in these achievements, felt that to 
them, in fact, belonged the honor of having saved the army in one 
of the most desperate and terrible battles of the war. 6 

The gallant deeds of that day — the acts of heroism performed 
by officers and privates alike — will never be fully told, but they 
were such as to illuminate for all time the story of Chancellorsville 
and its loss. There, as elsewhere, the loyal old Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts had sons worthy of their lineage. Captain Gammon, 
of the Eleventh Eegiment of that State, after his regiment had 
been broken to pieces by the heavy assaults of the enemy, went 
to Colonel McAllister and said: "I am here with eight men and 
would like to fight with you." Their services were accepted, and 
taking position in the ranks of the Eleventh, these nine men fought 
like lions to the close of the combat, winning the heartiest applause 
of 'all their heroic comrades. 

6 Colonel McAllister, Adjutant Schoonover and Lieutenant Colonel Moore were 
among the last to leave the field, and at one time, fighting alone, were almost surrounded 
by the enemy. As to the general hearing and audacity of the regiment, in the very 
face of disaster, a letter written at the time says: "When the regiments of our bri- 
gade were forming, away back in the rear, some officer asked for the Eleventh New 
Jersey; another officer replied, "Oh, they are fighting on their own hook, and still 
hard at it with the rebels." The same letter refers to the fact that by holding its posi- 
tion, and fighting desperately against odds, the Eleventh saved the Second New Jersey 
Brigade from being flanked, and enabled the Fifth Regiment of that Brigade to take the 
colors, whose capture gave them so much distinction. 



284 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



The enemy being now repulsed, our troops commenced the erec- 
tion of breastworks, but they were not destined to be of much ser- 
vice. General Sedgwick, who, with the Sixth Corps, had been 
expected to cross at Fredericksburg and advance against Lee's rear 
at Chancellorsville, had, indeed, crossed and advanced some miles 
on his way, but his progress was then suddenly arrested by an 
overwhelming force of the enemy, and he was pushed over the 
river with heavy loss, thus again leaving the main army, exposed 
to the enemy's assaults. But Lee, by this time, was in no condition 
to fight another battle. He had sustained a loss of fifteen thousand 
men, had lost heavily in material, and his troops were even more 
exhausted, owing to their heavy marches, than our own. Beyond, 
therefore, spurts of picket-firing, there was no further fighting 
between the hostile armies. Hooker, unaccountably as it appeared 
to many, determined to withdraw and re-cross the Rappahannock, 
and this was done on the night of the 5th. During Monday, the 
Eleventh, while on picket-duty, had twenty-three men wounded, 
having been exposed to a heavy fire of grape and canister from a 
battery of the enemy. Subsequently, late at night, an attack was 
made on their picket-line, but was easily repulsed. On Tuesday 
night, the retrograde movement having commenced, the regiment 
was withdrawn from its position, and inarching to the river, crossed 
and proceeded directly to its old camp, where it found rest from 
the labors of the fruitless campaign. 7 

7 The following is Colonel McAllister's report of this battle, as rendered to the Adju- 
tant-General of the State : 

"I have the honor to report to you the movements of my command, as connected 
with the First Brigade, Second Division, Third Corps, during the recent battle of Chan- 
cellorsville, Virginia. The regiment numbering five hundred men, left camp with the 
corps, on the afternoon of April 28th, and marched towards the river, at a point two 
miles south of Fredericksburg, and halted within a mile of the place where General 
Burnside crossed the left wing of his command. At ten o'clock, p. m., April 30th, he 
moved by a circuitous route up the river, and bivouacked at eleven p. m., within four 
miles of United States Ford, where we crossed the river at noon the next day ; marched 
two miles, and halted until late in the afternoon, when we moved to a point near Gen- 
eral Hooker's Headquarters at the junction of the river and plank roads, where we 
bivouacked for the night. During the forenoon of Saturday May 2d, the enemy shelled 
the woods in which we were stationed. Our loss was one man badly wounded. In the 
afternoon heavy firing was heard on our right, which gradually drew nearer, when our 
corps was ordered up the road double-quick to check the advance of the enemy, who 
was then driving General Howard's Corps before him. We soon met our troops, who 



THE ELEVENTH REGIMENT. 



285 



The Eleventh, remained at Fitzhugh Farm until the 11th of June, 
when orders were received by the entire army to prepare for an 

were falling back in great confusion. After passing about a quarter of a mile beyond 
General Hooker's Headquarters, our brigade filed into the woods on the right and 
formed line of battle. The enemy made two attacks during the night, but did not force 
our lines. With some changes at dawn of day, we awaited the attack of the enemy as 
follows : On the right of the road, Eighteenth Massachusetts of our brigade, and the 
Excelsior brigade of the division composed the first line, with my regiment on the 
left with its left resting on the road. In our rear General Hays' Brigade of Couch's 
Corps, formed a line in which was the Twelfth New Jersey. On the left of the road, the 
Second New Jersey Brigade composed a line of battle in our advance. General Birney's 
Division was posted in rear, and also on left of this line. The attack was made at half 
past four, a. m., and increased in severity until eight and a half, a. m., when the line in 
our front gave way ; also, the regiments of our brigade on my right. I then changed 
the front of the regiment slightly, and returned the fire of the enemy briskly. The 
battle was now raging with great fierceness ; many of the officers were wounded ; two 
had been killed ; large numbers of our wounded men had gone to the rear, and both 
flag-staffs had been completely severed by the bullets of the enemy. The enemy now 
pressed my right so heavily, that I was compelled to change front, and form aline with 
the Second New Jersey Brigade on my left, and General Hays' Brigade on my right. 
We sustained this position for some time, losing heavily, when the line on our left gave 
way, and we fell slowly back, under a withering fire of grape and canister. I formed 
the regiment on the hill in rear of the battalions, and soon afterwards, with the corps 
in that vicinity, charged across the fields towards our earthworks which the enemy had 
just entered. They were driven out, and a large number of prisoners taken, mostly of 
the Second New Jersey Brigade ; our forces could hold it but a short time, when we fell 
back with the remainder of the troops, and joined our brigade which had fallen back 
some time before. With the brigade we came within the entrenchments. Our loss in 
the engagement was twenty killed, one hundred and fifteen wounded and eleven mis- 
sing. Two officers, Lieutenants Bloomfield and Kelly, Company B, were killed, and 
ten wounded. Both men and officers of my Regiment acted nobly, stood well, and 
fought well ; to praise some, might do injustice to others ; but I cannot pass without 
personally mentioning Lieutenant-Colonel Moore, who was of great assistance, and ac- 
quitted himself with honor; also, the heroic conduct of Captain Kearney and Adjutant 
Schoonover, who were of incalculable advantage in leading and bringing the men for- 
ward. The color-bearer, Sergeant Albert DuPuget, displayed unusual coolness and 
bravery. They all deserve promotion for meritorious conduct. 

" On Monday afternoon, my regiment was placed in an exposed position, as a support 
to Berdan's Sharpshooters, where the enemy opened upon us with grape and canister 
wounding twenty men, many of them severely. We were under a continued fire from 
the enemy's sharpshooters, wounding three of our men Tuesday afternoon, making our 
total loss twenty killed, one hundred and forty-eight wounded and eleven missing. Tues- 
day night, at two o'clock, we took up a line of march for the river, which we crossed 
early in the morning. We did not reach our "old quarters" until six o'clock, p. m., 
the roads being very muddy, and marching hard. Our colors were unfit for service ; 
both staffs are completely severed, and badly shattered." 

Lieutenant Lott Bloomfield, a young officer of great promise, was killed in the 
early part of this battle, while nobly performing his duty in encouraging his men to 
stand firm ; and again urging them forward amidst the storm of battle, rendering valu- 
able assistance in the great struggle of that day. 

Lieuteuant-Colonel Schoonover, in a letter, dated at Buttahatchie, Lowndes County, 
Mississippi, October 17, 1866, in reply to a note of inquiry, says : "I think the regiment 
made one of its best fights at Chancellorsville, taking into consideration the mass of 



286 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



immediate movement. General Lee, impelled by considerations 
which he could not well resist, had determined upon a bold and 
vigorous offensive policy, and had already commenced to mass his 
forces on our right in the vicinity of Culpepper Court House. 
Detachments of our troops, for purposes of observation, had 
been promptly dispatched by Hooker, and on the 9th, a severe 
cavalry engagement had taken place at Beverly Ford, on the 
Eappahannock, resulting in the enemy being pushed back to 
Brandy Station. 8 Our troops, however, not being properly sup- 
ported, were obliged to re -cross, but it was now clear that the 
entire rebel army was in that vicinity, and that it was tend- 
ing westward towards the Shenandoah Valley. Such a move- 
ment could have but one meaning, and in the conviction that a 
blow was meditated on the line of the Potomac, Hooker ordered 
his troops, as we have seen, to prepare for action. Breaking camp 
on the 11th, the Eleventh (with the Third Corps,) marched by way 
of Bealton and Warrenton Junction to Manassas Junction, reaching 
that point at midnight on the 15th. Thence, it moved to Centre- 
ville, whence — the enemy having, meanwhile, invaded Maryland 
and Pennsylvania in force, and their cavalry advanced as far as 

fugitives it met from the Eleventh Corps while going into position ; its coolness de- 
serves special mention." 

"While all the officers of the Regiment behaved with the utmost gallantry, Captains 
P. J. Kearney and William Lloyd are especially named for cool and uniform bravery, by 
all who participated in the battle. 

General Hooker, while visiting the hospital of the Eleventh, some days after the 
battle, said to Doctor Welling, the Surgeon: "This is a gallant regiment; it fought 
splendidly ; officers and men alike deserve credit." General Carr, who temporarily 
succeeded to the command of the division, upon the death of General Berry, in a letter 
to Adjutant-General of the State, under date of May 15, 1863, said : "* * The regi- 
ment greatly distinguished itself at the battle of Chancellorsville, and is one of which 
the State of New Jersey has reason to feel proud, without a single exception, the 
officers and men of this regiment acted in the most gallant and heroic manner, losing 
one hundred and fifty-seven in killed and wounded. 

A letter written by General Carr, on the 18th of May, to Adjutant-General Stockton, 
has the following : 

* * * "By giving this matter your earliest attention, you will confer a great 
favor upon Colonel McAllister and his command, a regiment which greatly distin- 
guished itself at the battle of Chancellorsville, and of which the State of New Jersey 
has reason to feel proud. Without a single exception the officers and men of this 
regiment acted in the most gallant and heroic manner." 

s A detailed account of this magnificent cavalry fight is given in the narrative of the 
services of the first New Jersey Cavalry. 



THE ELEVENTH REGIMENT. 



287 



Chambersburg — it marched (early on the 25th,) to Edward's Ferry, 
crossed the Potomac, and advanced to the Monocacy, where a part 
of the regiment arrived shortly after midnight. This was one of 
the most rapid and fatiguing marches ever made by the division 
to which the Eleventh was attached, and many of the men fell out 
by the way completely exhausted. Early on the 26th, however, 
the laggards came up, and the column advanced to Point of Rocks, 
whence, after some delays, it hurried on to Taney town, Maryland, 
arriving there on the 29tb. The march through Maryland had 
been marked by the most cordial demonstrations of good will from 
the inhabitants, and the men, thus stimulated and encouraged, 
moved forward with renewed vigor and elasticity of mind. 9 
Resuming its march, on the morning of July 1st the regiment 
halted within about two miles of Gettysburg, where fighting had 
already commenced, Lee having concentrated his forces and 
deliberately prepared to deliver battle at that point. General 
Hooker, meanwhile, had been relieved, and General Meade placed 

9 A letter written at the time by one who participated in this march, says : " There 
can he no doubt of the loyalty of the inhabitants of this part of Maryland. They receive 
us with waving flags, and make every possible demonstration of joy at our approach, — 
collecting at the forks of the roads, along the roadsides and in the villages, to cheer us 
on our way. We seem to breathe a new atmosphere, and the men are full of hope and 
courage." 

While in bivouac on the road leading from Taneytown to Gettysburg, an order was 
received from General Meade, who had just assumed command of the army, which was 
read to each regiment separately. A letter written by an officer a few hours after the 
receipt of this order, says : 

" The order says that the enemy are on the soil of Pennsylvania ; a great battle must 
be fought ; if we are true to ourselves and our country it may be the turning point of 
the war, and all may yet be well.'' Each regimental commander must address his men 
after the reading of the order — urging them to stand firm, &c. The order was read to 
Colonel Bodine's Eegiment, which was beside us — the Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Vol- 
unteers — after which he appealed to his men to make a good fight, not only for our 
country, but their own homes and firesides, for the soil of Pennsylvania was invaded, — 
at the close of which three hearty cheers were given for Pennsylvania. The order was 
then read to the Eleventh Eegiment, after which the Colonel said to them : ' Sons of 
New Jersey, the hour of battle is at hand; the soil of Pennsylvania is the contested 
field. We must stand shoulder to shoulder with her sons and drive the enemy from 
her borders, cost what it may. Your past bright record is a guaranty to me that you 
will not falter. In the dark days of the Revolution, when the gallant Jersey Blues 
were fighting for liberty upon their own soil, their Pennsylvania brothers rushed to 
their assistance and helped them triumph. We are now called on to do for Pennsylva- 
nia what she did for us. Now with hearts filled with a love of country and a firm reli- 
ance on God, let us go forward. Are you ready for the march and the fight?' ' Yes> 
yes,' was the answer, with three hearty cheers." 



288 



NEW JEKSEf AND THE KEBELLION. 



in command of the Army of the Potomac. Early on the morning 
of the 2d, having been without food during the previous night, the 
Third Corps was marched into position on the left of the line, 
opposite Longstreet's command, the First Brigade forming in 
column of regiments, the Eleventh in rear. At this time a heavy 
fog hung over the field, and an ominous silence prevailed, which , 
however, as the fog lifted, was broken by cannonading at different 
points along the lines. Meanwhile, Sickles, eager for a fight, 
advanced his corps 10 to the crest of the hill on which he had been 
ordered to take position — the right of the Eleventh resting on the 
edge of an apple-orchard, opposite a small farm-house and garden. 
This position of the corps was commanded by the rebel batteries 
posted on Seminary Eidge in its front, scarcely half a mile dis- 
tant, and its occupation seems to have been regarded as vital by 
General Lee, who ordered Longstreet to attack Sickles with all his 
might. Soon the cannonading became general, and under cover 
of the guns on the ridge, General Barksdale advanced in line of 
battle to the assault of the menacing Third. Gradually our pickets 
gave way, and soon came rushing in, followed by the elated rebels, 
who at once took possession of the house and garden already 
named. Up to this time, the men of the Eleventh had not fired 
a single shot, but as the enemy pressed forward upon our lines, 
Colonel McAllister gave the order, and, at the same moment, fell 
severely wounded by a Minie ball in his left leg, and a piece of 
shell in the right foot. He was carried to the rear, but the fire of 
the regiment did not slacken. Still the enemy's infantry pressed 
forward, and at length the corps was crushed back to the position 
from which it had advanced, Longstreet having Eound Top, 
apparently, within his grasp. But the struggle was not yet ended. 
As Sickles was gradually forced back, other troops were thrown in 
on the enemy's front, and they in turn, after a desperate combat, 
were repulsed with heavy loss, and our exhausted troops were left 

10 " Sickles (who was very eager to fight, and seems to have suspected that Meade 
Was not,) had thrown forward his corps from half to three-quarters of a mile ; so that, 
instead of resting his right on Hancock and his left on Eound Top, as he had been 
directed to do, his advance was in fact across the Emmettshurg road and in the woods 
beyond, in the immediate presence of half the rebel army."— Greeley's American Conflict 



The eleventh regiment. 



289 



for a time unmolested, No part of the field was more fiercely 
fought than this, and no regiment behaved with greater steadiness 
than the Eleventh. In addition to the loss of its Colonel, Captains 
Kearne} r , Martin. Logan and Ackerman were killed, and nearly all 
the remaining officers were either severely or slightly wounded, 
while the ranks had been terribly thinned by the fire of the enemy, 
its losses being, commissioned officers, three killed and ten wounded ; 
enlisted men, twenty-one killed and one hundred and twenty 
wounded, makinar a total of one hundred and fiftv-four. 11 

a ^ 

11 The report of Adjutant Schoonover, covering that part of the engagement subse- 
quent to the fall of Colonel McAllister, says : 

" Captain : In continuation ,of the enclosed report of Colonel McAllister, I have 
the honor to submit the following : A few minutes previous to the command 'fire,' 
spoken of in the accompanying report, Major Kearney, then standing near me, on the 
left of the line, was struck by a Minnie ball and mortally wounded in the knee, and 
immediately carried to the rear ; at this moment, Battery K, United States Artillery, 
then stationed a short distance to the left and front of the regiment, opened a rapid 
fire. I then passed rapidly to the right of the regiment, in order to inform the Colonel 
of the absence of the Major, and learned that he, too, had been wounded and taken to 
the rear. I immediately notified Captain Martin, the senior officer present, that he 
was in command of the regiment, and again passed to the left of the line, when an order 
was received from Brigadier-General Carr, to slightly change the front by bringing the 
left to the rear; this being executed, the entire regiment opened an effective fire upon 
the advancing line of the enemy. At this point, word was conveyed to me that both 
Captains Martin and Logan were wounded and being carried to the rear. A moment 
later, and Captain Ackerman fell dead by my side. The two former were killed before 
they reached a place of safety ; and in justice to the memory of these three officers, 
permit me to bear witness to their unexceptional good conduct. Ever to the front, 
distinguished for personal bravery, they leave behind them a spotless record. By 
this time, Captain Lloyd had also been wounded, and Captain Dunning being absent, 
assisting the Colonel to the rear, I assumed command of the regiment. The fire of the 
enemy at this time was perfectly terrific ; men were falling on every side; it seemed 
as if but a few minutes could elapse before the entire line would be shot down, yet 
the galling fire was returned with equal vigor. Slowly and stubbornly the regiment 
fell back, keeping up a continual fire upon the line of the enemy which was still 
advancing, until more than one-half its number had been either killed or wounded. 
Up to this time, both officers and men nobly did their duty, but the ranks becoming 
so . decimated, and mingled with wounded men, and the line in the rear, and 
having a short time previous been struck with a piece of shell in the 
breast, I found it inrpossible, under the circumstances, to longer keep the line 
together. At this time we neared the caissons, which were in line across the 
field to the left, when I was struck a second time, with a buckshot, and being nearly 
exhausted in my efforts to rally the men, and from the wound in my breast, was com- 
pelled to go to the rear. A portion of the regiment was rallied some distance to the 
rear by Captain Lloyd — with the flag — and charged in line with the remainder of the 
brigade to a point near that occupied during the hottest of the action. Remaining 
there a short time, it marched some distance to the rear and bivouacked." 
I Major Kearney, who was mortally wounded in this battle, and afterwards died at Saint 
Luke's Hospital, New York, was a young officer of more than ordinary daring. A 
more patriotic, brave and gallant soldier never drew a sword in defence of a noble 

87 



290 



tfEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLIONS'. 



The night passed, and on the morning of the 3d, the battle was 
renewed, the righting being for a time chiefly on the right. Adju- 
tant Schoonover, though suffering from his wounds, rejoined the 
Eleventh, and by request of the senior officer present for duty, 
(Captain Sleeper,) again took command. Several officers and a 
number of men, who had been collected during the night, also 
appeared for duty. Moving a short distance to the front, the regi- 
ment halted until three o'clock, when it was ordered cn a " double- 
quick," with the remainder of the brigade, on the road towards 
Gettysburg. Proceeding nearly a mile, it was again halted and 
formed in line of battle, in rear of the batteries occupying the 
crest of the hill in front — the brigade being in column by regi- 
ments. The regiment remained in this position for nearly two 
hours under a heavy fire of shot and shell, having, however, but 
one man wounded. 12 About five o'clock, the regiment returned to 
its former position, where it remained until the morning of the 7th, 
when, the enemy having retreated, it joined in the pursuit. 1 ' 

On the 17th, the regiment re-crossed the Potomac at Harper's 
Ferry, and on the 24th, took part in the engagement at Manassas 
Gap, but suffered no casualties. Continuing the march from that 
point, it arrived at Beverly Ford, on the Eappahannock, August 
1st. On the 17th of September, it marched to Culpepper, where 
Colonel McAllister, who had recovered from his wounds, rejoined 
it, and took command of the brigade, General Carr having been 

cause. No danger was too great for him to brave, no obstacle too difficult for bim to 
overcome, if it was for the good of the cause and country. 

12 The Adjutant commanding had his horse killed under him by a spherical case-shot, 
during this engagement of the batteries. 

13 In concluding his report of the two days' engagement, Adjutant Schoonover 
thus refers to the conduct of both officers and men : 

" To mention some may seem to do gross injustice to others, but I cannot pass by 
the untiring efforts of Lieutenant Buckley to rally the men. Captain Lloyd and 
Lieutenant Corey also deserve special mention for their coolness and bravery. As an 
individual act of bravery I desire to mention Corporal Thomas Johnson, of Company 
I, who, when two color-bearers had been shot down, I ordered to take the colors 
and advance twenty yards to the front, as the regiment was then wavering. He did so, 
and did not leave his position until ordered to the rear. The services of Lieutenant 
Joseph C. Baldwin, on the 3d, as Acting- Adjutant were invaluable. In the action of 
the 2d, the regiment sustained a very heavy loss. Out of the two hundred and seventy- 
five officers and men taken into the fight, eighteen were killed, one hundred and thirty 
wounded, and six missing, making a total of one hundred and fifty-four. " ' 



THE ELEVENTH REGIMENT. 



291 



assigned to the Third Division of the corps. At that time, the 
brigade was composed of five regiments, two of Pennsylvania and 
two of Massachusetts troops, in addition to the Eleventh — number- 
ing in all some two thousand men. From this time forward until 
the beginning of November, the regiment was engaged in the 
marching and countermarching incident to the movement of the 
two armies — denominated by the rebels, "The Paces ;" camping in 
various places bat participating in no important fight. On the 
8th of November, the corps crossed the river at Kelly's Ford, and 
engaged the enemy, who had there taken possession, taking a con- 
siderable number of prisoners. In this engagement, McAllister's 
Brigade lost twelve men, and took three hundred prisoners. Ad- 
vancing to Brandy Station, where Colonel McAllister relinquished 
the command of the brigade, preparations were made for the Papi- 
dan campaign, and on the 26th, the Eleventh moved with the 
division to the river, which was crossed at Jacob's Ford, twenty- 
five men of this regiment being the first to reach the opposite 
shore, under a feeble fire from a few rebel cavalrymen. The next 
day. the corps advanced towards Robertson's Tavern, on the Orange 
Turnpike, encountering on the way a force of the enemy, who 
offered battle. The Eleventh was advanced to the front in face of 
a rapid fire, and bravely held its position until the supports on 
both the right and left gave way. Even then, the men stood firmly, 
holding the enemy in check until they had occupied the ground on 
both flanks in force, when the order to retire was reluctantly 
given. 14 The loss of the regiment in this engagement, (known as 
Locust Grrove,) was six killed, twenty wounded, two missing and 
two taken prisoners. Lieutenant-Colonel Schoonover, Major Halsey 
and Adjutant Beach were especially mentioned for their gallant 
behavior during the light, and the entire regiment carried itself 
with great steadiness. 15 On the 28th, the regiment remained inac- 

M Li falling back, Johnson, the color-hearer, who distinguished himself at Gettys- 
burg, on reaching an open space at a cross-roads, stopped, unfurled the flag, and waved 
it for some time, defiantly, in the face of the enemy. 

15 In a letter dated December 14, 1863, Colonel McAllister thus refers to some of the 
incidents of this engagement: "The dying message of Corporal Joseph H. Frazer, 
of Newark, to his mother, was, 'I die for my country.' He was a noble and bravo 



292 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



tive, merely advancing its position beyond Kobertson's Tavern. 
Here it was found that the enemy had taken position along the 
west bank of Mine Eun, facing eastward, and late in the evening 
our forces were brought into line confronting him. The two follow- 
ing days were spent in reconnoissances and preparing for an assault, 
when, it being concluded that the enemy's defences were too for- 
midable to justify a general demonstration against them, a retreat 
was ordered, and on the morning of the 2d of December, the 
regiment moved with its division to Culpepper Ford, crossed on 
pontoons, and on the 3d, went into camp near Brandy Station, 
where it remained until May following. 

During the winter, a deep religious feeling was awakened in the 
regiment ; prayer-meetings were held nightly, and as a result of the 
interest, a little church was erected, in which to worship relieved 
from the annoyances sometimes experienced in camp life. A tem- 
perance society was also formed ; and there were many cases of con- 
version. This was at the time when a revival spirit seemed to per- 
vade the army, and when even the most reckless and abandoned, 
strongly moved by the silent influence of Gospel truth, found peace 
and refuge in the consolations of that faith which strengthens the 
stoutest arm, and makes even the weak invincible. The Chaplain of 
the Eleventh, Eev. E. Clarke Cline, was peculiarly fitted for the du- 
ties of his position, and, as was not unfortunately always the case, 
was cordially seconded by the regimental commander in all his efforts 
for the improvement of the moral life of the command; from which 
it followed that no regiment was, perhaps, more thoroughly perme- 
ated by religious feeling than this. Its religion, too, had a patriotic 
element ; one or more of the prayer-meetings, every week, being set 
apart for special prayer for the country, and for the triumph of the 
cause in the coming campaign. Nor were the families of the fallen 
forgotten by those brave men at the front. The Corps established 
a " Union," for the benevolent purpose of aiding the widows of those 



man. Sergeant Smith, of Newark, who died on the field, shot through the head, was 
no less hrave, and was, moreover, a true Christian. Sergeant Smith's bosom com- 
pauion, Corporal Blackwell, one cf our praying members, was only saved by a Testa- 
ment in his pocket, which arrested and held the ball." 



THE ELEVENTH REGIMENT. 



293 



who perished in the country's service, and hundreds of dollars were 
raised and appropriated for the benefit of needy families which had 
thus lost their natural protectors. 

During the winter, the Third Corps was broken up, and the 
Eleventh became identified with the First Brigade, Fourth Division, 
Second Corps ; the brigade consisting of the First and Sixteenth 
Massachusetts and the Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania Eegiment, with 
the Second New Jersey Brigade and the Eleventh Eegiment 
General Mott was placed in charge of the division late in April, and 
Colonel McAllister assumed command of the brigade, which he re- 
tained, with the exception of a brief period, until the close of the 
war. 

From this time forward, the history of the Eleventh is the history 
of the Second New Jersey Brigade. It shared in all the engage- 
ments in which that brigade participated, fully maintaining the high 
reputation it had already achieved. In the terrible battle of Spottsyl- 
vania, and in the operations before Petersburg, it was ever conspic- 
uous for bravery and all eminent soldierly qualities, never turning 
its back from the foe, eager always to vindicate the* honor of the 
flag under which it fought. Upon the termination of hostilities, it 
marched to Washington, and on the loth of June, 1865, reached 
Trenton, and there, as an organization, ceased to exist. Its ranks 
on that fair summer day, as it marched down the beautiful streets 
of the Capital, were thinned and lean, indeed, and many eyes looked 
in vain for faces that once shone along its line ; but the missing 
ones had died for liberty and law, and the nation will keep their 
memories green, since by the heroic deeds of these, and all the tawny 
home-coming host, the flag that on that day fluttered welcomes, is 
still the symbol of a nationality unimpaired. 

The following official report exhibits the part taken by the 
Eleventh Eegiment in the campaign from the Eapidan to Peters- 
burg : 

"FIRST EPOCH. 
" The Crossing of the Bapidan and the Battles of the Wilderness. 
"At one o'clock, a. m., May 4th, the regiment left its winter-quarters near Brandy 
Station, Virginia, and with the remainder of the brigade, made a rapid march to Ely's 
Ford, on the Rapidan, which was crossed at eleven o'clock the same forenoon. 
"At this point the regiment was detailed to guard the ammunition train, and con- 



294 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



tinued in this duty until it reached the Chancellors ville battle-ground, where it joined 
the brigade at a quarter-past three o'clock, p. m. 

" Continued the march on the morning of May 5th, at five o'clock, a, m. ; reached the 
Brock road early in the afternoon, and at once threw up a temporary breastwork. At 
four o'clock, p. m., the command was passed along the line, 'By the right of companies 
to the front,' which was repeated, and the regiment moved forward as directed. After 
proceeding a very short distance through the dense underbrush, I was directed by the 
Brigade Commander to form in line of battle, which I did, so far as circumstances 
would permit. With the regiments on the right and left crowding, and in the midst 
of an almost impassable underbrush, it was found impossible to form a line of battle, 
in the space I occupied on the road. There was much confusion in the ranks till the 
regiment reached the crest of the hill, when, by detailing the three left com- 
panies, I succeeded in placing the remainder of the regiment in proper line. As yet, 
we had received no fire from the enemy, except an occasional shot from the skirmish 
line, which was returned. We had been in this position but a short time, when a few 
volleys of musketry were heard to the extreme left and rear, and immediately the line 
on the left, as far as I could see, commenced falling back in confusion. This was 
rapidly carried on to the right, and when the Sixteenth Massachusetts, which was on 
my immediate left, took up the movement, my regiment followed, and all efforts to 
rally the men were fruitless. The troops seemed panic-stricken, and for what reason 
I was never able to imagine. They acted as if their only safety was the works which 
they had so hastily erected. I desire to mention one exception. The Color Company 
and color-guard, under command of Captain Kennedy, retained its position for some 
time after the troops on my right and left had disappeared, and until he received a 
direct order from me to fall back. The officers up 3n this occasion, so far as I could 
see, made every effort to keep their men in line. The regiment was re-formed on the 
road, and the report showed a list of twelve wounded. 

"At half-past four o'clock, on the morning on the 6th, we again advanced in line of 
battle through the woods. We continued to advance slowly until seven o'clock, a. m. , 
when a heavy fire was opened by the regiments on my right and left, which was taken 
up for a short time by my regiment. I soon, however, succeeded in stopping it, as I 
considered it perfectly useless, as we were at that time receiving no fire from the 
enemy— neither was he in sight. The regiment continued to advance, with frequent 
halts, until about nine o'clock, a. m., when we received a heavy volley from the 
enemy. Advancing some distance further, the line was halted, a skirmish line thrown 
out, and the regiment remained in this position until shots were received from our 
left and rear, when a change of front was ordered by Colonel Sewell, then in command 
of the Fifth, Sixth and Eleventh Regiments. This change of front took place about 
half-past ten o'clock, a. m. At eleven, the enemy was heard advancing in our front, 
with heavy firing and cheering; soon after, the troops composing the frontline passed 
over us in much confusion. I then passed along the whole length of my regiment, 
and directed them to reserve their fire until they received orders. At this time there 
were but few of the enemy's shots passing over us. 

The approaching yell and loud firing gave us sufficient warning of the advance and 
position of the enemy. In a few minutes, I directed the regiment to commence firing. 
The regiment, with scarcely an exception, acted with perfect coolness. Not a man 
flinched. There seemed to be a determination to retrieve what they had lost the day 
previous. This fire was continued for some time, when the regiment on my immediate 
left fell back. The one on my right followed. I turned to ask Colonel Sewell for 
instructions, and I was told by one of my officers that he had gone to the rear with 
the remainder of the line. At this time, an officer from the left of the regiment came 
to me and said that Colonel Sewell had left orders for me to fall back. As no troops 
were to be seen on either my right or left, I deemed it proper to do so. The regiment 
retired to the Brock road, where it took position in rear of the second line of works 
on the left of the Sixteenth Massachusetts. It remained in this position during the 
afternoon, assisting in the repulse of the enemy at four o'clock, and also took part in 



THE ELEVENTH KEGIMENT. 



295 



the charge upon the first line of works which had been captured by the enemy, and from 
which they were driven. At half-past four o'clock, p. m., May 7th, the regiment, 
after moving to the right of the plank road, with the brigade, was detailed for picket, 
where it remained until ten o'clock, a. m., the next day." 

" SECOND EPOCH. 
" The March to tipottsylvania Coiirt House, and the Operations in Front of that Place. 
On Monday, May 8th, at ten o'clock, a. m., the regiment was drawn in from the 
picket-line, and composed a portion of the rear-guard from the Wilderness to a point 
near Todd's Tavern, where it joined the brigade early in the afternoon, and at once 
commenced putting up breastworks. This work was continued until the afternoon of 
the 9th, when we moved a short distance, and the regiment went into position near 
Todd's Tavern. 

"Moved forward the next morning at daylight, and about eight o'clock, a. m., 
reached a point near the Brown House, where we remained until live o'clock, p. m., 
when the regiment took position on the extreme left of the division, preparatory to an 
advance. At half-past five o'clock, the regiment moved forward and was repulsed 
when it reached the crest, commanded by the enemy's canister. I rallied a portion of 
the regiment and with men from different regiments established a picket line. On the 
afternoon of the 11th, an attempt was made to take a house occupied by the enemy's 
pickets, but failed, as it was under the direct fire of the enemy's batteries. The regi- 
ment was relieved about six o'clock p. m., and joined the brigade about a mile to the 
right. At nine and a half o'clock the same night moved back to a point near the 
Brown House and went into position. 

"May 12th. In line at daylight. Soon after, the regiment having position on the 
extreme right, advanced with the brigade to the front. At the moment of entering the 
woods, Lieutenant Egan was killed by an unexploded shell. 

" The regiment advanced steadily, crossed the first line of the enemy's works, and 
reached our front line, then engaged with the enemy who occupied his second line. 
The fire at this point was maintained but a short time, our whole line falling back to 
the enemy's first line of works. The fire from these works was kept up for an hour or 
more, when all that portion of the line on the right of the crest, where the heavy fire 
continued during the day, fell back, and the enemy took possession of the works. A 
portion of my regiment was carried back with this line. I remained with what men 
I could collect, on the left of the line, which had been formed at right angles to the 
breastworks. 1 continued in this position all day and part of the night, when I moved 
a short distance to the rear with a few men and remained until the following morning, 
when the regiment moved a short distance to the right and received ammunition. 
Colonel McAllister assumed command to-day. During the forenoon moved up with 
the brigade to the breastwork, and took position near the fighting point of the day 
previous, where we remained during the night. 

" May 15th. Moved off at daylight, and massed in the woods a mile to the left. At 
ten o'clock a. m., the regiment moved up and took position in the breastworks, under 
a severe fire from the enemy's sharpshooters. The same forenoon, between the hours 
of eleven and twelve o'clock, the enemy completely enfiladed our line with one of his 
batteries, killing Lieutenant Baldwin, who was struck on the head with an unexploded 
shell. 

" The regiment remained in this position until five o'clock, a. m., on the mornin«- of 
the 17th, when it moved half a mile to the rear and massed in the woods. At nine 
o'clock, p. m., the same day, moved half a mile to the right and bivouacked. 

" May 18th. Moved to the front at daylight this morning, and again entered the 
works under a heavy shell fire. Nine o'clock p. m., moved to the left and took posi- 
tion in the works near the place occupied on the 15th. 

" May 19th. Marched off hurriedly at two and a half o'clock, p ; m., and reached the 
Anderson House early in the morning, where we remained until nearly dark when we 
marched rapidly to the right about two miles, and went into line of battle. 



296 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



" May 20th. Four o'clock, a. in. Moved a short distance to the right and advanced 
through the woods in line of battle, and at seven o'clock, a. m., reached our camp on the 
Anderson Farm." 

"THIRD EPOCH. 
" The march to the North Anna, and the Operations on that River. 

"May 21st. Resumed the march at twelve o'clock, midnight, moved rapidly and 
crossed the Mattapony at four and a half o'clock, p. m., and bivouacked. 

"May 22d. Moved a mile to the front at half past seven o'clock, a. m., and was 
engaged the remaining portion of the day in putting up a secure breastwork. 

" May 23d. Moved off at six o'clock, and reached Chesterfield Ford at four p. m., 
where, in accordance with orders from General Mott, I established a strong picket-line 
covering this point. The regiment, with the remainder of the brigade picket was 
relieved at dark, joined the brigade soon after, and marched to the left, reaching a 
point above the railroad bridge at nine o'clock, p. m., where works were thrown up 
during the night. 

" May 24th. The regiment was employed this morning in strengthening the works, 
and at half past eight o'clock, a. m., accompanied the brigade in a charge over the 
North Anna, under a fearful fire from the enemy's batteries. The regiment went into 
position on the crest of the hill beyond, and at once strengthened the works evacuated 
by the enemy. New works were thrown up during the day and the following night, a 
short distance further to the front. In the afternoon, moved forward to the front 
works, where we remained until the night of the 26th, when we re-crossed the river at 
half past twelve o'clock, a. m. Halted on the right of the railroad at half past one 
o'clock, a. m., and bivouacked. 

"FOURTH EPOCH. 

" The March Across the Pamunkey, Including the Operations on the Tolopatomy and at 

Coal Harbor. 

" Friday, 27th. The regiment left its bivouac, near the railroad, early in the afternoon, 
and marched rapidly until nine o'clock, when a halt was made until eleven o'clock, 
when we again moved forward and bivoiiacked at one o'clock for the night. 

"Saturday, 28th. Moved off early this morning, marched rapidly, and crossed the 
Pamunkey, near Hanover town at five o'clock, p. m. Continued the march a mile 
beyond, went into position, and threw up a secure line of work before ten o'clock at 
night. 

"Sunday, 29th. Resumed the march at five o'clock, a, m., reached the Tinsel House 
at dark, threw up a rifle pit and bivouacked. 

"Monday, 30th. The regiment formed part of a reconnoitering force sent out to 
develop the enemy's lines, and went into position on an eminence near a branch of the 
Tolopatomy. 

Tuesday, 31st. The regiment, with a portion of the brigade, moved to the front in 
the forenoon, crossed the valley and took position on the opposite height, and during 
the day threw up three lines of works. 

" June 1st. Re-crossed the valley at three o'clock, a, m., and went into position in 
the works near the Overton House. The regiment was soon thereafter sent by General 
Mott to picket the roads to the front and right. Continued in this position until half- 
past nine o'clock, p. m., when the picket was assembled and the regiment joined the 
brigade. 

" June 2d. Marched shortly after daylight, and reached Coal Harbor at half-past 
nine o'clock, a. m. In the afternoon moved three-quarters of a mile to the left and 
massed. 

" June 3d. In motion at half-past four o'clock, a. m. • at five o'clock moved forward 
on double-quick, and passed off by the right flank, having three men wounded by the 
enemy's shell. In a few moments moved to the rear and massed. At this point the 
regiment remained for a short time, when it moved with the brigade to the right, 



THE ELEVENTH REGIMENT. 



297 



taking position on the left of General Crawford's Division, of the Ninth Corps, where 
a heavy line of breastworks was thrown up during the day. 

"June 4th. Moved back to the left in the afternoon, and massed in the woods, 
where we remained until four o'clock, p. m., on the 5th, when the regiment accom- 
panied the brigade to the left. Halted near our first line of works, where the regi- 
ment lay under a severe shell fire for half an hour or more. Resumed the march 
through the woods at midnight, and went into position at two o'clock, a, m., at 
Barker's Mills, and put up breastworks as usual. The regiment remained in this 
position until the night of June 12th, nothing unusual occurring." 

« FIFTH EPOCH. 

" The March across the Chickahominy and the James, and the Operations in front of Peters- 
burg up to the Assazdt on the Enemy's Position, July 30,- 1864. 

" Sunday, June 12th. The regiment left its position at Barker's Mills at ten o'clock, 
p. m., and marching a short distance, halted for an hour or more, after which the 
march was continued, the Chickahominy crossed at eleven o'clock, and a point near 
Charles City Court House reached just before sunset. 

"June 14th. Moved to the James River in the morning and crossed early in the 
afternoon and bivouacked. 

" June 15th. Moved off at eleven o'clock, a, m. The heat was extreme, and the men 
suffered very much. A rapid march brought us to the outer defences of Petersburg 
after midnight. 

"June 16th. The regiment was engaged in throwing up a line of breastworks until 
five o'clock, p. m., when it took its position on the extreme left of the second line, pre- 
paratory to an advance upon the enemy's works. Moved forward at half-past five o'clock. 
Before the regiment got near the enemy's works, the first line disappeared and the 
advance was continued until the enemy's line was in plain view and a heavy fire received. 
The regiment at once commenced a rapid fire, which was kept up, with intervals, until 
midnight. This I considered necessary, as the moment the fire ceased the enemy 
would pour in a heavy volley and attempt an advance. The ammunition became 
exhausted a number of times, many of the men firing over a hundred rounds. Our 
wants were promptly supplied by the First Maine Heavy Artillery, which was in line a 
short distance in our rear. 

"I never saw men act with more steadiness and coolness, than did the regiment on 
this occasion. Its loss was heavy, being nearly one-third of the number engaged. 

"The regiment was relieved at daylight, and went back to the second line. 

" The regiment remained in the works until the 21st, when it moved to the left, across 
the Suffolk road. Halted at two o'clock, p. in., took the regiment on the skirmish line 
and during the night established a picket line on the left of the Second Brigade where 
it remained until the afternoon of the next day, when it was compelled to retire to the 
breastworks, being completely turned by the enemy's advance. Remained in camp in 
rear of the works until July 12th, when, in accordance with orders from Brigade Head- 
quarters, the works were destroyed and the regiment moved a mile to the rear and 
halted near the Jerusalem plank road, where it remained until the forenoon of the 
13th, (except a portion of the time which was consumed in leveling works,) when it 
marched to its present camp. Remained in camp until the evening of July 28th, when 
the regiment accompanied the brigade in a march across the Appomattox and James 
to Deep Bottom. Halted shortly after daylight and went into position. Moved during 
the day a short distance to the left, where we remained until the night of July 27th, 
when we returned, halting in rear of the Eighteenth Corps, a little before daylight." 

[So much of the above report as covers the operations from May 12th to June 17th, 
is General McAllister's, who commanded the regiment during that time. The remainder 
of the report is Lieutenant-Colonel Schoonover's.] 

Lieutenant-Colonel Schoonover, in closing his notes of the regimental experience, 
as supplied to the writer, says : 

"Among individual acts of bravery, I desire to mention that of Captain Kearney at 

38 



298 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Chanceliorsville, who kept up the fight with a few men until nearly surrounded by the 
enemy. 

"On the night of the 5th of November, 1864, when the picket line in front of Peters- 
burg had been driven in by the enemy, Captain Gage made a personal reconnoissance 
previous to re-capturing the line, and actually went up to the same pit occupied by 
the enemy, and barely made his escape amidst a shower of bullets. 

"Sergeant Lauterman, of Company H, I considered one of the bravest men in the 
regiment. At Chanceliorsville, after the two lines had been hotly engaged for some 
time, he went directly to the front and ascertained the enemy's position. His bravery 
was the coolest I ever witnessed. He was killed at Spottsylvania, May 12th. 

"At Gettysburg, Sergeant Johnson, color-bearer, when the line was falling back 
in the midst of a galling fire, was ordered to advance twenty yards to the front with 
his colors and remain there until ordered to the rear. The line continued to fall back, 
but Sergeant Johnson remained like a statue until ordered back into position. 

" While it may not be proper for me to speak of a superior officer, I, nevertheless \ 
feel it a duty to draw some attention to the services of General McAllister. No officer 
from New Jersey performed more honest and faithful duty than he. His bravery was 
always cool, and he was always found at the post of danger. He was severely 
wounded at Gettysburg, and had two horses shot under him in the battles of the' 
Wilderness. His service at the Boydton plank road, for which he was brevetted 
Brigadier-General, has become a matter of history. At this time he was under command 
of Brigadier-General Egan. One of his chief virtues as an officer was his ceaseless 
vigilance. He was never surprised. At the battle of Hatcher's Run, February 5, 1865, 
he particularly distinguished himself, repulsing with his brigade two rebel divisions. 
During the hottest of the engagement lie rode back and forth along the lines, encourag- 
ing the men.'" 

SKETCH OF COLONEL SCHOONOVER. 

John Schoonovcr joined the First New Jersey Regiment at its organization as a 
private, and served with the knapsack and musket for about a year, being subsequently 
made Commissary-Sergeant, in which position he remained until the Eleventh Regi- 
ment was raised, when he was made its Adjutant, serving with marked credit in all the 
campaigns of the regiment prior to the battle of Gettysburg. He was especially recom- 
mended by General Carr for gallant conduct in that battle, at which, Colonel McAllister 
being wounded, he assumed command of the regiment, which he retained until the 
17th of September following. He was made Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment in 
August, 1863, and served, most of the time in command, in all the subsequent cam- 
paigns of the Army of the Potomac. He was brevetted Colonel for gallantry in action 
before Petersburg, and also for meritorious conduct in the campaign ending in the 
surrender of Lee's army. He was three times wounded— at Gettysburg, Spottsylvania 
and Cold Harbor. Colonel Schoonover was, under all circumstances, a courageous and 
efficient soldier and commander, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him, not 
only for his soldierly qualities, but for his exalted character and genuine worth as a man. 

Chaplain Clinc says of Colonel Schoonover: " He ever showed himself to be a man 
of rare excellence, of great firmness and energy, of a dauntless courage which never 
calculated danger when a duty was to be performed, a high sense of right and unflinch- 
ing adherence to its obligations, with intellectual endowments of a superior order, and 
social qualities which won the affection and admiration of all his associates. Kind- 
hearted to his command, never exacting from them any unnecessary work, and 
always ready to do everything in his power for their comfort and happiness, he was 
universally beloved and honored, and there was scarcely one who would not gladly have 
given his life, if needs be, to save his. (I speak mostly of the old men of the regi- 
ment, and not the late substitutes.) But let it not be thought the Colonel had no con- 
trol of the men. Brave himself and ever in the front of the battle, he took them there ; 
and in camp, his regiment was in the highest state of discipline and order." 



CHAPTER X. 



THE TWELFTH REGIMENT. 

The Twelfth Regiment was raised under the second call of the 
President for three hundred thousand men, Robert C. Johnson, of 
Salem, formerly Major of the Fourth Regiment, (three months' 
men,) being commissioned as Colonel early in July, 1862. Wood- 
bury, in Gloucester County, was selected as the rendezvous ; and 
on the 25th of July, the first detachment of recruits was mustered 
into the State service and went into camp. By the second week in 
August, nearly all the companies were full, and on the 4th of Sep- 
tember, the regiment was formally mustered into the service of the 
United States with about nine hundred and fifty men. 1 Many of 
the officers had already seen service in other regiments, but com- 
paratively few of the men were familiar with military duties or re- 



1 The men were all recruited in the First Congressional District, except two com- 
panies from Burlington County. There were two companies from Burlington County, 
one from Gloucester, one from Cumberland, and the remainder from Camden and 
Burlington. Captain J. Howard Willetts, of Cumberland, formerly of the Seventh 
New Jersey Regiment, who had greatly distinguished himself in the Peninsular 
campaign, was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, and Thomas H. Davis, of Camden, of the 
Fourth (three months') Regiment, was appointed Major. Dr. Alvin Satterthwait, 
was made Surgeon, and the company officers were as follows : 

Company A — Captain, S. S. Chase; First Lieutenant, Josiah Franklin; Second Lieu- 
tenant, Ellis P. Phipps. Company J?— Captain, Joel W. Cliff ; First Lieutenant, B. F. 

Lee; Second Lieutenant, Wilson. Company C— Captain, W. H. Scholey; First 

Lieutenant, Newton M. Brooks; Second Lieutenant, T. F. Harris. Company D — Cap- 
tain, William Henry Moore ; First Lieutenant, J ohn W. Paris; Second Lieutenant, James 
Mclllhenny. Company E— Captain, C. K. Horsfall ; First Lieutenant, P. M. Armington ■ 
Second Lieutenant, James McCoomb. Company F— Captain, E. L. Stratton; First 
Lieutenant, J. J. Trimble; Second Lieutenant, Joseph Pierson. Company G — Captain, 
S. B. Jobes ; First Lieutenant, James T. Lowe ; Second Lieutenant, Charles E. Trout- 
man. Company H— Captain, H. A. Mattison ; First Lieutenant, Joshua Lippincott ; 
Second Lieutenant, John M. Fogg. Company J— Captain, Henry F. Chew; First 
Lieutenant, Frank M. Acton ; Second Lieutenant, Theodore F. Null. Company K— 
Captain, R. S. Thompson ; First Lieutenant, Daniel Dare ; Second Lieutenant, William 
E. Potter. 



300 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



quirements, though all entered cheerfully upon the work of pre- 
paring for the duties before them. On the 7th of September, the 
regiment left the State for Washington, but at Baltimore was di- 
verted from its course by General Wool, commanding that district, 
who ordered it to proceed to Ellicott's Mills, the county-seat of 
Howard County, Maryland, and fifteen miles from Baltimore on 
the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Eailroad. This place was 
reached on the evening of the 8th, and a camp was at once estab- 
lished on an elevation just out of town. The country at that point 
is undulating, with the Patapsco Eiver flowing on its winding way 
past the town towards the Chesapeake Bay, and the camp of the 
Twelfth was surrounded on all sides by scenery of the loveliest 
description. On the night of the 9th, one company was ordered to 
a small town, some two and a half miles from the camp, for the 
purpose of guarding a bridge at the railroad crossing, and here the 
first actual duties of the regiment were performed, the bridge in 
question being regularly guarded from that time forward. At this 
time, the second battle of Bull Run had just been fought, and the 
enemy was moving into Maryland, the Army of the Potomac 
marching in pursuit, while the reserve and newly-recruited forces 
were being sent by rail, with all possible despatch, to the scene of 
conflict, which, a few days later, proved to be at South Mountain. 
Some days after the battle at this point, a detachment of the Twelfth 
was sent to Monocacy Junction to escort the paroled Union troops, 
who had been so basely betrayed by General Miles, to Annapolis, 
Maryland, and the countiy being now infested with rebel spies and 
skulkers from our army, pickets were, at the same time, established 
on all the main roads for some miles from the camp, with a view of 
arresting all suspicious characters. During the three months that 
the regiment remained at this place, some one thousand five hun- 
dred prisoners, thus arrested by the pickets, were brought in, and, 
with the evidence justifying their detention, were sent to Baltimore 
and Fort McHenry. 

From this time — the termination of the rebel invasion — until the 
6th of December, the Twelfth remained unemployed, except in camp 
and picket duty, and the construction of winter quarters. In these 



THE TWELTFH KEGIMENT. 



301 



a comfortable sojourn was anticipated, but the expectation was 
doomed to disappointment. On the day named, the regiment re- 
ceived marching orders, and four days later started for Washington 
by rail, reaching that city on the following afternoon. Here the 
men were supplied with*the Springfield (smooth bore) muskets, in 
exchange for the Austrian rifles heretofore carried, and on the 13th, 
coming into Maryland, the command resumed its advance, marching 
over difficult roads, and exposed to a pelting storm, to Liverpool 
Point, where, on the 17th, it crossed to Aquia Creek, near which it 
encamped, and encountered for the first time the really distressing 
scenes of war. The battle of Fredericksburg had just been fought 
and lost by Burnside, and the wounded and dying were coming by 
hundreds from the bloody field, the pale faces of the one, and the 
agonizing cries of the other, appealing with a pathetic power to the 
yet tender sensibilities of the men of the Twelfth. The regiment 
remained in the position first occupied until the 20th, when it pro- 
ceeded to Falmouth, going into camp about a mile and a half from 
the Rappahannock, and settling down at once into the routine of 
winter-quarters, and daily camp and outpost duty. 

On the 1st of March, Colonel Johnson resigning on account of ill- 
health, Lieutenant-Colonel Willets was promoted to the Colonel- 
cy, and Major Davis to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy, while Captain 
John T. Hill, of the Eleventh New Jersey, was made Major of the 
regiment. At length the winter passed, and with the opening 
spring, preparations were made for a resumption of active opera- 
tions. On the 27th of April, General Hooker, having matured his 
plans, moved his columns to the assault. At this time, the Twelfth 
was attached to the Third Divison of the Second Corps, and during 
the memorable campaign now initiated, shared both the honors and 
the perils of that magnificent command. Breaking camp on the 
28th, the regiment marched to United States Ford, where, on the 
30th, it crossed the Rappahannock, marching thence to a point near 
Chancellorsville, where it encamped for the night. At this time, 
there had been but little fighting, and that mainly between our 
cavalry and the retiring rebels. On the morrow, battle was joined 
in desperate earnest, the conflict raging all day with terrific ferocity. 



302 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



The Second Corps, however, was not engaged, although held in 
readiness, and late in the day, advanced some two miles, — only to 
find the enemy retiring, and our forces holding their position. Early 
on the morrow, the contest was renewed, continuing with great vigor 
during the entire day, but it was not until six o'clock in the even- 
ing that the Twelfth was ordered to advance.' Moving on a double- 
quick to the Chancellor House, a line was formed in rear of one of 
our batteries, but the enemy soon after withdrew, when the division 
was ordered to another part of the field, to support the lines against 
which Stonewall Jackson had thrown his corps with crushing force. 
It was in this movement, while marching along the plank road to 
take position, that the regiment was placed under fire for the first 
time. Two men of Company II were wounded by an exploding 
shell, but not seriously. Later in the evening, the firing having 
ceased, the regiment was moved still further to the front and placed 
in line of battle, where it remained until the following morning, 
when the enemy again pushed forward his columns to the attack, 
and the engagement soon became general, the rebels directing their 
blows at Sickles' Corps on the right, which, after stubbornly fight- 
ing for some hours, causing terrible havoc in the rebel ranks, was 
compelled to recede some two hundred yards. About this time, two 
divisions of the Second Corps, including that to which the Twelfth 
was attached, were advanced to the rescue, and engaged the enemy 
for perhaps half an hour, being ultimately obliged to retire. The 
men of the Twelfth behaved with great gallantry, the loss being 
severe, amounting to one hundred and seventy-nine in killed, 
wounded and missing. Colonel Willets was seriously wounded in 
the arm, while bravely encouraging his men, whereupon Major 
Hill assumed command— Lieutenant-Colonel Davis being sick. 
Lieutenant James Pearson, of Company F, and Lieutenant J. P > 
Franklin of Company A, were killed ; Captain Stratton of Com- 
pany F, lost a limb ; and later in the day, Captain H. Mattison, of 
Company H, and Private John Grraff, of the same company, were 
wounded by shells, many of which fell in the ranks. The regi- 
ment also lost its color-sergeant, William Walton, in this engage- 
ment. The Twelfth, although under arms during the two succeed- 



THE TWELFTH REGIMENT. 30S 

ing days and nights, was not again engaged, and on the night of 
the 5th, re-crossing the Rappahannock, proceeded to its old camp, 
having in its first battle lost one-tenth of its men. Many of them, 
however, having been but slightly, wounded rejoined the com- 
mand during the following month. The regiment was now under 
command of Major^Hill; and the division being re-organized, the 
Twelfth was assigned to the Second Brigade, consisting of the 
Twelfth New Jersey*, First Delaware, One Hundred and Eighth 
New York and Fourteenth Connecticut, under command of Colonel 
Thomas H. Smythe, First Delaware Volunteers. About the end of 
May, General French was relieved from his division, and ordered 
to the command of Harper's Ferry, the division being temporarily 
commanded by Colonel S. S. Carroll, Eighth Ohio Volunteers. 
The Second Corps was now commanded by General Hancock. 
About the 1st of June, the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-eighth New 
Jersey Regiments (nine months' men) were ordered home for muster- 
out, and from this time until the spring of 1864, the Twelfth was 
the only New Jersey Regiment in that corps. 

Meanwhile, General Lee, hoping to profit from an offensive move- 
ment, was moving towards the Potomac, and on the 14th of June, 
the rebel advance having already crossed into Maryland, Hooker 
again put his columns in motion, the Twelfth Regiment breaking 
camp at nine o'clock in the evening of that clay, and marching 
directly by way of Aquia Creek to Fairfax Station. Thence, 
on the 19th, it marched by way of Gainesville in the direction of 
Warrenton, remaining some days in that vicinity, on the watch 
against the rebel cavalry hanging on the flank of our army. On 
the 25th, the march was resumed in an easterly direction, the Poto- 
mac being crossed the next day at Edward's Ferry. On the night 
of the 1st of July, the regiment halted two miles from Gettysburg, 
where fighting had already commenced. The next morning, the 
corps (Second) moved rapidly into position on Cemetery Hill, 
forming the center of our line. The right of the brigade (One 
Hundred and Eighth New York) was placed in a grove of trees 
immediately south of the cemetery, the Twelfth regiment on its left 
reaching up towards, but not resting against, the grove. Soon after 



304 NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 

reaching the field, Company I, of the Twelfth, was sent out on the 
skirmish line, but the combat not yet being opened, only two or 
three casualties were sustained, and during the afternoon a house 
and barn standing about two hundred yards west of the Emmetts- 
burg road, and nearly equi-distant from either army, — perhaps 
one thousand yards from our line — having been occupied as a cover 
by the rebel sharpshooters, Companies B, H, E and Gr, were sent 
out to dislodge them, which they did, capturing six commissioned 
officers and eighty men, but with considerable loss — Captain Hors- 
fall, of Company E, a brave officer, being killed, and Lieutenant 
Eastwick wounded. This exploit closed the fighting of the day, so 
far as the Twelfth was concerned. The battle was renewed early 
on the morning of the 3d, on the right, but the center did not be- 
come warmly engaged until the afternoon, when the enemy opened 
one hundred and fifteen guns on Cemetery Hill. The Twelfth, 
however, was not idle. An attack from the enemy being anticipa- 
ted, the men had hastily constructed breastworks, using on a part of 
the line the natural defence of a stone wall, and throwing up on the 
left of the regimental line frail earthworks, resting upon heaps of 
rails. Meanwhile, five companies of the regiment, with the First 
Delaware, had been sent out to charge the buildings in front, and 
disperse the enemy. This was successfully accomplished, but not 
without serious loss to the regiment — Lieutenant Trimble, of Com- 
pany F, and some twenty five men being wounded. At length, 
the rebel cannonading having ceased, there was a lull, but it was 
only for a moment. Soon the rebel infantry, emerging from 
behind batteries on the eastern slope of Oak Eidge, advanced 
in three lines of battle to the assault, pressing straight up to Ceme- 
tery Hill, where the Second Corps awaited their coming. Still on 
and on they came, our artillery sweeping their ranks, but the lines 
still presenting an unbroken front. They had the flower of their 
army in the advance, and victory was staked upon the issue. Still 
they swept up the slopes, until at last, all along the hill, the battle 
beat and raged with hideous fury. But at last, as they crossed the 
Emmettsburg road, only a hundred yards from our immovable 
line, a storm of fire and lead burst right in their faces, volley after 



THE TWELFTH REGIMENT. 



305 



volley of musketry smiting their serried ranks. At the same in- 
stant enfilading fires from half a score of crests, swept over and 
among them. Then, at last, their stern lines wavered ; then, crum- 
bled and broken, gave way. But again, in one fierce, convulsive 
effort, they returned to the charge, but again were swept away like 
merest chaff, and now, disheartened and beaten, finally withdrew, 
leaving us victors at all points on the field. During this fearful 
infantry contest, the Twelfth was activety engaged, but only lost 
five or six men killed, including one officer and thirty men wounded. 
During the artillery duel, preceding the assault, several shells fell 
in the ranks of the regiment, one of which killed George Martin, of 
Company A, besides wounding a number of men ; but the aggre- 
gate casualties were comparatively few, considering the nature of 
the combat, and the exposure of the men. 2 

This decisive victory practically ended the fighting at Gettysburg, 
as it ended the invasion. During the 4th, there was some skirmish- 
ing at various points on the lines, Company A of the Twelfth, being 
sent out as a reserve to the skirmish line during the afternoon, but 
only one man, Thomas Whitsell, was wounded. On the 5th, the 
enemy having retreated — after removing the wounded and burying 
the dead — our army started in pursuit. The Twelfth, however, 
was not again engaged. Crossing the Potomac at Harper's Ferry, 
on the 18th, it moved forward with the army to Warrenton, where 
it rested for a time from the fatigues of the campaign. On the 1st 
of August, the division was detached from the corps, to clo picket 
duty on and near the Orange and Alexandria Kailroad, and the 

2 A note from an officer of the regiment, says of the fighting at Gettysburg: 
" On the 2d, the Twelfth Regiment was put in position on the right of the Second 
Corps, just to the left of WoodriuT's Battery, on Cemetery Hill, to the front and about 
two hundred yards to the right of the headquarters of General Meade, and near a small 
house on the ridge. On the afternoon of the 2d of July, four companies of the regi- 
ment made a most gallant charge upon a barn filled with the enemy's sharpshooters, 
situate about six hundred yards in front of our position ; and though strongly resisted, 
captured it, with about one hundred prisoners. In this attack, Captain Horsfall, of 
Camden, commanding Company E, was killed. This charge was repeated the next 
morning by four other companies of the regiment, and the barn again taken. 

"In the final assault of the 3d of July, the Twelfth, with its brigade, were attacked 
by Pettigrew's Brigade of North Carolina troops, which was formed upon the left flank 
of Pickett's Division, but repulsed them with very severe loss, capturing many prison- 
ers and several colors. Lieutenant Richard H. Townsend, of Cape May, was killed in 
this action. The loss in the regiment was about one hundred and twenty." « 

39 . 



306 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Twelfth was so fortunate as to secure a camp in the midst of a grove, 
with a stream of water running through it, where each wing of the 
regiment enjoyed its ease, when not on picket. Some weeks later, 
however, the enemy having captured two gunboats on the Eappa- 
hannock Eiver, below Fredericksburg, this camp was temporarily 
abandoned, the division (on August 31st,) marching to a point on 
the river a few miles above Fredericksburg, where it acted as a 
support to the cavalry, who crossed the river, re- captured and de- 
stroyed the gunboats — the infantry-, thereupon, returning to their old 
position. On the 12th of September, the army was again put in 
motion. Crossing the Kappahannock, Pleasanton's Cavalry drove in 
the rebel cavalry, under Stuart, to Brandy Station and Culpepper 
Court House, and thence across the Eapidan, capturing two guns 
and quite a body of prisoners. The infantry columns at once fol- 
lowed the cavalry, the Second Corps advancing to, and taking po- 
sition upon, the Eapidan, while the bulk of our force was posted at 
Culpepper Court House. The Twelfth Eegiment, for the three fol- 
lowing weeks, was engaged in picket duty, but the corps (on the 
5th of October) being relieved by the Sixth, it proceeded to the 
rear. But a few days elapsed, however, when the columns were 
again put in motion ; Lee having crossed Eobertson's Eiver, and 
advanced in force from Madison Court House on our right, our forces 
re-crossed the Eappahannock, the Second Corps being in the rear. 
On the 14th, when near Auburn Mills, some two miles east of War- 
renton, the rebel cavalry made an attack upon this corps, evidently 
hoping to capture its train ; but they were repulsed with loss, and 
the corps continued its retreat towards Centreville, the point which 
Lee was straining every nerve to reach in advance of our troops. 
The rebel cavalry sharply pursuing, their advance, supported by 
infantry, came up with our rear near Bristow Station, and a sharp 
engagement ensued. The Twelfth Eegiment which, with the Second 
Brigade, held the rear, was promptly hurried up, and being placed 
inline, moved to a "cut" in the railroad, where, under shelter 
from the enemy's musketry, it became warmly engaged. The enemy 
(Hill's Corps) was finally repulsed with the loss of six guns, five 
of which were at once seized and put to use on our side. In this 



THE TWELFTH REGIMENT. 



307 



engagement, which lasted three or four hours, several men of the 
Twelfth were wounded, Lieutenant Lowe, of Company Gr, being 
among the number. 3 Colonel Davis had command of the regi- 
ment daring the movement, and afterwards until his death. Major 
Hill was absent sick, about this time, and after an examination by 
a commission, was mustered out on account of permanent disability. 
The rebels having withdrawn, the march towards Bull Kim was re- 
sumed, that place being reached on the following morning. The 
rebel cavalry continued to hover upon the flanks of our army for 
several days, but finding no point in our line which invited attack, 
they finally retired, followed in turn by our troops — the pursued 
taking a position on the Eappahannock, and the pursuers going into 
camp at Warrenton and vicinity. While lying at this place, Captain 
Chase, of Company A, (Twelfth,) left the regiment, his strength 
having broken down under the fatiguing marches of the summer 
and fall campaign. 

On the 7th of November, the army was again put in motion, 
crossing the Eappahannock at Eappahannock Station, and at Kel- 
ley's ford, the Sixth Corps having a severe engagement, but routing 
the enemy at the former point, and the Third at the latter ; but 
neither the Twelfth Eegiment nor the Second Corps was engaged. 
This movement gave us complete command of the fords, and Lee at 
once fell back to Culpepper, and thence across the Eapidan. Our 
railroad was then rebuilt down to and across the Eappahannock, and 
re-opened to Brandy Station, which thus became our depot of sup- 
plies — our army encamping in close proximity thereto. On the 
23d, the troops were again ordered to be ready for a movement, 
but a heavy storm coming on, they did not actually get into motion 
until the 26th, when the Eapidan was crossed at the different fords. 
This movement was that known as the " Mine Run campaign,' 7 
which, on our part, proved a miserable failure. After six days of 
marching and countermarching, a retreat was ordered, and the old 
camps were re-occupied, but only for a few days, when a new posi- 
tion was selected at and around Stephensburg, the rebel cavalry 
and pickets having been driven across the river some two miles 
This officer subsequently died from the effects of his wounds. 



308 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



farther south. In the skirmishes at Mine Kan, the Twelfth Regi- 
ment did not, fortunately, sustain any casualties, although under 
fire on several occasions. One man, however, was taken prisoner, 
who subsequently died in one of the death-pens at Richmond. 

The work of erecting winter-quarters now commenced, and the 
regiment had just made itself cosy and comfortable, when (Decem- 
ber 27th) an order came for it to move (with the brigade) to a new 
position. No order, perhaps, was ever more unwelcome than this, 
bat it was promptly obeyed — the regiment marching some two 
miles, and establishing a camp at a place called Stony Mountain, 
near the river and much in advance of the infantry picket line. The 
object of this change appeared to be to give a support to the cav- 
alry picket-line, which had been greatly weakened by the withdrawal 
of a large number of men who, having re-enlisted, were entitled to a 
veteran furlough of thirty clays. On the 16th of February, 1864, 
the regiment was again ordered to move, and participated in the 
advance which proved to be a reconnoissance in force, made for the 
purpose of diverting the attention of the enemy from the operations 
of our cavalry under Kilpatrick, who started on an expedition 
towards Richmond. In this reconnoissance, the entire Second Corps 
was moved to the river, bat only the Third Division crossed. The 
pontoon train having been delayed, the river — which was about 
three feet deep — had to be forded, and this being done, the men 
were obliged to cross a ravine, exposed to the fire of rebel batteries. 
This was gallantly accomplished, the troops crossing the ravine, 
and getting into position behind a slight embankment, where they 
were comparatively secure from artillery. Even here, however, it 
was necessary to lie flat on the ground, or keep very low, in order 
to escape the enemy's sharpshooters ; and this it was almost impos- 
sible to do, owing to the severe cold, and the prevalence of a chilly 
northeast storm, which caused the clothing of the men to stiffen, 
and rendered bodily action necessary to keep them from freezing. 
During the afternoon, several small fires were built, but these, 
while affording some little warmth, also attracted the aim of the 
sharpshooters, and Jesse Osborn, of Company A, in this way 
received a wound through the head, which caused his death on the 



THE TWELFTH REGIMENT. 



309 



following day. Darkness having come on, a detachment of the 
enemy endeavored to get into the rear of our troops, hoping to cut 
off their retreat; but, being detected, were repulsed with loss after 
a spirited engagement, whereupon the division, having accom- 
plished the work assigned to it, re-crossed the river, and returned 
gladly to camp. In this affair, some ten men of the Twelfth Kegi- 
ment were wounded, but only one fatally. 

During the winter, a chapel was built in the camp of the bri- 
gade by the One Hundred and Eighth New York Regiment, at 
which members of the Twelfth were regular attendants on all 
occasions when religious services were held. In the re-organization 
of the army, upon Grant's accesssion to the supreme command, 
the regiment (with the brigade,) Was placed in the Second Division, 
Second Corps, and consolidated with Carroll's Brigade, (First Bri- 
gade, Third Division,) with Colonel Carroll in command. 4 At 
length, spring dawned — as well over the tented-field as upon the 
peaceful homesteads where no sound of war had ever disturbed 
the familiar calm ; and the notes of preparation for active cam- 
paigning were once more heard. On the night of the 3d of May, 
all being in readiness, the Army of the Potomac moved from its 
camp to grapple once more with the enemy. The Third Brigade, 
of which the Twelfth Regiment now formed a part, reached the 
Chancellorsville battle-field on the 4th, moving, the next day, in a 
southerly direction towards Shady Grove Church. Meanwhile, the 
enemy, ever on the alert, had vigorously attacked the Fifth Corps, 
while moving into position at Parker's Store, and the Sixth 
becoming also engaged, the Second was hurriedly countermarched 

4 The regiments in the brigade with the Twelfth were the Fourth and Eighth Ohio, 
Seventh West Virginia, Fourteenth Indiana, First Delaware, One Hundred and Eighth 
New York, battalion of Tenth New York and Fourteenth Connecticut. The regi- 
ment was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas H. Davis, and the companies 
were commanded as follows : Company A, by Captain Phipps ; Company B, by Captain 
Williams ; Company C, by Captain Brooks ; Company D, by Captain McCoomb ; Com- 
pany E, by Captain Dare ; Company F, by Captain Acton ; Company G, by Captain 
Potter ; Company H, by First Lieutenant Fogg, (Captain Mattison being detached as a 
Brigade Inspector in the First Division of the corps;) Company I, by Captain Chew, 
and Company K, by First Lieutenant Frank M. Riley (Captain Thompson being detached 
on recruiting service.) The regiment numbered about four hundred and twenty -live 
muskets. 



310 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



to a point where the road from Ger mania Ford crosses the 
Fredericksburg and Orange Court House plank road, where, facing 
westward, it swung in on Warren's left, and became hotly engaged. 
The Twelfth Regiment was promptly formed in line, but only a 
portion of the command participated in the engagement, being 
detailed to advance to the brow of a hill in front, which was com- 
manded by the enemy's fire. The regiment, however, although 
not engaged as a whole, suffered considerably — Lieutenant John M. 
Fogg, of Company H, being killed, while Lieutenant Frank M. 
Riley, of Company K, and several others, were wounded. 5 During 
the day, Captain H. A. Mattison, of Company H, serving on the 
staff of the Irish Brigade, was wounded and taken prisoner, and 
subsequently was one of the officers who were placed, by the rebels, 
under the fire of our batteries in Charleston, South Carolina. At 
five o'clock on the morning of the 6th, the Second Corps once 
more pushed forward, crowding back the enemy and taking many 
prisoners, advancing nearly two miles, across the Brock road, on 
the way to Parker's Store — the point at which it anxiously aimed. 
Here, however, the enemy was reinforced, and the fight became 
stubborn and murderous. The Twelfth Regiment — in the second 
line — was soon advanced to relieve tne troops in front, and imme- 
diately became actively engaged, though the undergrowth in front 
rendered accuracy of fire impossible, and, in fact, prevented either 
belligerent seeing the other face to face. It soon became evident, 
however, that a force greatly superior to our own had been thrown 
forward at this point, and a flank as well as a galling front fire 
caused the line to fall back a short distance, where it could avail 
itself of the support of the third line. Thus the battle continued, 
raging with great fury, until eleven o'clock, when, effecting a 
breach in our lines on the left, the rebels hurled in an overwhelm- 
ing force, and caused a stampede of our advanced troops some half 
a mile to the rear, where breastworks, hastily thrown up, enabled 

5 "Lieutenant Fogg, at the time of his death, was about twenty-three years of age, 
and few nobler or more promising youths fell during the war. Pure in character, of 
heroic courage, ardent and self-sacrificing in the performance of his duty, he entered, 
the service from purely patriotic motives, and bravely died in the dawn of the campaign 
which was to witness the overthrow of the enemy." — Letter to the author. 



THE TWELFTH REGIMENT. 



311 



them to re-form. Subsequently, being strengthened by Burnside's 
Corps, the line was again advanced, but Hill and Long-street falling 
furiously upon our left and left center, we were once more pushed 
back. At this moment, however, the Third Brigade, under Colonel 
Carroll, struck the advancing foe in flank, and he, in turn, was 
driven witn heavy loss, our troops regaining their former position, 
and holding it during the night. During this engagement, the 
Twelfth lost heavily, Lieutenant-Colonel Davis, Captains Chew and 
Potter being among the wounded. 6 On the three subsequent days 
the regiment was not engaged, but on the 10th, participated in a 
charge of the corps against the position of the enemy, being 
exposed to a heavy fire which placed a number of men Jwrs du 
combat. On the night of the 11th, silently moving by the left 
flank from its position in front of Hill, the corps took post between 
the Sixth and Ninth Corps, where, at daylight on the morning of 
the 12th, it assailed the salient angle of earthworks, held by John- 
son's Division, of Ewell's Corps. In this magnificent assault, which 
resulted in the capture of over three thousand prisoners and some 
thirty guns, the Twelfth again suffered severely, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Davis being instantly killed while bravely leading the regiment ; 
Captain H. M. Brooks and Lieutenant E. P. Phipps were severely 
wounded, and were obliged to quit the service in consequence. 7 

A note from an officer says : 
"The Twelfth, in this severe action, lost about two hundred men, or nearly one-half 
of its numbers, and Lieutenant-Colonel Davis, Captains Chew and Potter were wounded. 
Captain Mattison was missing for some weeks and supposed to he killed, hut finally 
turned up a prisoner. Here also fell Color-Sergeant Charles H. Cheeseman, Company 
E, of Camden, who had home the colors of the regiment with great bravery through 
all its battles." 

t "Here its thinned line was terribly shattered. Captains Phipps, Williams and Brooks 
and Lieutenant Lippincott were wounded and Lieutenant-Colonel. Thomas H. Davis 
Avas killed. Colonel Davis, at the time of his death, was about twenty-seven years of 
age, tall and commanding in his appearance, active in his movements. Prompt to think 
and to act, he was a fine example of the American Volunteer Soldier. Warm and genial 
in his impulses, 'kind and generous in all his actions, brave and dashing to a fault when 
under fire, he had knit to him the affections of his men as by hooks of steel, so that 
wherever he led, none hesitated to follow. Knocked down and badly abused by a frag- 
ment of shell on the 6th, he still persisted in leading his regiment through the cam- 
paign, and the last words he said to the writer were : "That he could not think of 
leaving his regiment so long as he could sit his horse, knowing that they were to 
fight again soon." While the line shook under the terrific fire which met it, as it 
crowned the enemy's works, he sj)rang in front of the colors, and was cheering on his 



312 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



From this time until the 18th, both armies continued to manoeuvre 
for position, the Second Corps gradually moving to the left. On 
the evening of the 19th, the wagon train was attacked by the 
enemy, and the brigade, to which the regiment was attached, was 
hurried forward, but being some distance from the scene of action, 
did not arrive in time to participate in the engagement. 

On the night of the 20th, orders for a new movement were issued, 
and these being executed, the army, on the 1st of Jane, came into 
position in front of Cold Harbor, the Second Corps being placed on 
the left, with the Sixth on its right. Here, on the morning of the 
3d, an assault was made along the center line of the enemy, the 
Second Corps pushing the enemy out of his works, and capturing 
several hundred prisoners. Kallying, however, on their second 
line, the rebels threw in a fearful enfilading fire upon our advance, 
and in turn drove it out to seek shelter from the, leaden storm. In 
this assault, the loss of the Twelfth was severe, Captain McCoomb, 
commanding the regiment, being mortally wounded by the explo- 
sion of a shell, which also killed and wounded several privates. 
Withdrawing a short distance, a line was formed and hastily forti- 
fied with breastworks, which proved of great service, the enemy 

men with animated words and gestures when the fatal bullet struck him and he fell 
dead on the blood-stained slopes. 

"After leaving Spottsylvania, the regiment was commanded by Captain James 
McCoomb, of Camden, was engaged in various skirmishes, and at the North Anna 
deployed in one rank, made a charge, which General Thomas H. Smythe pronounced 
the finest he ever saw. Lieutenant Franklin, the Adjutant of the regiment, was 
wounded iu this action. 

"Colonel Carroll being wounded at Spottsylvania, Colonel Smythe was assigned to 
command the brigade, and with him the regiment joined in the attack at Cold Harbor, 
June 3, 1864, where its losses were so heavy that it was reduced to ninety muskets- 
Here Captain McCoomb, commanding the regiment, an excellent and deserving officer, 
lost his leg, and after amputation, died in Washington. The regiment lay for nearly 
two weeks under fire at Cold Harbor, losing some men every day, and moved thence 
June 13th, under command of Captain Dare. The line officers present here were 
Captains Dare, Acton, and Potter, (who had returned, having recovered from his 
wound,) and Lieutenant Rich, Acting Adjutant, Lieutenant Stmtton (who had returned 
from recruiting service,) and Lieutenant Lippincott (who had returned recovered from his 
wound). The regiment marched via Charles City Court House to Wilcox's Landing, on 
the James, which it crossed on steamboats on the 15th, and on the 16th, about nine 
o'clock, p. m., was in position in the entrenchments before Petersburg, and on the 
right of the Second Corps, relieving the Eighteenth Corps, which had previously 
captured the works. The regiment was engaged on the 18th and 19th of June, and also 
on the 22d. Here it was joined by Major (formerly Captain) Thompson, who returned 
from recruiting service and assumed command."— Note from an officer. 



THE TWELFTH REGIMENT. 



313 



charging, some hours later, with a determination that, but for this 
defence, might have resulted most disastrously to our arms. On 
the night of the 4th, a second attack was made, but feebler than 
that of the 3d, being repulsed without loss to our side. On the 7th, 
the Second Corps was extended to the Chickahominy (Joseph Bur- 
roughs, of the Twelfth, being on this day wounded by a sharp- 
shooter;) and on the 12th and 13th, the entire army, Grant having 
again resolved upon a flanking movement, crossed that stream, on 
Lee's right. Pushing to the James, that river was also crossed, and 
on the 16th, the advance went into position before Petersburg, 
against which, operations were already in progress. Up to this 
time, the total loss of the Twelfth Regiment, in this memorable 
campaign, had been some two hundred and fifty killed, wounded 
and missing — a large proportion of the wounded being officers. 

From this time forward, the regiment was in position at various 
points on the line, and participated in the movement and affair at 
Strawberry Plains and Deep Bottom, on the north side of the James, 
on the 26th of July. Thence, by a forced march, it returned to 
the Petersburg front, arriving in time to support the assault at the 
explosion of the mine, July 30th, though not actually engaged. It 
participated in the second movement to Deep Bottom, charging the 
enemy's picket line under Captains Chew and Acton, August 16th, 
and returning, marched to the extreme left flank of the Army of 
the Potomac, whence, on the 23d of August, it was marched to 
Ream's Station, on the Weldon Railroad, where the First Division 
of the corps had preceded it. It arrived at Ream's Station on the 
morning of the 24th, and during that day was engaged in destroy- 
ing the track of the railroad. On the morning of the 25th, the 
division moved out to proceed with the work of destruction, but 
were met in such force that General Hancock deemed it prudent to 
retire them to the Station, where a slight line of breastworks was 
thrown up. Here, about five o'clock, p. m., Hill's (rebel) Corps, 
which had been repulsed in the previous assaults, succeeded in 
breaking the lines of the First Division, and by command of Gen- 
eral Gibbon, the Twelfth was ordered up to its support. It moved 
gallantly forward, and succeeded in retaking a portion of the cap- 
40 



314 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



tured works, with McKnight's (Twelfth New York) Battery, which 
was in possession of the enemy. In this severe action, Lieutenant- 
Colonel K. S. Thompson, commanding the regiment, was severely 
wounded, and Lieutenants Eich and Stratton were killed. Aftei 
the action at Beam's Station, the Twelfth was in various positions 
along the Petersburg front, — in Fore Hell, on the Jerusalem plank 
road, in Fort Morton and at other points, until October 27th, when 
it moved out and participated in the action known as the battle of 
the Boydton road, where it lost four killed and nine wounded — 
including Captain T. 0. Slater. In the winter of 1864-65, it took 
part in the various actions at Hatcher's Bun, where, in one instance, 
it charged across the run, which was waist deep, and took the 
enemy's works, upon which its color-bearer, Ellwood Griscom, was 
the first to plant the national colors. The regiment was at this 
time under command of Major H. F. Chew. It was present in the 
movements of the army preceding the main assault on the Peters- 
burg defences, 9 took part in the assault, under the command of 
Major Chew, and aided in the various actions during Lee's retreat, 
until his surrender, April 9th, 1865. At Farmville, April 7th, 
General Thomas H. Smythe, commanding the brigade, to whom the 
regiment was greatly attached, was killed while deploying it as 
skirmishers. At Burkesville, on its way back from Appomattox 
Court House, it received about three hundred recruits, the first ever 
sent it (save about thirty). It returned, via Bichmond, to Bailey's 

9 " In December, we occupied different positions along the works in front of Peters- 
burg; on February 6th, the Twelfth participated in the action at Dabney's Mills. On 
the 25th of March, Fort Steadman was taken by the rebels, which brought on an action 
along different portions of the line. The Twelfth was engaged in one action at Hatch- 
er's Run, where it charged the works, along with other troops, and succeeded in cap- 
turing them, with about one hundred prisoners. This charge was made under a great 
many difficulties. The run being deep, the men had to cross one by one on fallen 
trees, in the face of a galling fire. March 29th, the. Twelfth, with other troops, moved 
out of camj) towards the Boydton road, and took a position in the woods, where it laid 
during the night. April 1st, were engaged in building a corduroy road, so that the 
artillery could be brought up in position. April 2d, charged the works, together with 
other troops, and marched on to Petersburg. Reached the Southside Railroad and 
moved down it for some miles and remained duriugthe night ; marched back to Peters- 
burg on the morning of the 3d. Left there again about noon, and marched on towards 
Burkesville. The Twelfth was engaged nearly every day in skirmishing with the rebels 
during the retreat of Lee, and was present at the surrender on the 9th of April." — JSvtes 
of an officer. 



THE TWELTFH REGIMENT. 



315 



Cross Roads, in front of Washington, where, in June, 1865, the old 
battalion of the regiment was mustered out of service, and later in 
July, 1865, the remainder of the regiment. Towards the end of 
its term of service, Lieutenant-Colonel Willian, Eighiu "^w Jer- 
sey Volunteers, was mustered in as its Colonel, and First Lieutenant 
E. M. DaBois, as its Major. 

It is. the boast of the Twelfth, as it is that of most of the ISTew 
Jersey Regiments, that it was always in the post of danger, that it 
suffered, in action, most severek , and that it could always be relied 
on for perilous duty. Major-General French regarded the Twelfth 
as one of the finest regiments in the army ; and the commanding 
officers of the brigade were always unanimous in its praise. Its 
losses were very severe in men and officers, and were never supplied 
by the State, no recruits (except about thirty) having been sent it 
until after the surrender of Lee. It never lost a color in action, 
and had very few prisoners taken. It never was broken, and never 
retreated, until the whole line was broken, or ordered back. It was 
composed of the flower and strength of the rural population of 
South Jersey, and on every field in Virginia, they bravely main- 
tained the honor of their flag and State. 



CHAPTER XI. 



THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 

The Thirteenth Regiment was mustered in at Camp Frelingliuy- 
sen, near Newark, on the 25th of August, 1862, with Ezra A. 
Carman, formerly of the Seventh Regiment, as Colonel ; Robert S. 
Swords as Lieutenant-Colonel ; Samuel Chadwick, who raised 
Company A, as Major; Charles A. Hopkins as Adjutant; Doctor 
John J. H. Love, as Surgeon; Doctor J. H. Freeman, as Assistant- 
Surgeon; Garret S. Byrne, as Quartermaster; and Rev. T. Romeyn 
Beck as Chaplain. 1 The regiment remained in camp until the 
31st, when it started for Washington, reaching that city on Septem- 
ber 2d, and being at once sent into camp near Fort Richardson, 
Arlington Heights. At this time the enemy was moving in strong 
force towards Harper's Ferry and the Upper Potomac, and the 
Thirteenth was at once set to work in building lines of earthworks 

i The roster of the regiment was as follows : 

Company A— Captain, S. V. C. Van Rensselaer; First Lieutenant, C. H. Bliven; 
Second Lieutenant, George M. Hard. Company B — Captain, J ohn Grimes ; First 
Lieutenant, Robert Bumstead; Second Lieutenant, J. L. Carman. Company C— 
Captain, David A. Ryerson ; First Lieutenant, W. A. Bucklish ; Second Lieutenant, 
Peter Field. Company B — Captain, George A. Beardsley; First Lieutenant, T. B. 
Smith; Second Lieutenant, C. H. Canfield. Company E — Captain, Frederick H. 
Harris; First Lieutenant, E. D. Pierson; Second Lieutenant, Ambrose Matthews. 
Company J 7 — Captain, Alexander Vreeland ; First Lieutenant, F. W. Sullivan ; Second 
Lieutenant, Charles Guyer. Company O — Captain, John H. Arey ; First Lieutenant, 
Thomas C. Chandler; Second Lieutenant, H. F. Nichols. Company H— Captain, James 
Branin; First Lieutenant, James Henry; Second Lieutenant, Robert G. Wilson. 
Company I— Captain, Charles Mackey ; First Lieutenant, Henry Reynolds. Company 
K— Captain, H. C. Irish ; First Lieutenant, J. W. Scott. 

Of the above, the following resigned before the close of the year: Captain 
Alexander Vreeland, Company F, resigned October 24, 1862 ; Captain James Branin, 
Company H, resigned October 24, 1862; Captain Charles Mackey, Company I, 
resigned October 24, 1862; First Lieutenant William Bucklish, Company C, resigned 
October 9, 1862 ; First Lieutenant Flavel W. Sullivan, Company F, resigned October 
24, 1862 ; First Lieutenant Thomas C. Chandler, Company G, resigned December 3, 
1882; First Lieutenant Henry Reynolds, Company I, resigned October 24, 1862. 



THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 



317 



and rifle pits, in view of the possibility of an attack. Here the 
regiment was placed in Brigadier-General Gordon's (Third) Brigade, 
Second Division, of what was then known as " Banks' Old 
Corps" — under command of General Mansfield. On the evening 
of the 6th, the command (with the rest of the corps,) crossed the 
Potomac at Aqueduct Bridge, and on the following day, continuing 
its march, camped about two miles beyond Eockville, where it 
remained until the 9th, when, the enemy having retired, it again 
moved forward with the army, leaving behind the sick, and a few 
men to guard the property, which was subsequently taken to 
Washington. A large part of this regimental property was never 
afterwards recovered, which, in some respects was a decided advan- 
tage, since, being in such quantity as to require thirty-two army 
wagons to transport it, its care must have seriously impeded the 
movements of the command. Moving forward from day to day, 
the regiment, on the 13th, reached the vicinity of Frederick, Mary- 
land, which had been entered the clay previous by General Burn- 
side. Our army was now rapidly coming up, and concentrating 
for a grapple with the enemy who had massed his troops for the 
struggle. On the 14th, the battle of South Mountain was fought, 
resulting in the expulsion of the rebels from the strong position 
which they had seized. The Thirteenth moved at eight o'clock in 
the morning, marching for sixteen hours, with frequent halts, the 
roads being obstructed with trains of artillery, and the troops, there- 
fore, moving on by-roads and across fields, over the Catoctin Hills 
west of Frederick, and through the beautiful Middletown Valley 
until, at sunset, the flash, of guns on the opposite range showed the 
position of the enemy. During the night, the rebels retreated 
through Boonsborough, moving rapidly towards the Sharpsburg 
peninsula of the Potomac, leaving their dead, and in many cases 
their wounded, on the field. On the 15th, our army moved out in 
pursuit. During the 16th, the Thirteenth remained in the vicinhry 
of Keedysville, cooking rations and obtaining rest, in preparation for 
the battle now anticipated. The rebels at this time were posted on 
the right or westerly bank of Antietam Creek, occupying the hills 
and ridges in front of Sharpsburg, which they had fortified. About 



318 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



midnight, orders were received to move immediately, and the 
Thirteenth, crossing the creek in the utmost silence, took position 
with the reserves, on the right. Here the men lay down, and were 
awakened at daybreak by the firing of the pickets, who had come 
into collision. In a few minutes the regiment was pat in motion, 
and going further to the right, was posted as a support to a battery. 
Then, the battle having meanwhile opened with great violence, the 
Thirteenth (with the Second Massachusetts,) was ordered to advance 
towards a piece of woods, out of which Hooker and Sumner had 
already been driven. Moving forward through a corn-field, in line 
of battle, the command soon reached the Hagerstotvn road at a 
point some distance north of the Dunker Church, passing over the 
fence into the road, in full view of the enemy, who at once opened 
a pitiless fire. Fortunately, our men were somewhat protected by 
a fence, but they could not long face the withering fire directed 
against them. Captain H. C. Irish, while gallantly attempting to 
cross a second fence, west of the road, at the head of his company, 
was shot and instantly killed, and a large number of the regiment 
were speedily placed hors du combat The enemy, who was pro- 
tected by ledges of rock, still continuing his fire, the regiment broke, 
and in confusion fell back a distance of some three or four hundred 
yards, to the shelter of another strip of woods. Here, after a time, 
it was re-formed under General Gordon's order, and after giving 
three rousing cheers, again advanced as a support to General 
Greene, who had entered the woods, (near the Dunker Church,) 
skirting the Hagerstown pike on the west. 2 Entering the woods. 



2 As enabling the reader better to understand the operations of the regiment, it 
may be stated that its position, on the opening of the engagement, was about half 
a mile east of the Hagerstown road, which runs northwardly from Sliarpsburg. The 
Dunker Church stands in the edge of a piece of woods on the west side of this road, 
and about one mile north of Sharpsburg. The enemy at the time of the first advance 
held the woods around and north of the church, and commanded most of the ground, 
somewhat rolling in its formation, in his front — that is, east of the pike at that 
point. At the time of the second advance, the enemy had been partly driven from the 
woods around the church, but still had a force concealed in a ravine near its farther 
edge, so that when the Thirteenth, pushing past the church, entered the woods, it 
soon became exposed to the assault of the concealed foe, who, marching out of the 
ravine, attacked with great violence, rendering any further advance on our part 
impossible. 



THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 



819 



the command went into position on Green's right, where it remained 
for some time, the men behaving creditably, and only retiring when 
assailed by an overwhelming force of the enemy, who, suddenly 
marching up from a ravine, grounded arms, as if in token of sur- 
render, and then — having, by this stratagem caused a cessation of 
our fire — opened with murderous ferocity on our flank, rendering 
a retreat inevitable. The entire loss of the regiment was seven 
killed, seventy wounded, (of whom eleven afterwards died,) and 
twenty-five missing. 3 General George H. Gordon, in his report of 
this battle, says : " The Second Massachusetts and Thirteenth New 
Jersey were put in motion, and pushed forward with great alacrity, 
sufficiently far to find that the troops to be supported had retired. 
They were received with a galling fire, which they sustained, and 
returned for a brief period, then fell back upon their supports.'' 
p * * u Having received an urgent call from General Green, to 
send him any reinforcements I might have, and could spare. I 
directed the Thirteenth New Jersey to support him. This regiment, 
for the first time under fire, moved coolly, and in an orderly manner, 
towards General Green's position ; and I am much gratified to report 
that the General has spoken to me of their conduct, in terms of high 
commendation." In another part of his report, he says : "In this 
battle, officers and men behaved with most praiseworthy intrepidity 
and coolness. The Thirteenth New Jersey (Colonel Carman,) being 
new troops, might well stand appalled at such exposure, but they 
did not flinch in the discharge of their duties. I have no words 
but praise for their conduct. They fought like veterans, and stood 
shoulder to shoulder with those who had borne the brunt of war 
on the Peninsula, in the Shenandoah Yalley, and from Front Royal 
to the Rapidan. They were led by those who inspired them with 
courage, and they followed with a determination to conquer or 
die." This is high praise for raw and inexperienced troops, going 

3 The following* is Colonel Carman's report : 

"September 18, 1862. 
"I have the honor to report that the Thirteenth Regiment was engaged yesterday 
in the great battle at this place. For raw troops, worn out by constant marching, 
they did nobly, and it gives me pleasure to say that we were recipients of much 
praise from general officers, who witnessed our participation in the struggle." 



320 



JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



into battle when exhausted by long marches: and the men of the 
Thirteenth were justly proud of the eminence they had thus 
attained in the esteem and confidence of their superiors. 

In this battle, the fruits of which McClellan unaccountably 
neglected to gather, General Mansfield was killed, and the com- 
mand of the corps devolved upon Brigadier-General A. S. "Wil- 
liams, that of the division (First,) upon General Gordon, and 
of the brigade (Third,) upon Colonel Euger, of the Third 
Wisconsin Eegiment. The Thirteenth, under command of the 
Lieutenant-Colonel, remained in position on the battle-field during 
the night succeeding the battle, expecting that in the morning the 
engagement would be renewed. But the day passed without 
assault, though the enemy lay immediately in our front, engaged 
in robbing our dead and his own of their shoes, and so supplying 
his unshod veterans. As the next morning, however, dawned 
over the ghastly field, it was discovered that the rebels had with- 
drawn across the river. On the 19th, the regiment was ordered 
to move, and passing over a part of the battle-field, proceeded 
towards Harper's Feny, halting, on the 20th, four miles from Sandy 
Hook, Maryland, where it remained until the 23d, when it went 
into camp on Maryland Heights. Here it remained for some 
weeks, suffering much from sickness, the men being engaged in 
cutting timber, preparatory to the erection of strong fortifications 
on tljie slopes and summit of the mountain. During the greater 
part (of the time the regiment remained at this point it was without 
tents ; shelter tents, however, finally arrived, and the condition of 
the troops was much improved. While here, Lieutenant Carman 
was commissioned as Second Lieutenant of Company E, vice 
A. M. Matthews promoted to be First Lieutenant of Company K, 
and First Lieutenant Hopkins was made Adjutant, On the 27th 
of October, the regiment was visited by President Lincoln, and on 
the 30th, under orders from headquarters, it left its camp and 
marched up the Potomac Eiver to the mouth of Antietam Creek; 
thence marching through Sharpsburg and encamping three miles 
west of that town, in the direction of Shepherdstown. Here the 
regiment performed picket duty on the northeast side of the river, 



THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 



321 



covering a portion of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal — the rebels 
picketting on the opposite side of the river. On the 12th of 
November, one-half of the regiment (right wing,) moved one mile 
nearer Sharpsburg, Lieutenant-Colonel Swords commanding this 
wing, and Major Chadwick commanding the other — Colonel Car- 
man occupying a position about midway between the camps. The 
regiment continued in this position, doing heavy picket duty, 
in common with the rest of the brigade, until the 10th of December, 
when it moved to Harper's Ferry, crossing at that point on the 
morning of the 11th, and moving by way of Hillsborough, Lees 
burg and Fairfax Station to a point beyond the Occoquan Creek, 
where (December 16th,) intelligence of Burnside's failure at 
Fredericksburg was received, and the column rapidly counter- 
marched to Fairfax Station. This march from Harper's Ferry 
was, for the most part, over miserable roads, and the men suffered 
greatly, being exposed to snow-storms and every possible discom- 
fort. Eemaining at the station until the 26th, the regiment was 
moved to the north side of the Orange and Alexandria Eailroad, 
moving thence, on the following day, to Wolf Eun Shoals, on 
Occoquan Eiver, only to return, however, on the 27th, and 2gain 
advance on the 4th of January, (1863,) with the Third Wisconsin 
to the river named. Here the two regiments performed picket 
duty for a fortnight, when (on the 20th,) they moved forward by 
way of Dumfries to Stafford Court House, near which, on the 25th, 
they went into winter-quarters. During the winter the Thirteenth 
was engaged in drill and other routine duties, and, although 
exposed to many severe storms, was comparatively comfortable — 
General Hooker having been appointed to the command of the 
army, it was re-organized and every possible effort made to improve 
its tone and spirit. During the winter, Lieutenant-Colonel Swords 
sent in his resignation, and on the 5th of February, left the regi- 
ment, Major Chadwick being appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, and 
Captain Grimes made Major. During February, four companies 
of the regiment (E, F, G and H,) were detached and sent, under 
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Chadwick, to a point upon Aquia 
Creek, called White House Landing, for fatigue work, unloading 
41 



322 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



stores, &c. The Lieutenant-Colonel becoming ill, the command 
devolved upon Captain Harris. On the 30th of March, one of the 
detached companies returned to the regiment, being followed by 
the three others on the 5th of April. 

At length, Hooker, having matured his plans for an offensive 
movement, on the 27th of April, set his columns in motion, con- 
centrating on Chancellorsville. Breaking camp at five o'clock in 
the morning, the Thirteenth marched out with its corps (the 
Twelfth) in the advance, and pressing rapidly forward, at daylight 
on the 29th crossed the Kappahannock at Kelley's Ford, thence 
moving to Germania Ford on the Kapidan. Here a small party of 
rebels engaged in constructing a bridge were captured, and the 
river was forded without opposition, the bridge being at once com- 
pleted and used in crossing by the troops who had not yet come up. 
Bivouacking about a mile from the river, the whole regiment was 
placed on picket, but promptly, on the 30th, resumed the advance — 
Gordon's Brigade forming the rear-guard of the corps. Beaching 
the plank road running from Fredericksburg to Orange Court 
House, near the old Wilderness Tavern, the regiment pushed for- 
ward to the Chancellor House, where, after various movements, it 
bivouacked in line of battle on the south side of, and nearly parallel 
to, the plank road, in such position as to cover it effectually. On 
the following morning, (May 1st,) the corps was pushed towards the 
United States Ford, to co-operate in the crossing of the Third Corps 
— the skirmishers soon becoming heavily engaged. During the 
early part of this engagement, Colonel Carman was injured, and 
the command devolved upon Major Grimes. The object of the 
movement having been accomplished, the brigade returned to its 
old position, south of the plank road, where it remained under 
arms during the night. Early on the 2d, orders were received to 
build breastworks with abattis in front, which was rapidly done — a 
strong line of works being thrown up, extending from the Kappa- 
hannock east of United States Ford on the left, for a distance of 
some four miles to the right of the Eleventh Corps, which was 
without protection. That corps being on the right of the Twelfth, 
the line presented a convex front to the enemy ; and had the right 



THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 



323 



of the Eleventh been properly protected, the line must have been a 
very strong one. During the afternoon, there was heavy firing on 
the left, and about five o'clock, under a belief that the enemy was 
retreating, the Twelfth Corps was moved out of the breastworks in 
pursuit. Soon after, however, Stouewall Jackson, with his corps of 
twenty- five thousand men, made a furious attack upon the exposed 
right flank of the army, surprising and driving the Eleventh Corps 
in great confusion down the Chancellorsville road. The Twelfth 
Corps was at once re-called, and a new line formed facing the west, 
running at right angles to the plank road and the breastworks built 
in the morning — part of which were now occupied by the enemy. 
u Stand steady, old Third Brigade," cried the commander, as the 
masses of the fugitives swept down from the field ; and bravely 
and steadily it obeyed the order, the Thirteenth behaving admirably 
throughout. So immovable was our line, and so terrible the fire 
from Best's Battery of the corps, (and not of the Third Corps, as 
represented in cotemporary accounts,) that the headlong advance of 
the enemy was speedily checked. Finally, the conflict abating, 
opportunity was afforded for re-arranging the line, which was done 
by drawing it in and extending the right wing to the Kappahan- 
nock, so that each, wing now rested on a river. During the fighting 
of the afternoon, Major Grimes was wounded, and the command 
devolved upon Captain Beardsley, assisted by Captains Kyerson and 
Harris. Here, as on subsequent fields, Captain Beardsley displaj'ed 
the highest soldierly qualities, and won the cordial encomiums of 
both inferiors and superiors. 

During the earlier part of the night, there was constant picket- 
firing, and from time to time heavy artillery firing, shells from our 
batteries passing over the heads of our men. Stonewall Jackson, 
while moving along his skirmish line, was mortally wounded nearly 
in front of the line of the Third Brigade — dying eight days after- 
wards. From midnight until about four o'clock on the morning of 
the 3d, there was comparative quiet, but with the break of day the 
firing was resumed, and soon the enemy pushed forward in heavy 
columns to the attack, infesting our whole front with sharpshooters, 
but directing his most violent assaults against the position held by 



324 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



the Twelfth and Third Corps. At this time the Thirteenth was 
supporting the Twenty-seventh Indiana, one of the regiments of 
the brigade, and was peculiarly exposed. Subsequently, the ammu- 
nition of the Second Massachusetts being exhausted, the Thirteenth 
was advanced to its relief, occupying its position for some two 
hours, and fighting with the greatest desperation throughout, in the 
face of a storm of missiles that would have appalled less resolute 
men. During this time, the rebels in front of the regiment were 
relieved three different times, thus keeping fresh men constantly in 
line. Many of our men, meanwhile, had exhausted their ammuni- 
tion, and in some cases were only supplied from the cartridge-boxes 
of the killed, the officers gathering up all within reach, and so 
enabling the line to keep up its fire. About eight o'clock, having 
suffered severely, the regiment was relieved and rejoined its brigade 
in the rear. 4 But it had again shown that it was made of royal 
stuff. The loss of the regiment in killed and wounded during the 
three days' fighting was seme one hundred and thirty, being nearly 
one-half the number taken into battle. Among the wounded were 
Major Grimes, shot in the thigh; Adjutant T. B. Smith, shot in the 
arm ; Second Lieutenant George Gr. Whitfield, of Company- D, who 
afterwards died ; First Lieutenant James F. Lay ton, Of Company 
(x; Captain Charles H. Bliven, of Company H; Captain Ambrose 
Matthews, of Company I. During the height of the action, 
the regiment occupied a peculiarly-exposed position, but the men 
and most of the officers carried themselves with the utmost gallantry 
and coolness — repelling the furious assaults of Stonewall Jackson's 
veteran troops in every instance, and even advancing our line a 
considerable distance. In this advance, the regiment took a small 
number of prisoners. When ordered to retire, the men moved up 
towards the Chancellor House, in full range of a rebel battery, 
whose missiles wounded a number, but did not in the least demoral- 
ize the command. After joining the brigade, the regiment moved 
with it about two miles towards United States Ford* where its 



4 The regiment by which the Thirteenth was relieved soon after gave way, being 
unable to hold the position which the Jerseymen had successfully maintained against 
all comers. 



THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 



325 



ammunition was replenished, when, having rested, it again marched 
to the front and formed in anticipation of an attack from the enemy. 
Shortly after noon, however, the firing ceased, and the regiment 
was not again engaged — the corps, late in the evening, moving to a 
new line which had been entrenched by the Eleventh Corps. Here 
the Thirteenth occupied the extreme left of the line at Scott's Dam, 
on the Rappahannock. The breastworks not being finished, the 
men were obliged to complete them during the night and following 
day. In the meantime, heavy firing was going on below, which 
was continued during the day and night, signaling the attack by 
the enemy, in the vicinity of Fredericksburg, upon General Sedg- 
wick, who, being driven back, Hooker determined to re-cross the 
river, which he did on the night of the 5th, the entire army being 
on the north side on the following morning. During this move- 
ment, a steady rain poured clown upon the toiling army, but the 
men moved wearily on through mud and water, and at night 
encamped in position — the Thirteenth occupying the familiar camp 
at Stafford Court House. Thus ended the Chancellors ville cam- 
paign. 

After some suffering, incident to the disastrous nature of the 
campaign, the Thirteenth was re-clothed and supplied with neces- 
sary comforts, and fell once more into the routine duty of the camp. 
Meanwhile, Lee had moved to the Upper Potomac, menacing Mary- 
land and Pennsylvania, and on the 13th of June, Hooker put his 
columns also in motion. Marching by way of Dumfries, Drains- 
ville and Leesburg. (where it rendered important service in 
constructing works,) to Edwards Ferry, the Thirteenth crossed the 
Potomac at that point on the 26th, and pushing forward with the 
corps, reached Gettysburg July 1st. Fighting had already com- 
menced, and our troops as they came up, were hurriedly placed in 
position, the Twelfth Corps holding the extreme right, facing- 
Johnson's Division of Ewell's Corps. During the night, the Third 
Brigade threw up breastworks, and in other ways prepared for the 
conflict. At four o'clock in the afternoon, the enemy moved in 
strong force against Sickles on the left, and a sanguinary struggle 
ensued, Longstreet struggling desperately to seize Round Top, 



326 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



justly regarded as vital to the maintenance of our position. 
Sickles being sorely pressed, the Third Brigade cf the Twelfth 
Corps was sent to his relief, but did not reach the first line before 
the enemy gave way. The Thirteenth, however, lost a few men 
wounded. Meanwhile, Ewell had assailed our right wing in supe- 
rior force, and upon returning to its original position, the regiment 
found a part of the corps line of earthworks in possession of the 
enemy. Darkness, however, coming on, active operations were 
suspended, and the weary troops, flinging themselves upon the 
ground sought in troubled sleep a renewal of vigor for the work 
before them. 

Day broke at last, and with its earliest light, the Twelfth Corps 
pushed forward to retake its lost rifle pits, which, after a sharp 
conflict, was successfully accomplished, and the line re-established- 
From this time until one o'clock, there was comparative quiet, 
broken only now and then by firing here and there, while the 
enemy was making his dispositions, and posting his batteries for the 
final struggle. At length, at the hour named, the signal was given, 
and one hundred and fifteen guns opened upon our position, over 
one hundred guns from our side making prompt reply. Of all the 
artillery duels of the war, this was the grandest. For* nearly two 
hours, the combat deepened and thundered along the hills, until 
at last, all their preparations complete, the rebel infantry swept out 
from behind their batteries, and in long lines moved to the assault 
of Cemetery Hill. Then ensued a conflict which no pen can 
describe; a conflict so terrific, so grand in its displays of heroism, 
so matchless in the stubborn tenacity with which loyal and rebel 
alike clung to the coveted position, that only those who saw it, or 
were participants in it, can ever appreciate its intensity or sublimity. 
The Thirteenth — its splendid fighting qualities being now univer- 
sally recognized — was again placed, with Colonel Carman in 
command, in a peculiarly-exposed position, but though on duty for 
fourteen hours, fortunately only lost twenty-one men — one killed and 
twenty wounded. Among the wounded were Captains Ryerson and 
Arey, and Acting Adjutant C. W. Johnson. Henry Downing, of 
Company Gr. the only member of the regiment killed, was buried 



THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 



327 



Within our entrenchments. Later in the day, the rebel attack having 
failed, the regiment was sent to the right, with two others, to support 
a cavalry reconnoissance, but did not become engaged. On the 
morning of the 4th, the enemy having withdrawn, the Thirteenth 
returned to its former position in line, where it remained until the 
7th, when it joined in the pursuit, reaching John's Cross Roads, 
near Hagerstown, on the 11th. Here it remained until the 13th, 
when, the rebels having hurried across the Potomac with a loss of 
one thousand five hundred prisoners, the advance was resumed; 
marching to Sandy Hook, the river was crossed on the 19th, and 
the pursuit continued around the Blue Ridge, and thence into the 
Loudon Valley — the regiment encamping at Snickerville, where it 
remained until the 23d. Thence it moved to Warrenton Junction, 
going thence to Kelley's Ford, on the Rappahannock, where, on 
the 31st, a campaign of seven weeks, in which the men had marched 
four hundred miles and helped to fight the decisive battle of the 
war, was happily terminated. 

The regiment remained at this place for several weeks, being 
employed in picket and guard duty, with daily drills, &c. On the 
15th of August, three regiments of the brigade (Second Massachu- 
setts, Third Wisconsin and Twenty- Seventh Indiana,) were sent to 
the city of New York, to support the authorities in their efforts to 
suppress the draft riots. General Ruger, brigade commander, 
accompanying these troops, the command of the remainder of the 
brigade devolved upon Colonel Carman, Captain Reardsley com* 
manding the Thirteenth. On the loth, General Meade having de- 
termined to assail the enemy at Culpepper Court House, our army 
crossed the Rappahannock — the Thirteenth crossing at Kelley's 
Ford, and marching to Raccoon Ford on the Rapidan, where it en- 
camped in the woods. Here its pickets were posted near the river, 
in a position of great danger, being almost immediately under the 
guns of the enemy, stationed in a fort on the south side of the river, 
and exposed also to his infantry fire. Picket-firing, hov^ever, soon 
ceased, both armies desisting from this very unnecessary and mur- 
derous style of warfare. Rut the Thirteenth had fought its last 
battle with the Army of the Potomac, While General Meade was 



328 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



preparing to cross the Eapiclan, orders were received to detach the 
Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, under Hooker, for service in Ten- 
nessee, and on the 24th of September, breaking camp, the Thirteenth 
marched out with its corps, going to Bealton Station, whence, 5 on 
the 29th, taking cars, it proceeded through West Virginia, Ohio, 
Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee to Stevenson, Alabama, reaching 
that place October 4th, having in seven days and nights traveled 
a distance of one thousand one hundred miles. The duty now 
assigned the corps, was that of keeping open the long line of com- 
munications, over which the supplies of our army at Chattanooga, 
were carried, and the troops soon became busily engaged, moving 
from place to place, endeavoring to clear the railroad of obstruc- 
tions, and catch the rebels who were destroying it. Moving on 
the 10th, to Tullahoma, Tennessee, a regular guard from the 
Thirteenth was established on the Nashville and Chattanooga 
road, but soon after, after various marches and countermarches, the 
regiment was ordered to a point near Normandy, where the men 
at once proceeded to make themselves comfortable. While here, 
Rev. Samuel C. Hay was elected Chaplain of the regiment, Rev. 
Mr. Beck having resigned some months previously. On the 15th 

5 The following extract from the diary of an officer of the regiment relates to this 
transfer : 

" Sunday, September 27th. We were loaded in cars and bid farewell to the scenes 
of our army experience in Virginia — farewell to the noble Army of the Potomac — the 
most gallant of the Republic. 

" September 28th. We passed through Alexandria and Washington and the Relay 
House over the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, through Harper's Ferry, Martinsburg, 
Hancock, Cumberland, Altamont, Grafton, and left the train when we reached (Sep- 
tember 29th) the Ohio River, and marched across on a pontoon bridge at Bellair on 
the following morning. 

" September 30th. Before daylight we started on the Ohio Central Railroad, passed 
through Cambridge, Zanesville and Columbus ; thence by Columbus and Xenia 
Railroad to Xenia, and thence by Xenia, Dayton and Western Railroad to Richmond ; 
(October 1st,) thence by Indiana Central Railroad to Indianapolis. During the trip 
through Ohio— particularly at Dayton and Xenia— the soldiers were feasted to all the 
good things the country afforded, at the hands of many of Ohio's lovely daughters. 
We left Indianapolis in the evening on the Jeffersonville Railroad, and in the morning 
of October 2d, we reached Jeffersonville on the Ohio, crossed in a ferry-boat to 
Louisville, Kentucky; thence through the State and the State of Tennessee, passing 
through Nashville during the night, and after changing cars (October 3d,) moved on 
to Stevenson, Alabama, passing through the Stone River battle-field, where we left the 
cars (October 4th,) on Sunday morning, after seven days and nights travel in the cars 
and a journey of one thousand one hundred miles." 



THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 



829 



of December, Lieutenant-Colonel Grimes rejoined the regiment, 
and shortly after, Captain George A. Beardsley was appointed Major, 
Lieutenant Pierson being promoted to the command of Company D, 
in place of Beardsley, promoted. Captain Yan Kensselear was 
about the same time commissioned Major of the Third New Jersey 
Cavalry, Lieutenant Miller being made Captain of Company A. 
Late in December, the regiment was divided, Company F being 
located some two miles from the others. And now settling into 
winter-quarters, the regiment enjoyed a season of comparative rest, 
interrupted only by occasional expeditions into the surrounding- 
country, in which important service was performed. Early in 

6 The following extract from the notes of an officer of the regiment shows its daily 
movements during this period : 

"November 12th. We found on reaching this department that there was a con- 
siderable feeling of contempt for soldiers of the 'Army of the Potomac' They con- 
sidered us ' band-box ' soldiers ; taunted the men for wearing ' white collars,' and they 
seemed to have the impression that the Eastern army could not fight because it had 
not defeated Lee on ever}' occasion. Had they been met by the same men at the West 
as at the East, that army would have learned a .different mode of fighting or been 
annihilated. At the battle of Chickamauga they had a taste of Lee's army. The 
difference is mainly in discipline, and is apparent in every department in the 
appearance of the men, the want of respect for officers — but especially the disposition 
of every man to rely upon himself and choose his own course of action, which course 
renders an army in battle weak. It was not long, however, before they came to respect 
us as representatives of the Eastern army. (Hooker's Twentieth (Star) Corps was 
afterwards the pride of that army.) 

" November 26th. Thanksgiving Day has come again, but there is no thanksgiving 
dinner for us. Our men have been amused by a target excursion to the other side 
of the river. Each company selected five men to shoot for the prizes which had been 
offered for the best target made by any company, firing at the distance of fifty, one 
hundred and one hundred and fifty yards, and for the best shot at two hundred yards. 
Company H received the first prize, and Sergeant Cramer the other. Then we had 
rabbit race, a pig race and a foot race by the men ; and that, together with music 
and dancing, finished up the day. 

"December 25th — Christmas — the men have been having a very pleasant time- 
The officers had contributed a sufficient amount to provide a fine dinner of turkeys, 
chickens, roast pigs, beef, &c. Tables were built on the parade-ground that accom- 
odated the whole regiment at once. How they did enjoy it ! Many citizens were 
resent, and enjoyed the merry time. The boys had a concert in the evening with 
inging aud dancing. 

" January 1, 1864. The regiment has settled into winter-quarters. The weather is 
ery cold. The men are doing guard and picket duty, protecting the bridge, patrol- 
ng the railroad — which is the only means of supply to the front. We are building, 
n addition to other duties, a large fort. The duties are severe, and the position 
esponsible, and only reliable troops have been placed in these independent positions. 

he men are drilled daily ; officers have recitations twice a week. No change in the 
ituation of things until 
"January 19th, when three companies, under command of Captain Harris, senior 

aptain, were ordered to start at three o'clock, a. m., to report at Tullahoma as early 

42 



330 



new Jersey and the rebellion. 



April, the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps having been united under 
General Hooker, preparations for a movement were ordered, and on 
the 26th, the command again moved out towards the enemy. Gen- 
eral Sherman had now been placed in command of all the troops 
in the Military Division of the Mississippi, and the memorable 
campaign against Atlanta was about to begin. The Thirteenth, 
marching to Decatur, Alabama, proceeded along the summit of the 
Cumberland range of mountains, some sixteen miles, when it 
descended into Battle Creek Valley, and advanced to Bridgeport, 
Alabama, thence proceeding through Lookout Valley, by way of 
Eossville and Anderson, Georgia, to Einggold, reaching the latter 
place on the 7th of May. At this time, the rebel army under 
Johnston was posted at Dalton, its position being covered by 
an impassable mountain, known as "Eocky Face Eidge.'' and our 
army not being able to traverse the only gap, (Buzzard's Boost,) 

as possible. The night was dark and rainy, and the traveling difficult. We reached 
our destination at eight o'clock, a. m. As three companies of the One Hundred and 
Fiftieth New York Regiment, who were to accompany us, did not arrive that day, we 
were obliged to bivouac for the night. Next morning, 

"January 20th, we were joined by the detachment of the One Hundred and Fiftieth 
New York, and Major Beardsley, who took command of the whole detachment, when 
we marched twelve miles in a southwesterly direction to the small village of Lynch- 
burg. Here our men found quarters in the deserted houses of the town. The next day, 

"January 21st, we moved forward, in the same direction, about eight miles to 
Mulberry, Lincoln County, Tennessee, which was our destination. Our men were 
quartered in the unoccupied store-houses and a church. We are in the midst of one 
of the finest and most fertile portions of the South. The people are very intelligent, 
but are as intensely secesh as any we have ever met. It was this county that proposed 
to secede from the State of Tennessee if the State did not secede from the Union. 
The richness of the county makes it a fine field for foraging. On one occasion when a 
wagon ti*ain was in this vicinity collecting forage, one of the wagons and its guard be- 
came detached from the rest of the train. A party of guerrillas overtook it, burned the 
wagon, and took Lieutenant Porter and four men of the Twenty-seventh Kegiment 
Indiana Volunteers with the driver. They were taken about seven miles, and at a 
point near Mulberry, in the darkness of the night, they had their hands tied behind 
their backs, in order, as they said, that they might be more easily retained ; but they 
were immediately placed in a line, and without the least intimation of what was to be 
their fate, they heard the order, aim ! fire ! and three fell dead. The Lieutenant was 
slightly wounded but escaped with one of the other men. General Thomas, commanding 
the Department of the Cumberland, upon learning the facts, ordered a detachment to go 
to Mulberry and protect Colonel John H. Ketchum, of the One Hundred and Fiftieth 
New York Regiment, in collecting from the inhabitants within ten miles of this point 
thirty thousand dollars, to be equally divided among the families of the men murdered 
by the guerrillas. We are now engaged in that business. The assessment is made by 
the direction of the Colonel. Many claim exemption because they took the oath of 
allegiance wheta. Rosencrans passed though this country ; but they declare (with the 
usual consistency of these people) that they are hoping and praying for the success 



THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 



General Thomas, with the Army of the Cumberland, was directed to 
menace and assail the position in front, while McPherson, with the 
Army of the Tennessee, should flank the enemy's left, and, moving 
down by various gaps, seize Eesaca, or some other post well in its 
rear — Schoiield, meanwhile, pressing on Johnston's right. These 
orders were promptly carried out, McPherson reaching the front of 
Eesaca, but subsequently falling back to a strong position in Snake 
Creek Gap, whereupon Sherman (on the 10th) moved forward the 
Twentieth Corps to that point. Here the Thirteenth remained 
until the 13th, when, with the army, it advanced towards Eesaca, 
the enemy slowly retiring. Late in the afternoon, the rebels 
making heavy demonstrations on the extreme left of the line, the 
Third Brigade was moved rapidly in that direction, arriving just in 
time to meet the enemy who was charging upon a battery, which 
had been deserted by its infantry support. The timely appearance 

of the confederacy. The principal business is receiving the cotton and other articles 
that are "brought in payment, and foraging tor our own use. A large portion of the 
assessment is being paid in greenbacks. We have had preaching on the Sundays we 
have been here. 

"February 2d. The resignation of Doctor J. J. H. Love has been accepted, and 
to-day he leaves Division Headquarters, where he has been for a long time detailed as 
Sargeon-in-Chief, and where he has become very popular, with the regrets of the 
officers . 

"February 11th. The detachment left Mulberry and returned to Tullahoma, with a 
large quantity of cotton, being part of the collections we had made. The inhabitants 
seemed to regret our departure, as our men had conducted themselves in a very 
proper manner. The detachment of our regiment was expected to return to the 
regiment, which had not moved from Duck River Bridge, and which was then under 
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Grimes — Colonel Carman having been detailed as 
presiding officer of a court-martial and militaiy commission sitting at Tullahoma ; but 
owing to the fact that a large portion of the Twenty-seventh Indiana Regiment had 
gone home on veteran furloughs, the three companies of our regiment were left at 
Tullahoma (under command of Captain Harris,) doing picket and guard duty, and 
occupying a part of the camp of the Twenty-seventh Indiana. Chaplain Hay has 
resigned his position owing to ill-health. He started for the regiment, was taken sick 
at Chicago, and resigned. 

" February 12th. The regiment has again been united. Recruits are from time to 
time being received. We are frequently hearing of rebel depreciations on the railroad, 
and are, therefore, constantly on the alert. 

"February 16th. About forty guerrillas tore up the track, two miles below 
Tullahoma, and after the train had run off the track fired into it and killed six men 
and then left suddenly. 

"April 6th. Major G. A. Beardsley having resigned his commission, which has been 
accepted, left the regiment to-day for home. Rev. Mr. Hyde, a member of the regi- 
ment, was elected Chaplain, but his commission was never received. Captain Ryer- 
son has been promoted to Major," 



332 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



of the Thirteenth, however, upon the scene, arrested the progress of 
the assailants, and the battery was rescued. Darkness coming on, 
the advantage was not pressed ; in the morning, however, it was 
found that the enemy had disappeared from our front, and our line 
was advanced, the Second Division of the Twentieth Corps pres- 
ently coming up with and driving the rebels. The Thirteenth 
continued to advance by the flank from time to time, as the enemy 
gave way in front of that division, keeping to the left of the rebel 
line of battle, until at length, the latter offering more serious oppo- 
sition, it was formed for a charge on the brow of a hill, and soon 
after advanced in fine order, moving across a plain of perhaps half 
a mile in width, exposed to the fire of a rebel fort, and reaching, 
finally, a hill beyond. Here a breastwork of rails was hastily con- 
structed, the skirmishers in front being heavily engaged, but before 
the work was completed, the latter were driven in by heavy masses 
of the enemy, who, finding that our position flanked his line, at 
once made a desperate attack upon it. For two hours the conflict 
raged with the greatest fury, the assailants seeking in vain to pierce 
our lines, and being compelled at last to fall back with heavy loss. 
The men of the Thirteenth fought with great steadiness throughout, 
and the loss, considering the severity of the fighting, was much 
less than might have been expected, amounting to four killed and 
twenty -three wounded. Had not the regiment fortunately thrown 
up breastworks the loss must have been much greater. 7 The enemy 
having been repulsed, the regiment was relieved, but no further 
attack was made on that part of the line, and upon the advance of 
the skirmishers, on the following morning, it was found that 
Johnston had withdrawn his whole force across the Oostanaula. 
Pushing forward in pursuit, the Twentieth Corps, on the 16th, came 
up with the enemy posted in fortifications, built upon the hills 
south of Cassville, where the skirmishers of the Thirteenth again 
became engaged, but without any serious loss. The enemy again 
retreating, our forces, after receiving supplies, on the 20th moved 



• A letter to the Newark Advertiser says of this engagement: "Johnston, it is said, 
had sworn to break our lines at this point or perish in the attempt. He failed, though 
the loss was great on both sides." 



THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 



333 



to and across the Etowah River, thence advancing by different 
roads, in the direction of Dallas. On the 25th, moving on the main 
Dallas road, Hooker's Corps (the Twentieth) encountered the enemy 
in force, who at once attacking his Second Division (General Geary,) 
with great fury, inflicted considerable loss. The First Division was 
thereupon ordered to the left, to reinforce Geary, the Thirteenth 
Regiment being, by order of General Hooker, deployed on the right 
of the line as skirmishers, and soon driving in. that part of the 
enemy's line, with a loss of only six men wounded, including Lieute, 
nant-Colonel Grimes and Lieutenant George Baitzel, of Company C 
— the former wounded in the hand, and the latter in the left arm. 
The loss of the brigade, which was exposed to a murderous fire 
from the rebel artillery, was very heavy. During the evening, the 
Thirteenth was formed on the right of the brigade in line of battle, 
and was engaged in building breastworks until the following morn- 
ing, when it was relieved and passed to the rear. This battle 
although known as the battle of Dallas, was really fought near the 
line of Pumpkin Vine Creek, about thirty miles from Atlanta. 
Here the Thirteenth remained for several clays, Sherman concen- 
trating his forces, preparatory to a formidable demonstration, sev- 
eral encounters taking place while his dispositions were making, 
but without any important result. On the night of the 29th, an 
attack was made on our line at the right of the position held by the 
Thirteenth, but the regiment did not become engaged, two men, 
however, being wounded by scattering balls. 

At length, on the 1st of June, Sherman having determined to 
work towards our left, with a view of flanking the enemy, the 
Thirteenth moved in that direction, reaching a position about five 
miles from Ackworth, on the 7th. Ackworth is a railway station, 
about sixteen miles south of Kingston, and a short distance from 
Altoona, already abandoned by the enemy. Our line of battle now 
ran east and west, facing the south, with the left extending to the 
railroad. The country is hilly and well adapted for defense, so 
that the advance against the enemy was expected to be one of great 
difficulty. Skirmishing was kept up constantly with the enemy, 
whose line extended from Kenesaw Mountain on his right, west to 



334 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Lost Mountain on his left, covering the intermediate Pine Knob ; 
but no marked advantages were gained on either side. On the 
16th and 17th, the Thirteenth was pushed steadily forward, fighting 
the enemy as it advanced, and losing several men, including Lieu- 
tenant Peter M. Eyerson, of Company C, who was mortally wounded 
on the 16th. Lieutenant Eyerson came of fighting stock, being 
the son of Major Eyerson, of the Eighth Eegiment, who fell at 
Williamsburg, and though only about twenty- two years of age, 
had made his mark as a superior soldier.* By this time, Sherman 
had projected the greater part of his force against the enemy, who, 
thus menaced hj the Thirteenth and other bodies of troops, had 
abandoned Pine Mountain and taken position along the line of the 
rugged hills connecting Kenesaw and Lost Mountains. On the 17th 
under the pressure of our movements, Lost Mountain was abandoned. 
Our troops still pushing on, skirmishing in dense forests of timber, 
and across most difficult ravines, on the 19th again found the enemy 
strongly posted and entrenched, his right wing thrown back to 
cover Marietta, the center resting on Kenesaw Mountain, and the 
left across the Lost Mountain and Marietta, road, and covering the 
railroad track back to the Chattahoochee. Gradually working into 
position, our forces (on the 22d) came into collision with the rebels 
some five miles from Kenesaw, where the Thirteenth, while engaged 
in throwing up breastworks on the edge of a woods, with an open 
field in front, was suddenly assailed, its skirmishers being driven 
in, and the enemy, under Hood, heavily massed in several lines of 
battle, pushing forward over the cleared space. ,J Coolly reserving 
its fire until the menacing column had fairly cleared the woods, 
only three hundred }< r ards distant, the Thirteenth then opened upon 
it with destructive fury, staggering the advance, and presently 
causing it to give way and fall back. But promptly rallied by their 
officers, the rebels again advanced, only to receive another wither- 
ing volley, from which they hastily turned and retreated in disor- 



s The entire loss of the regiment in these operations was two killed and six 
Avonnded. 

9 This assailing coinrnn consisted of Landman's and Stevenson's Divisions of Hood's 
Corps. 



THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 



335 



der, leaving many killed and wounded on the field. The fighting, 
however, was not yet clone; posting himself in the shelter of 
some trees and underbrush which lined a brook near the center of 
the opening, the enemy presently again opened fire upon our lines, 
keeping it up for two hours, when, having suffered heavily, he 
finally retired — a few, however, coming in and giving themselves 
up as prisoners. During this engagement, the regiment was under 
command of Captain Harris, Colonel Carman being division field- 
officer, and the Lieutenant-Colonel absent wounded. Sheltered by 
its hastily-constructed breastworks, the regiment escaped without 
the loss of a single man killed, while only six were wounded. 
After the engagement— known as the battle of Kulp's Farm — the 
picket line was re-established, and the men lay on their arms during 
the night, holding an advanced position. Here the regiment re- 
mained until the 27th. when, an assault of the enemy's position 
having been ordered, it was moved to the left to support a battery 
and take the place of troops who were to participate in the assault. 
This assault having failed, Sherman again ordered a flanking move- 
ment, and on the 2d of July, the enemy having abandoned Kene- 
saw, the Thirteenth (with its corps) moved to and through Marietta 
towards the Chattahoochee Kiver, reaching its position in the right 
center of the army on the 7th. Here it remained until the 17th, 10 
when a general advance being ordered, the corps crossed the Chat- 
tahoochee, bivouacking for the night near Buckhead. On the fol- 
lowing morning, the Thirteenth, with the Eighty-second Eegiment 
Ohio Volunteers, under command of Colonel Carman, proceeded on 
a reconnoissance. the object of which was to find the Fourth Corps 
and capture a party of rebel cavalry who were said to be stationed 
between the two corps. The position of the Fourth Corps was 
easily ascertained, but the cavalry had disappeared ; they were, 
however, pursued, and being overtaken a lively skirmish ensued, 
resulting in their being driven with considerable loss, though they 
held a strong position. The Thirteenth had two men killed. 

Moving forward from this point, the corps on the 19th, crossed 
Peach Tree Creek, where on the 20th, the enemy suddenly attacked 

10 On this day Major Ryerson, who had tendered his resignation, left the regiment, 



336 



NEW JEKSEY AND THE KEBELLION. 



our lines in heavy force, but was twice repulsed, with great slaught- 
er. In this engagement, the Thirteenth lost six men. On the 22d, 
it was found that the rebels had abandoned the line of Peach Tree 
Creek, and fallen back to a strong line of redoubts, forming the 
immediate defences of Atlanta, and covering all the approaches to 
that town — whereupon our whole army prepared to close in upon 
the doomed position, the Thirteenth, which had acted as a support 
to the skirmishers in the advance, taking position on a hill about 
five hundred yards from the rebel line of works. Here, while con- 
structing a frail breastwork, it was opened upon by a rebel battery, 
the shells from which exploded in dangerous proximity, but the 
position being an important one, about three miles from the center 
of Atlanta, it w T as tenaciously held until other troops came up, and 
the men were relieved. 11 One man was wounded by the rebel fire, 
and Captain Harris was somewhat stunned by a shell which ex- 
ploded near him. Upon being relieved, the regiment moved a short 
distance to the right, its right flank resting on the road leading from 
Marietta to Atlanta, but was soon after again shifted to the left. 
On the 27th, it was once more selected for important special dut} r . 
There being some irregularities in the line, which it was desirable 
to straighten, it was ordered that one regiment should be selected 
from each division along the entire line to unite in a demonstration 
upon the enemy, under cover of which the necessary work should 
be accomplished, and the position of the rebel forts at the same time 
developed. The Thirteenth was selected from the First Division 
for this duty, being ordered also to burn several houses in its front, 
from which the enemy kept up an annoying fire. Advancing 
steadily to its task, the regiment, although exposed to the fire of a 
fort only one hundred yards distant, succeeded in destroying the 
buildings, and then, with a loss of two killed and six wounded, 
retired in good style, bringing in thirty -three prisoners, captured 
on the rebel picket line. The loss of the enemy in killed and 
wounded was also considerable, and the regiment was warmly com- 
plimented for its exploits at division headquarters. 12 On the 28th, 

11 The entrenched line of "battle was not advanced at any time during the campaign 
beyond the position held by the regiment in this engagement. 

12 On the 27th Sebastian Duncan, Jr., was, mustered in as First Lieutenant of Com- 



the thirteenth regiment. 



337 



Hood violently assailed the Army of the Tennessee, now com- 
manded by General Howard, but was repulsed with great loss, and 
on the 30th the Thirteenth was again advanced, capturing some 
sixty prisoners, and taking position close to the rebel works, where 
breastworks were thrown up, a portion of the men keeping up a 
steady fire on the enemy, while the entrenchments were being con- 
structed. After firmly establishing the new line, the regiment, 
being relieved, returned to its old position, where it remained until 
the 25th of August. During this time, it was constantly exposed 
to the fire of the rebel forte, but the loss was comparatively small. 
On the 16th of August, Captain Harris was commissioned as Major, 
Lieutenant Johnson taking command of Company E. Meanwhile, 
Sherman had gradually extended his right, and his entrenched line 
now reached nearly to East Point, commanding the railroads by 
which Atlanta must receive its supplies. Hood, not liking the 
look of things, early in August, dispatched his cavalry to our rear, 
where they broke the railroad, and did other damage, where- 
upon Sherman, glad of the opportunity, sent Kilpatrick on a " raid" 
south and east of Atlanta, the movement resulting in the complete 
destruction of the railroad at various points, and great consequent 
demoralization of the enemy, whose supplies were already running 
low. This done, Sherman ordered the seige to be abandoned, 
sending back the sick, wounded and surplus stores to his entrenched 
position on the Chattahoochee, which the Twentieth Corps was left 
to cover, while the rest of the army moved by the right south- 
ward — getting fairly behind Atlanta before Hood knew what was 
going on. The movement of the Twentieth Corps to the rear was 
commenced on the 25th of August, the Thirteenth Kegiment on 
that day marching five miles, and on the day following, taking 
possession of some abandoned rebel works. Here it was expected 
that Hood would offer battle, and the works were strengthened as 
rapidly as possible, but that commander did not risk an assault. 
On the 1st of September, a reconnoissance by the Thirteenth, and 

pany E. About the same time, General Hooker having', at his own request, been 
relieved of the command of the corps, General Williams of the First Division was 
placed in command. 

43 

i 



338 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



two other regiments, all under command of Colonel Carman, in the 
direction of Atlanta, developed the fact that the rebels were still 
there, and a large force (some two brigades, with four pieces of 
artillery,) being sent out to menace the reconnoitering column, it 
returned without a collision. On the following morning, having 
destroyed his magazines and burned his stores, Hood hastily evac- 
uated the city, and about noon the Thirteenth again advanced, 
entering the town just before dark, with bands playing, colors 
flying, and a storm of cheers. Passing through the city, the regi- 
ment encamped near the breastworks of the rebels, on its east side, 
near the Georgia Eailroad 13 — moving next day a short distance to 
the left, where it discovered the debris of ninety car-loads of arms, 
ammunition, camp equipage and other valuable property, which 
had been destroyed by the rebels. The campaign was now at an 
end; for the first time in four months the regiment was out of 
the range of hostile batteries ; and the men prepared eagerly to 
enjoy the rest to which they were so fairly entitled. The entire loss 
of the regiment in the campaign, was about one hundred killed 
and wounded. 

During the month of September, the Thirteenth was chiefly en- 
gaged in picket duty, and in working on a new line of entrench- 
ments. Meanwhile, raiding parties of the enemy were operating 
in our rear; and on the 25th, Hood having pushed up with the 
bulk of his troops to Dallas, Sherman impelled the Fourth Corps in 
pursuit, the Fifteenth and other corps speedily following. During 
the following fortnight, various engagements were had, and Hood 
being checkmated at all points, finally moved into Tennessee, 
whither he was followed by the Fourth and Twenty- Third corps, 
while the rest of our army again turned its face southward, concen- 
trating finally about Atlanta, where Sherman at once began to 
prepare for the Great March to the Sea. 

The Thirteenth had not been idle while these operations were in 
progress. On the 5th of October, moving to the left, it took posi- 
tion near the Sandtown road, whence it moved on the 11th, 



13 At this time Lieutenant-Colonel Grimes resigned, and Major Harris and Lieutenant 
J ohnson were mustered in from this date. 



THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 



339 



with three other regiments of the brigade, and one brigade of the 
Second Division, as a guard to a train of six hundred wagons. In 
this movement, the brigade was commanded by Colonel Carman, 
the regiment by Major Harris, and the whole expeditionary force, 
which also included a battery of artillery and six hundred cavalry- 
men, by General Geary. The object of the expedition was to 
gather forage, of which there was great scarcity in the army. Pro- 
ceeding some twenty miles, the force, on the 12th, crossed South 
Kiver at Clark's Mills, gathering, guarding and loading the train 
with corn, wheat and cotton, and on the 13th having filled all the 
wagons, set out on its return, having escaped all loss, though con- 
stantly surrounded by rebel cavalry. On the 22d, a report having 
reached camp that a supply train had been attacked, the Thirteenth 
was marched to its relief, but finding the rumor false, returned on 
the 24th, and resumed ordinary camp duties. On the 6th of No- 
vember, General Euger was placed in command of a division in the 
Twenty-Third Corps, and Colonel Carman assigned to the command 
of the brigade — Major Harris, as senior, taking charge of the 
regiment. About this time, a considerable number of recruits 
were added to the regiment. 

On the loth of November, having two days previously torn up 
and destroyed the railroad between Atlanta and Chattahoochee 
River, the regiment cut loose from its base, and with the army 
started on the Savannah campaign — marching some nineteen miles, 
m an southeasterly direction, along the Atlanta and Augusta Kail- 
road, and encamping near the foot of Stone Mountain, in De Kalb 
County. The army, in this movement, was divided into two grand 
divisions, or wings, the left (Fourteenth and Twentieth Corps) under 
General Slocum, taking the most northerly route, and the right 
(Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps,) under General Howard, with the 
cavalry under General Kilpatrick. 11 Advancing day by day, the 
regiment reached Milledgeville, the Capital of the State, on the 
22d, where, the members of the Legislature having fled, Union 
officers the next day organized a legislative body in the State 



" The Twentieth Corps was commanded by General Williams, the First Division by 
General Jackson, and the Second Brigade by Colonel Carman. 



340 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



House, and adopted resolutions declaring that the State had never 
been out of the Union, and that all ordinances to that effect were 
null and void. On the 24th, the march was resumed and con- 
tinued without serious interruption until the 26th. On that day 
the Thirteenth had the right of the division and the advance of 
the infantry, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry being the advance guard. 
During the forenoon, the cavalry were driven in by the enemy, 
when Major Harris deploj^ed six companies of the Thirteenth as 
skirmishers, (four companies being held in reserve as supports.) 
and these rapidly moving forward, soon reached a creek, the bridge 
over which had been destroyed, and the creek, for a long distance 
either way, made unfordable for cavalry, by obstructions of timber 
felled for frhat purpose. The cavalry of the enemy, moreover, dis- 
mounting, had thrown up breastworks on a hill on the opposite 
bank, rendering their position in every respect a strong one. The 
men of the Thirteenth, however, promptly crossing the stream, 
charged up the hill, and although the firing was very rapid, soon 
drove the rebels from their works in splendid style, pursuing them 
for a considerable distance — the whole regiment being now de- 
ployed — skirmishing heavily the whole distance, and entering the 
town of Sandersville in advance of the Fourteenth Corps. The 
regiment, which had three men wounded, one only slightly, was 
very highly complimented for its action in this affair. 15 Major 
Nichols, of General Sherman's Staff, in his u Story of the Great 
March," (pages 64 and 65,) refers to this action as follows : " The 
passage of Buffalo Creek, was also contested by the rebel cavalry, 
under Wheeler, and they fought our front all the way, and into 

15 Colonel Carman's report of the action of the brigade in this affair says : 
"November 26. The brigade had the advance, moved out of camp at half -past six 
o'clock, a. m., and after marching two miles, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry in our front 
encountered the enemy, who was posted on a small creek, the road through which 
had been obstructed by fallen trees ; the enemy were soon dislodged and pursued to 
Sandersville, at which place they made a stand, driving back our cavalry. I then 
deployed six companies of the Thirteenth New Jersey as skirmishers, with four com- 
panies in reserve, and advanced on them, the Ninth Rlinois being disposed on the 
flanks. The enemy gave -way before my skirmishers, and I entered the town at the 
same time as did the Fourteenth Corps, who came in on another road to the left. 
Moving to the right, I followed the enemy through the town and one mile beyond, 
skirmishing a little. My loss was two men wounded, belonging to the Thirteenth 
New Jersey." 



THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 841 

the streets of Sandersville. The Twentieth. Corps had the advance, 
deploying a regiment as skirmishers, and forming the remainder of 
a brigade in line of battle, on either side of the road. The move- 
ment was executed in the handsomest manner, and was so effectual 
as not to impede the march of the column in the slightest degree, 
although the" roll of musketry was unceasing." After driving the 
* rebels through the town, and pausing for two or three hours, the 
regiment moved, some four miles in a southerly direction to Ten- 
nille Station, No. 13, of the Georgia Eailroad, skirmishing as it 
advanced, and upon reaching the road, tearing up, burning and 
destroying two miles of the track. On the following day, (Novem- 
ber 27th,) it marched to Davisborourgh, (being thirteen miles by 
railroad, but eighteen by the route traveled,) where, after destroying 
the track for a distance of nine miles, the division pushed on to 
Spier's Station, No. 11. . From that point, it advanced, on the 29th, 
some nine miles farther, tearing up the track as far as the Ogeechee 
Eiver — the Thirteenth, in addition to destroying a portion of the 
track, burning an immense lumber-yard, filled with bridge timber. 
The stations on this road were small, and of little value, but the 
loss to the enemy was considerable. The country for the most part 
was swampy, flat and sandy, with many creeks, making marching 
difficult, but the men, in the elation of success, were not affected by 
any mere ordinary fatigue. Crossing the Ogeechee on the 30th, 
the regiment on the 3d of December, marching as guard to a train, 
reaching a point beyond Millen, 10 whence it moved forward, day by 
day, until on the 6th it reached a point fourteen miles northwest of 
Savannah. Here the rebels had stationed a small force, about three 
hundred men, with one piece of artillery, in a fort, with swamps on 
either side, which were considered a sure protection to the flanks of 



11 15 "At Millen, about nine thousand of our men had been kept as prisoners, and seven 
hundred and fifty had died. The prison-pen (Camp Lawton) is a stockade of logs about 
twenty feet high, and enclosing some twenty-five acres, with sentry-boxes around the 
whole about fifty yards apart. A small stream ran through the center of the enclosure, 
and a fort was built near commanding the ground. Here our men were turned loose 
without shelter (except the holes they were able to dig) from the scorching sun by day 
and the heavy dews at night, or the storms and cold of winter, and with only scanty 
X>ro visions. The prisoners had all been removed a few days before our arrival." — Note 
of an officer. 



342 NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 

4 

the position. The supposition, however, was by no means correct. 
Dispositions were at once made for an attack, the Second Brigade 
being sent to the right, and the First Brigade to the left. The 
Thirteenth formed in line in the swamp, in water from one to two 
feet deep, when, the order being given, the men advanced with a 
yell in face of a fire from the rebel guns — the enemy soon evac- 
uating the works, and escaping towards Savannah, only two or three * 
prisoners falling into our hands. These were claimed by the com- 
manders of both brigades, the two having reached the fort sim- 
ultaneously, but the Second Brigade having them in possession, 
kept them, not altogether in defiance of the practice in such cases. 
On the following day, (10th,) the regiment resumed its march, 
proceeding along the Monteith Turnpike, until it struck the 
Charleston and Savannah Eailroad. Having destroyed the track 
for some distance, it advanced some four miles further towards 
Savannah, encamping rive miles from the city, and one mile from 
the rebel works — the regiment being posted in reserve, in the rear 
of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Xew York, but moving the next 
morning to the front line of battle, and with it (on the 12th,) mov- 
ing forward towards the rebel defences, taking position between the 
Monteith Pike and the Savannah Eiver, near Pipemaker's Creek, 
where, on the 13th, breastworks were built along the entire regi- 
mental front. On the 16th, the regiment, with the rest of the 
brigade, crossed the Savannah Eiver in flat-boats to Argyle Island, 
where it threw up earthworks on the northeast side of the island. 
The object of this movement, in which two brigades in all partici- 
pated, was to secure certain property on the island, and also to 
make a reconnoissance of the South Carolina shore, with a view of 
effecting a lodgment thereon, and, if possible, securing the Savan- 
nah and Charleston pike, and thus cutting off the retreat of the 
rebel troops occupying the former city. The rebels, appreciating 
the importance of holding the pike, had posted a battery on the 
South Carolina shore, which promptly opened on our troops, and 
had also stationed two or three gunboats in the river. Immediately 
upon occupying the island, the Thirteenth set in operation a large 
rice-mill, which it found on a plantation belonging to the heirs of 



THE THIKTEENTH UEGIMENT. 



343 



the Gibbons family, formerly of Morristown, New Jersey ; but on 
the 19th, it was again ordered to move, crossing to the South Caro- 
lina shore at daybreak, and effecting a landing near Izard's Mills, 
whence it advanced, having the right of the line, and skirmishing 
briskly to Beach Hill, where breastworks were thrown up. During 
the afternoon, the other regiments of the brigade crossed to the 
point occupied by the Thirteenth. The position now occupied by 
the brigade was strong for defense, but, according to the report of 
Colonel Carman, "the nature of the ground was such that an ad- 
vance was difficult. It was a rice plantation, cut up by numerous 
dykes and canals, and the enemy had burned all the bridges over 
the latter, and overflowed the whole plantation to a depth of from 
eight to eighteen inches of water, thus necessitating ail movements 
by the flank up these d} T kes, while they stood well prepared, at 
these places, to resist our advance." During the night, two pieces 
of artillery were brought across the river, and placed in position in 
the center of the line, which, as then formed and held by the Second 
Brigade, was two and a quarter miles long. Earthworks were also 
thrown up at all the prominent points, with a view of strengthen- 
ing the position as much as possible. On the morning of the 20th, 
twelve companies from the brigade, including three from the Thir- 
teenth, were detailed to make a reconnoissance with a view of deter- 
mining the position of Clysedale Creek with reference to our line- 
The force succeeded in reaching the creek, with the loss of one man 
killed, and after erecting works for one regiment, and posting 
therein two companies of the Thirteenth, an effort was made to 
strike the Savannah and Harcleesvile Eoacl, but the enemy, antici- 
pating the movement, had thrown a force in front, whereupon 
Colonel Carman ordered the detachment to withdraw. It is believed 
by some that had a resolute advance been made, the road could 
have been seized and held, but the Colonel commanding was of 
opinion that nothing less than a division could hold the position, 
even if once seized^ and his determination, of course, was final. 
During the day, a great number of vehicles of all descriptions were 
seen passing the front, but a short distance from the brigade line, 
moving from Savannah to Hardeesville, and from shortly after dark 



344 



NEW JEKSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



until three o'clock, a. m., of the 21st, the retreating army could 
plainly be heard as they crossed the bridges from Savannah to the 
South Carolina shore. The evacuation of the city was no doubt 
hastened by the movement under Colonel Carman's command, but it 
is still a question among those participating in it, whether the results 
of the demonstration might not, under some circumstances, have 
been much more complete and satisfactory. On the 21st, the enemy 
in increased force, still holding his position in our front, the brigade, 
under orders from the division commander, was re-crossed to Argyle 
Island, and thence, on the following clay, to the Georgia shore, the 
Thirteenth at once marching to a point within the limits of Savan- 
nah, near which, on the 23d, it encamped in a live-oak grove — thus 
terminating a march of over three hundred miles, and one of the 
most remarkable campaigns on record, during which it had only 
lost six men, three wounded, and three captured. 

The regiment now remained comparatively idle, until the 14th 
of January, 1865, when it was moved into the city for detached 
service 17 and connected with a Provisional Brigade, under command 
of Colonel Lockman, of the One Hundred and Nineteenth New 
York Eegiment — acting as guard at the grand depot of supplies 
connected with the Quartermaster's Department. Four days after, 
the regiment rejoined the brigade, and with the army turned its 
face northward. After performing duty as a train-guard, it moved 
out (on the 27th,) on the Augusta pike, pushing forward day by 
day, detached from its brigade, until February 10th, when it rejoined 
its proper command. On the 17th, Columbia, South Carolina, was 
reached, and on March 1st the regiment had its first skirmish with 
the enemy near Chesterfield Court-House. On the 11th, the com- 
mand reached Fayetteville, North Carolina, whence, after a clay's 
rest, it again moved forward, reaching Averysborough on the 15th. ls 

About this time, Colonel Carman obtained leave of absence, and Colonel Hawley, 
of the Third Wisconsin Eegiment, assumed command of the brigade— Major Harris 
still commanding the Thirteenth. 

18 The details of the march from Savannah northward are supplied in the following 
notes, made at the time by an officer of the regiment : 

" January 17th. The regiment joined the brigade, according to General Orders, 
No. 8, passed through the city at nine o'clock, a. m., crossed over the pontoon bridge 



THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 345 

Here Kilpatrick, having met the enemy's infantry, was awaiting 
support, and promptly at daylight on the 16th the Second Brigade 

to Hutchinson Island ; tlience across that island, which is about half a mile wide ; 
thence across the main channel of the river on a pontoon bridge, one thousand eight 
hundred feet, to Palmetto Island. The trains found it difficult to cross that island, the 
recent rains making the roads in very bad condition, and being the last regiment of the 
brigade, an order was received from Colonel Hawley that we should remain with the 
brigade train, assist them over, and then come forward and join the brigade ; to do which 
it was necessary to corduroy the whole road. Before this train had passed, General 
Jackson, commanding division, and General Williams, commanding corps, while passing, 
ordered the regiment to remain at that point and assist the division and corps supply 
and headquarter trains over the same point. These were expected the next day, and 
the regiment was placed in camp on the South Carolina shore on the 18th; the 
Fifteenth Corps train took the road first, but before they had passed this point the 
storm had commenced, and it was impossible to move a train through the rice swamp 
on these islands. The attempt was, therefore, abandoned. 

"January 19th. Remained in camp on South Carolina shore, the storm unabated. 

"January 20th. Storm continued— the freshet in the river is increasing— the 
embankments on the South Carolina shore have given way in several places, and there 
is doubt about the pontoon from Palmetto Island to the shore being able to stand. 
Word was sent to General Slocum, commanding this army, of the situation, and he 
ordered the regiment to return to the city and await orders, which it did on the after- 
noon of that day, and occupied its old camp in the city. Remained in camp on 
Warren Square, the continued storm making it impossible to move the trains until 

"January 27th. Marched on Augusta pike, twelve miles, in a northwesterly 
direction, on the right bank of the Savannah River, as train-guard, and bivouacked 
for the night. 

"January 28th. Marched at seven o'clock, a. m.— roads very bad— guarding train 
for seventeen miles on Augusta pike, parallel to Savannah River, then, turned to the 
left and took a middle ground road, on which we marched eight miles in a north- 
westerly direction, and bivouacked at eight o'clock, p. m., within three miles of 
Springfield. 

"January 29th. Marched twelve miles, to within four miles of Sister's Ferry, on 
the Savannah River, and bivouacked for the night, having passed through Springfield. 
The roads are almost impassable. We remained at this point until 

"February 3d, when orders came to move, and we formed line and marched to the 
road ; but it was found to be impossible to move the train, and we returned to our 
old camp. 

" February 4th. Marched four miles to Lower Sister's Ferry, crossed the river on 
a pontoon bridge into South Carolina ; then marched seven miles northeast, to within 
one mile of Robertsville, and bivouacked for the night. 

" February 5th. Marched seven miles northwest, passing through Robertsville. 

" February 6th. Marched fourteen miles northwest, passing through Lawtonville. 

" February 7th. Marched five miles northwest, crossed Coosawatchie Swamp. 

" February 8th. Marched thirteen miles northwest to Salkahatchie River, which we 
crossed at Beaufort Bridge, and passed through evacuated works of the enemy. 

" February 9th. Marched eighteen miles northwest, to within one mile of Black - 
ville, a station on the Augusta and Carolina Railroad. At this point we found Corps 
Headquarters. The Major, commanding regiment, reported to General Williams, and 
requested to be returned to our own brigade and division. During the march from 
Savannah to this point, we have been assisting the Second Division in guarding trains, 
picket and guard duty. 

"February 10th. Received orders from General Williams, commanding corps, to 
rejoin our own brigade. Marched to Blackville, thence six miles west along the 

44 



346 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



was moved up in line of battle on the right and left of the Ealeigh 
road, cavalry protecting both flanks. The skirmishers soon became 

Augusta and Charleston Railroad to Ninety-six Mile Turnout, where we found our 
brigade, and we are once more at our military home in the Second Brigade, First 
Division, still commanded by Colonel Hawley. General Kilpatrick, with his cavalry 
command, is on our left, threatening Augusta, Georgia. The whole movement of the 
army has been from the city of Savannah, on both sides of the river, to Sister's Ferry, 
and thence on the north side of the river, threatening Augusta on the left, Charleston 
on the right, destroying the railroad between. We leave the enemy concentrated in 
each place, and now turn to the north, moving in the direction of Columbia, South 
Carolina — having moved the trains in safety to this point. 

"February 11th. Crossed south fork of the Edisto River at Duncan's Bridge, 
marching fifteen miles in a direction first east and then northwest. 

"February 12th. Marched eleven miles north to within one and a half miles of the 
north fork of the Edisto River. 

"February 13th. Crossed the north fork of the Edisto River at Jephcoates Bridge, 
marching ten miles north. 

"February 14th. We are still in the sandy region, but find sufficient supplies. 
Each regiment is sending out a forage party equal to about one company, who supply 
the regiment with pork, sweet potatoes, flour and sorghum syrup. Captain Guyer has 
been detailed to command our detachment — being an experienced officer and in every 
respect reliable. We marched six miles north, when the regiment was put on picket 
at Lexington Court House and Columbia Cross Roads while the corps train was pass- 
ing; about four o'clock, p. m., we moved forward after the train, marched four miles 
to camp for the night ; we have had a severe, cold storm during the afternoon. 

"February 15th. Marched at twelve o'clock, m., in northwesterly direction ten 
miles, to within two miles of Lexington Court House, which Ave reached and bivouacked 
at about twelve o'clock, midnight ; the roads bad with clay soil. 

" February 16th. Started at half-past seven o'clock, a. in., our division on the right 
marching without trains, taking the road directly towards Columbia, leaving Lexington 
Court House on our left; marched to within four miles of Columbia, crossing a rail- 
road that had been projected and graded to connect Columbia, South Carolina, and 
Augusta, Georgia. The right wing, between us and Columbia, shelled the city during 
the afternoon ; bivouacked after marching eleven miles. 

"February 17th. Started at eight o'clock, a. m.; our regiment on the right of the 
brigade, turned to the right, marched north four miles in the direction of Zion's Church, 
which is about six miles northwest of the city of Columbia, and the point where our 
wing crossed the Saluda River, one of the branches of the Congaree River. The Four- 
teenth Corps being in advance of us, we halted for them to cross ; at a quarter-past 
eleven o'clock, a. m., the skirmishers of the Fifteenth Corps crossed two miles below, 
and entered the city of Columbia. The old flag was once more placed upon the State 
House, amid the cheers of soldiers and the playing of national airs by our bands. At 
ten o'clock, p. m., we crossed the river, marched one mile and encamped for the night 
on the peninsula formed by the Saluda and Broad Rivers. 

"February 18th. Marched at three o'clock, p. m., aboutsix miles innortherly direc- 
tion towards Alston, a railroad junction of the Greenville and Spartansburg Railroad. 

"February 19th. Marched at eleven o'clock, a. m., about seven miles further 
towards Alston ; bivouacked near Broad River. 

"February 20th. Started at seven o'clock, a. m., crossed Broad River, a rapid stream 
six hundred and sixty feet wide, on pontoon bridge; soon came to Columbia and Alston 
Railroad, which is of the stringer track, and very poor ; crossed the Little River, march- 
ing in all eight miles north in the direction of Winnsborough ; passed through a pleas- 
ant, hilly country and found large quantities of provision and forage. It is amusing to 
discover the efforts of the people to hide away valuables of various kinds, in every con- 



THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 



347 



engaged, gradually driving the enemy until they came upon an en- 
trenched line, when, the position being a strong one and our force 

ceivable place, but to no purpose, as our men have become adepts in the business of 
discovering everything worth having. When discovered, the owners mourn the loss 
greatly. The brave South Carolinians do not bear their privations with the fortitude 
exhibited by the Georgians. 

"February 21st. Started at ten o'clock, a. m., marched in a northerly direction 
eight miles to the city of Winnsborough, the county town of Fairfax County— a place 
of one thousand one hundred inhabitants in 1880. There was considerable cotton here- 
We are in a rich cotton-raising district, which we always destroy wherever we find it. 
We have already destroyed many thousand bales. We found the Second Division 
(General Geary's) destroying the track of the railroad running from Columbia to Dan- 
ville and Richmond, Virginia. Marched east two miles and encamped for the night. 
Again the programme changes. From the Charleston and Augusta Railroad, we have 
been moving north, burning cotton and other valuables, destroying the railroads in 
the vicinity of Columbia in every direction, and have moved so far north from Columbia 
as to induce the belief on the part of the rebels that we are going to Charlotte. They 
have accordingly concentrated their forces there. From this point we again now move 
east, leave the rebels on our left. It will probably take them some little time to learn 
of the change as our (bummers) foragers are out so far in every direction that it is 
always difficult to tell our plans — particularly as General Sherman keeps his own 
counsels. It is related of him that when asked by a prominent general officer where he 
was going next, he replied: 'If my shirt on my back knew where I was going I 
would take it off and burn it,' and this is the secret of his success. 

"February 22d. Started at half-past six o'clock, p. m. ; our regiment guarding 
eighty wagons ; marched about nineteen miles in an easterly direction ; the march 
was a hard one, as the country is very hilly, and we scarcely halted during the whole 
day until five o'clock, p. m., when we went into camp. Foraging parties are abundantly 
supplied with chickens, hogs, bacon and potatoes, and we are now filling our wagons 
for future use. No other rations, except those gleaned from the country have been 
issued for about fifteen days — thus saving the Government millions of dollars. Passed 
many splendid mansions and plantations. The Second Division is still destroying 
the railroad. 

" February 23d. Started at half-past six o'clock, a. in., crossed the river at Rocky 
Mount ; built a road on east bank, which was very steep, and had a hard time getting 
the train along as it rained hard. We have marched but three miles at noon and have 
gone into camp to enable the train to get across. We are now moving in an easterly 
direction towards Camden. 

"February 24th. Started at seven o'clock, a. m., in a severe storm; marched a 
mile on the wrong road ; countermarched, and then marched two miles further and 
found the road we designed to take occupied by the Seventeenth Corps, making about 
two miles in the direction we designed going, and encamped for the night. Not a 
pleasant operation, the boys say, however, 'it's all in your three years.' 

" February 25th. The storm continues. The Fourteenth Corps cannot move their 
train, and we wait for them without moving to-day. 

" February 28th. Started at four o'clock, p. m. ; marched about six miles in a north- 
easterly direction ; corduroyed most of the distance ; (we are often obliged to corduroy 
the whole distance marched in a day by rails and young trees;) our brigade acted 
as rear-guard; encamped at eleven o'clock, p. m., about three miles from Hanging 
Rock. 

"February 27th. Started at half-past six o'clock, a. m. ; marched four miles, as 
rear-guard, past Hanging Rock, and over Hanging Rock Creek, road hilly and bad ; 
encamped about eleven o'clock, a. m., to allow the Fourteenth Corps to overtake us. 

" February 28th. Regiment mustered at half-past seven o'clock, a, m. ; started at 



348 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



small, it was not deemed prudent to hazard an assault until the 
arrival of other troops. The column accordingly halted in a piece 

twelve o'clock, m. ; guarded about forty wagons. After marching two miles in this 
manner, we were assembled to corduroy the road, which was in very bad condition, 
owing to the rain of last night. "We have once more reached the sandy region and are 
among the swamps ; find the country more level ; we have again passed from the 
primary to tertiary formations; marched about seven miles to-day, crossed Little 
Lynch' s Creek, and encamped at six o'clock, p. m. 

"March 1st. Started at half-past six o'clock, a. m. ; our division in the advance; 
marched without guarding train ; crossed Lynch' s Creek — quite a stream — at Millers 
Bridge; made seventeen miles to Chesterfield Court House, passing though pine 
forests, in which are some scrubby oaks of small size, hollow and rotten ; when about 
two miles from Chesterfield, the First Brigade commenced to skirmish with the 
enemy, our brigade supporting them in line of battle. The rebels were thus driven 
from the town ; they, however, occupied the bridge over Thompson's Creek beyond. 
The Second Massachussetts Regiment of our brigade was deployed as skirmishers, and 
our (Thirteenth) regiment supported them in driving the rebels from the bridge across 
the creek and up the hill beyond, which was handsomely done. Wc then returned to 
within a quarter of a mile of the town and^ncamped for the night. Two of our men 
were captured to-day by the enemy — wearing blue uniforms. W T e have captured 
eighteen of the enemy, who seem very much discouraged, and say it is useless to fight 
longer. We are also having some of our escaped prisoners come into our lines, which 
is very gratifying. Did not move until 

"March 3d. Marched at three o'clock, p. m., across the river, on the road east 
towards Cheraw. At this point we learned that the rebels had evacuated that place, 
(Cheraw,) and we filed to the left and marched across the fields, one mile to Sneeds- 
borough road, and encamped for the night. 

" March 4th. Started at three o'clock, p. m. ; marched seven miles in a northeasterly 
direction; the roads in bad condition; had to be corduroyed, and the trains assisted 
through the mud; we did not reach camping ground until eleven o'clock, p. m. 

" March 5th. Did not march to-day. 

"March 6th. Started at eight o'clock, a. m. ; marched one mile in a northeasterly 
direction to the line between North and South Carolina, where we struck the Wades- 
borough and Cheraw plank road ; thence marched along the same in a southeasterly 
direction nine miles to Cheraw, formerly a place of about three thousand inhabitants ; 
remained outside the city for about four hours, then marched through the city in 
column by company, with bands playing and colors flying. We halted near the bank 
of the Great Pee Dee River — a river of considerable size — until nine o'clock, a. m., 
waiting for other corps to cross the river. We then crossed, marched about four miles 
and a half through a swampy country and encamped about midnight — having marched 
fifteen miles, and crossed the projected railroad from Cheraw to Charlotte, being an 
extension of the road from Charleston to Florence. 

"March 7th. Started about eight o'clock, a. m., marched fifteen miles to a railroad, 
(the Wilmington, Lamb Hill and Charlotte Railroad,) running from Wilmington 
towards Charlotte, about one hundred and six miles from Wilmington. (The rails 
from the east end had been taken up and the road extended to the northwest.) W T e 
destroyed the road and large quantities of cotton. 

"March 8th. Started at nine o'clock, a. m. ; crossed the railroad (Wilmington, 
Lamb Hill and Charlotte,) in a severe storm; we were guarding sixty-six wagons; 
roads very bad ; passed through many 'pine orchards ;' are in the richest part of the 
turpentine district of the State of North Carolina; marched about fifteen miles, 
passing to the right of Rockingham, and encamped about seven o'clock, p. m. The 
men seem to realize that they have passed out of South Carolina and do not destroy 
by fire or otherwise if it can be avoided. 



THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 



349 



of woods, but was at once opened upon with artillery, the missiles, 
however, inflicting no damage, and their guns being soon silenced 

"March 9th. Started at eight o'clock, a. m. ; marched four miles; bridge over 
Little Pee Dee or Lumber River destroyed, and halted while it was rebuilt. Part of 
the train crossed that day, but the continued severe storms — one of the severest 
during the service — made the roads in such a condition that there seems to be no 
bottom to them. The wagons stuck in every direction, the train could not be got 
into park and we encamped about midnight on the roadside, and enjoyed one of the 
roughest nights during 'the three years.' 

"March 10th. Started at six o'clock, a. m. ; the men were without rations, the 
country being poor and our foragers unsuccessful ; marched about two miles to the 
river at Blue Bridge; mud from ankle to knee deep ; guarding train, and corduroying 
the road ; got some rations about noon ; marched eight miles further in a northeasterly 
direction, making ten miles in all ; cleared off during the afternoon. 

"March 11th. Started at half-past ten o'clock; moved forward rapidly without 
trains ; marched ten miles northeast to the plank road leading from Rockville to 
Fayetteville, crossing Rockfish Creek; thence ten miles east to within two miles 
of Fayetteville, where we encamped at ten o'clock, p. m. The place had been 
evacuated by about twenty-five thousand of the enemy who had declared their 
determination a week ago to defend the city to the last, but to-day left very suddenly, 
part going to Jonesborough and the balance to Raleigh. On the hill to the west of 
the city is the arsenal— one of the largest built by the United States Government, and 
covering about twenty acres. There are about twenty brick shops of various sizes for 
the manufacture of ordnance, where we found some of the original machinery of the 
arsenal, besides some that had been brought from Harper's Ferry by the rebels. 
These buildings and the dwellings, together with the machinery, ordinance manufac- 
tured, and materials for the manufacture, in all stages of completion, were all 
destroyed, most of them by the Michigan Engineers, with an ancient weapon— a 
battering-ram. We came so suddenly upon the enemy that they did not have time 
to remove any of it. The city has an old and dilapidated appearance ; formerly con 
tained about five thousand inhabitants. The rebels had destroyed six steamboats 
it being the head of navigation on the Cape Fear River. 

"March 12th. Steamer up the river from Wilmington with 'essential supplies.' 
Our, men wrote letters to send home; it was the first opportunity they had had in 
about forty days. Regiment did not move. 

" March 13th. Started at two o'clock, p. m., marched through the city in review before 
Generals Sherman and Slocum. The regiment presented a very fine appearance ; crossed 
the river on pontoon bridge about one hundred and ten yards wide, the rebels having 
destroyed the bridge when they left ; marched about four miles northeast — making six 
miles in all. We found much ill-feeling between the people of North and South Caro- 
lina. When the old North State hesitated about seceding from the Union, the South 
Carolinians proposed to ' come over and warm the tar heels,' and they felt very indig- 
nant about it. They now accuse the South Carolinians of acting in a cowardly manner 
at Fort Fisher, which was captured because they feared to come out of the bomb- 
proofs and fight the Yankees. General Sherman issued an order that brigade command- 
ers send in the names of officers to be brevetted for gallant and meritorious services in 
the recent campaign. Colonel Hawley sent in the names of Major Harris, commanding 
regiment, to be brevetted Colonel, and Quartermaster Byrne and Lieutenant Duncan, 
both on brigade staff, to be Captains by brevet. 

"March 14th. The brigade has not moved to-day. Our regiment was detailed, 
together with the Second Massachusetts Volunteers, to make a reconnoissance and to 
get corn and forage for the brigade animals ; about twelve o'clock, m., we started with 
five wagons, marched north on Raleigh plank road about seven miles, then marched 
east about three miles, loaded wagons and reached camp of brigade about ten o'clock, 
p. m.— having marched twenty miles and discovered the enemy's position. 



s 



350 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



by our guns. The skirmishers having exhausted their ammunition, 
were relieved by another detail from the Thirteenth Regiment, who 
were, however, presently withdrawn, the brigade being relieved by 
the Third Brigade, Third Division of the corps, and sent into posi- 
tion its right. The command was then again advanced, with their 
skirmishers in front of each company, until the enemy's line was 
reached, and the skirmishers became engaged, whereupon the Third 
Brigade also advanced, and finding no enemy in front flanked the 
rebel works, opening an enfilading fire along their lines. At the 
first volley, the Second Brigade simultaneously advancing its lines, 
the rebels broke and fell back to a new line of works, stretching 
from Cape Fear River to Black Creek, the possession of which was 
of vital importance to the enemy. Without delay, our line was 
pushed forward in pursuit, the skirmishers again speedily becoming 
engaged ; but the enemy holding his ground with stubborn tenacity, 
about two o'clock: p. m., an advance of our whole line was ordered. 
In this movement, the Thirteenth passed through a deep swamp, 
driving the rebel skirmishers rapidty into their works, and halting 
some two hundred yards from their position, where a line of earth- 
works was hastily thrown up, after a severe engagement in which 
it lost two men killed and twenty-two wounded — many of the latter 
severely. Later in the day, the brigade was relieved and passed to 
the rear, expecting to renew the fight on the morrow, but the enemy 
during the night evacuated the position, and next day the Thir- 
teenth, resuming its advance, passed through his evacuated works. 
During the 18th, it pushed forward in the direction of Goldsborough, 

"March 15th. Started at eight o'clock, a. m., marched again north on Raleigh 
plank road about eleven miles, encamped near the hank of Cape Fear River at about three 
o'clock, p.m., and prepared for the night. At eight o'clock, p.m., however, the brigade 
was moved rapidly forward about four miles, to near Averysborough, in the rain and 
over roads in an execrable condition to support Kilpatrick's cavalry, who had met the 
enemy's infantry at that point. "We reached his position at midnight. The movement 
to-day is without trains ; these have been sent to the right, with the Second Division 
as guard, so that the Fourteenth Corps and the First and Third Divisions of our corps, 
with the cavalry, are moving directly north in the direction of Raleigh, up the penin- 
sula formed by the Cape Fear River and Black Creek. The object of this movement 
was to bring the rebels out of Goldsborough by threatening Raleigh, when the right 
wing of the army was to occupy Goldsborough and we to follow to that place. This 
we accomplished, but instead of their marching to Raleigh to defend that place they 
concentrated a considerable force in our front at this point. Were ordered to be ready 
to move at daylight." 



THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 



351 



corduroying the road as it advanced, and on the 19th, being with 
its brigade in the advance of the corps, received orders to move 
rapidly in the direction of Bentonville, near which Slocum's column 
had developed the whole of the rebel army under Johnston's imme- 
diate command, and the day previous had suffered some damage at 
their hands. Beaching a point three miles distant from Bentonville, 
the Second Brigade was at once formed (in rear of the Fourteenth 
Corps, which was already engaged,) with the right resting on the 
road to Goldsborough, and at right angles to that road, on ground 
from which the enemy, whose main line of works was behind Mill 
Creek, had been driven. After remaining in this position for some 
time, the brigade was moved some live hundred yards to the left, 
crossing a narrow ravine and swamp, and placed in two lines on the 
right of the front line of battle, and left of the ravine — the Thirteenth 
being in rear of the Second Massachusetts regiment, in reserve, in 
column by division closed in mass. Here, it assisted in building- 
breastworks, the firing on the left of the front line of the Fourteenth 
Corps meanwhile growing heavier, and the sound of musketry 
coming momentarily nearer, indicating that the advanced line was 
falling back. At this juncture, Major Harris was directed by the 
brigade commander to deploy, and place the regiment on the other, 
or right side of the ravine, using his judgment as to the best posi- 
tion, as rapidly as possible, and, once in position, to construct 
such defenses as could be quickly made. This order was promptly 
obeyed, the line being formed on the edge of the ravine as nearly 
on a prolongation^ of the brigade-line as the nature of the ground 
would admit, and the men at once commencing to construct a de* 
fense of rails and such other materials as were at hand. It soon 
became evident, however, from the firing, and the number of strag- 
glers from the Fourteenth Corps, who were falling back in the 
utmost confusion, that the front line, whose rear the Thirteenth was 
designed to protect, had given way, and it was seen at a glance that 
unless the tide could be turned, a great disaster might result. The 
most strenuous efforts were therefore made to arrest the progress of 
the fugitives and turn them into the line of the Thirteenth on the 
right, in order to connect it with the brigade, some four hundred 



\ 



352 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



yards distant, but this, owing to their demoralization, was found to 
be impossible, and the right flank of the regiment continuing thus 
exposed, it became necessary to form it at right angles with the 
main line, which was accordingly done, the rails used as breast- 
works being hastily removed to the new position, and the Eighty - 
.second Illinois Eegiment coming in on the right and continuing 
the line. All these movements, of course, required time, and the 
defenses were scarcely completed when the rebels appeared, moving 
forward in three lines of battle, from a belt of woods into a cleared 
field a short distance on our left, on the opposite side of the ravine. 
Apparently, they were unconscious of the position of the Thirteenth, 
or underrated its strength and courage, and advanced in handsome 
style right into the jaws of disaster. Waiting until they had ap- 
proached within two hundred yards of its position, the Thirteenth 
suddenly opened upon them, the fire partly enfilading their lines 
and instantly throwing them into confusion. Speedily, however, 
re-forming, they again attempted to advance, but a second volley 
from the Thirteenth caused them to fall back a second time in dis- 
order. Eepeated efforts were now made to re-form their lines, but 
they were as often broken by the withering fire of our men, poured 
into their ranks with deliberate and unerring aim, and finally, dis- 
spirited and demoralized, they fell back a confused rabble, leaving 
their dead and wounded on the field, and the Thirteenth masters of 
the position. So severely was the enemy punished that while 
efforts were made to break our line at other points, he carefully 
refrained from any demonstrations in front of tr^e Thirteenth, and 
other troops coming up during the night, he two days after de- 
camped without any further attempt to stay our progress. 

The action of the Thirteenth in this, the last battle of the war, 
was throughout of the most gallant character. Had the regiment 
failed to hold its position, either through incapacity on the part of 
its officers or want of steadiness among the men ; had the line 
given way under pressure of the stragglers from the front and 
fallen in with the ebbing tide, the battle must almost inevitably 
have been lost and the final victory over Johnston's army delayed 
perhaps for weeks. Johnston, with forty thousand men, had 



THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT. 



858 



hurried to Bentonville from Smitbfield with great rapidity, and 
without unnecessary wheels, with the specific design of overwhelm- 
ing Slocum before he could get up supports, and had he succeeded 
in defeating the latter and the supports already up when the battle 
was joined, it is easy to see that the reinforcements which arrived 
after the fight must have fared badly at his hands. That he did 
not succeed in his purpose was owing to the Thirteenth New Jersey 
Regiment more largely than to any other regiment or brigade of 
the army, and those who were cognizant of the circumstances were 
not slow to admit the fact. Corps, division and brigade command 
ers alike united in commending the conduct of the regiment. Col- 
onel Hawley, commanding the brigade, addressing the regiment, 
said openly and unqualifiedly, " You are entitled to the thanks of 
this whole army, for you have saved it," And he added, in the 
same strain of confidence and approval, " I have no orders to give, 
for I know you will hold j^our position without." 

During the 20th and 21st, the regiment remained in the position 
which it occupied on the 19th, strengthening its works in various 
ways, but on the 22d, the enemy having evacuated his position, it 
moved out with the army in pursuit. Goldsborough had meanwhile 
been occupied by the co-operating force under General Schofield, 
and on the 24th, the Thirteenth marched into that town with colors 
flying and drums beating, going into camp, after passing in review 
by Generals Sherman and Slocum, three miles north of the city 
limits. And here, after seventy days of marching, toiling and 
fighting, ended the campaign of the Carolinas, in which the army 
had built six hundred miles of corduroy road, captured and de- 
stroyed cotton and other property to the value of millions of dollars, 
broken all the vital communications of the enemy, and made the 
mother-State of secession and rebellion feel in every nerve and 
fibre the war which she had causelessly provoked. 

The Thirteenth remained at Goldsborough until April 10th 
engaged in various duties, and re-fitting preparatory to a further 
movement. On the 26th of March, Major Harris was mustered in 
as Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment, and Sergeant Bodwell, of 
Company E, as First Lieutenant of his company. On the 28th 3 
45 



V 



354 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



the regiment participated in a forage expedition, which resulted 
very successfully. About this time, Colonel Carman rejoined the 
command, but was detailed by General Slocum to proceed to Nash- 
ville, Tennessee, and secure the property belonging to the corps, 
remaining at that point. Lieutenant-Colonel Harris being ordered to 
the hospital at Kewberne on account of fever contracted during the 
last campaign, the regiment was placed in command of Captain 
Arey, now commissioned Major. On the 10th of April, the news 
of the fall of Richmond having reached the army, Sherman, whose 
plans were already matured, he set all his columns in motion against 
the enemy, then concentrated about Smithfield, the Twentieth 
Corps entering that place, Johnston withdrawing across the Neuse 
Eiver on the following day. Dropping all trains, Sherman marched 
rapidly in pursuit to and through Raleigh, the Thirteenth reaching 
that place on the 13th in a heavy rain, and thence pushing on to 
Martha's Vineyard, near Cape Fear River, Johnston, meanwhile, 
retreating rapidly on the roads from Hillsborough to Greens- 
borough. But here the advance was suddenly arrested. On the 
14th, after all the dispositions for an advance on Raleigh had been 
completed, Sherman received a communication from Johnston, by 
a flag of truce, requesting an armistice, with a statement of the 
best terms on which he would be permitted to surrender the army 
under his command. Sherman at once dispatched an answer to 
this request, and a meeting of the two commanders being had, terms 
of capitulation were agreed upon, both armies meanwhile lying idle. 
The memorandum or basis thus agreed upon was immediately sent 
to Washington, where, upon due consideration by the President 
and Cabinet, it was disapproved, and General Sherman directed 
to resume hostilities at the earliest moment. The latter, accordingly, 
(April 24th,) notified General Johnston that at the end of two days 
the truce must terminate ; but on the day following, a renewal of 
negotiations was asked for, and on the 26th final terms were con- 
cluded, and the second grand army of the rebellion was surrendered 
to the power of the Union which it had hoped to destroy. 

The Thirteenth had fought its last battle ; the war was ended ; 
peace was orce more smiling over the land. Now all that remained 



THE THIKTEENTH REGIMENT. 



355 



was to march, homeward, and lay off the laurels so bravely won. 
On the 29th, the Thirteenth moved out from its camp in the direc- 
tion of Eichmond, reaching that city May 9th ; thence proceeding 
to Fairfax Seminary, where it remained until the 24th, when, after 
participating in the review of "Sherman's Army," in which it 
attracted much attention, it marched to Bladensburg, about four 
miles from Washington, and went into camp. On the 6th of June, 
General Williams having left the division, Colonel Carman, now 
Brigadier-General, was placed in command, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Harris having command of the brigade, and Major Arey of the 
regiment. On the 9th, transportation having been provided, the 
regiment took cars at Washington for Newark, reaching the latter 
city on the 10th, and after a welcome from the Mayor, proceeded to 
the " Ward" United States Hospital, where the men deposited their 
arms, and then separated to their homes. On the 15th, the regiment 
paraded the city, at the request of a committee of the municipal 
council, and subsequently partook of a dinner provided by the 
citizens. On the 26th, the last man of the command was mustered 
out, and the Thirteenth Regiment, which on so many fields had 
fought bravely and well for the flag of their Fathers, ceased to exist. 
But the memory of its deeds remains as a legacy to the State it 
honored ; and this will grow brighter and brighter as the nation 
learns more and more the real value, the inestimable preciousness 
of the results it helped to achieve. 



CHAPTEE XII. 



THE FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. 

The Fourteenth Regiment was mustered into the service of the 
United States on the 26th of August, 1862, and left Freehold for 
the field, nine hundred and fifty strong, on the 2d of September. 
The regiment was composed of excellent material and was finely 
officered, William S. Truex, who had been Major of the Fifth, and 
subsequently Lieutenant-Colonel of the Tenth Regiment, being 
Colonel, and Caldwell K. Hall, who had been Adjutant of the Fifth, 
Lieutenant-Colonel, while among the officers of the line there were 
men of the very highest courage and soldierly qualifications. 1 
Reaching Baltimore, the regiment was dispatched by rail to Fred- 
erick Junction, fifty-eight miles distant on the Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad, for the purpose of guarding Monocacy Bridge, a costly 
iron structure across Monocacy River. Here, almost immediately 
upon its arrival, information was received that the advance of Lee's 

1 The roster of the regiment was as follows : 

Colonel, WilliamS. Truex; Lieutenant-Colonel, Caldwell K. Hall; Major, P. Vred- 
enburg, Jr.; Adjutant, F. Lemuel Buckalew ; Quartermaster, Enoch L. Co wart; Sur- 
geon, Ambrose Treganowan ; Assistant-Surgeons, Joseph B. Martin, Herbert B. Cham- 
bre; Chaplain, Frank B. Eose. Company A — Captain, Austin H. Patterson; First 
Lieutenant, Frederick W. Kerner ; Second Lieutenant, Charles M. Bartruff. Company 
B— Captain, Benjamin F. Craig ; First Lieutenant, Budd S. Bodine ; Second Lieutenant, 
Tenadore Woodward. Company C— Captain, Chauncey Harris; First Lieutenant, 
Ebenezer Muddell ; Second Lieutenant, Joseph W. Waker. Company D — Captain, 
James W. Conover ; First Lieutenant, Henry J. Conine ; Second Lieutenant, William 
H. Craig. Company E— Captain, James L. Bodwell ; First Lieutenant, Isaac S. Ting- 
ley; Second Lieutenant, James O. Bedell. Company F— Captain, Ealph B. Goudy; 
First Lieutenant, John C. Patterson ; Second Lieutenant, Samuel C. Bailey. Company 
G— Captain, John V. Allstrom ; First Lieutenant, George W. Patterson ; Second Lieu- 
tenant, William W. Conover. Company if— Captain, Symmes H. Stults ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Marcus A. Stults; Second Lieutenant, William D. Connolly. Company I— 
Captain, Samuel Eoss ; First Lieutenant, Joseph J. Hawk ; Second Lieutenant, Theo- 
dore J. Green. Company K— Captain, Jacob J. Janeway ; First Lieutenant, Henry D. 
Book^taver ; Second Lieutenant, Lewis A. Hoffman. 



THE FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. 



357 



army had crossed into Maryland and was moving upon Frederick. 
The Fourteenth was at once ordered to fall back, and a coal train 
being seized, the command was transferred to Elysville, twenty -one 
miles from Baltimore, where it remained for ten days, doing guard 
and picket-duty. The withdrawal from Monocacy was not effected 
a moment too soon, the advance of the rebels reaching that point 
only one hour after the departure of the regiment. As he advanced 
the enemy burned the bridge at Monocacy and laid waste the 
country, but being overtaken and beaten at South Mountain and 
Antietam, he was compelled on the night of the 18th to retreat 
across the Potomac. Meanwhile, the Fourteenth Eegiment; was 
ordered to return to Monocacy and rebuild the bridge, and reaching 
that place on the 17th, the work was vigorously commenced and 
soon completed to the satisfaction of those in command. Here, for 
nine months, the regiment remained inactive. During the winter, 
a great deal of sickness prevailed among the men, and seventy -five 
deaths occurred, the rations being poor, and the sanitary condi- 
tions of the camp unfavorable. The regiment, however, steadily 
improved in drill and discipline ; and as the men grew accustomed 
to the hardships of the soldier's life, the number of the sick grad- 
ually diminished and the efficiency of the command proportionately 
increased. During the month of January, 1863, two companies 
were detailed as guards along the railroad, one (E) being stationed 
at Monrovia, seven miles from the camp, and the other (K) at 
Mount Airy, fourteen miles from camp. About the same "time, 
Colonel Truex was appointed Acting Brigadier-General, with head- 
quarters at Frederick City, and the Third Delaware Eegiment and 
Purnell Legion being temporarily brigaded with the Fourteenth, 
all were placed under his command, Lieutenant- Colonel Hall com- 
manding the latter. Early in the spring, six companies were 
detached from the regiment (Companies B and G being left at Mon- 
ocacy) and sent to Martinsburg, for the purpose of reinforcing 
General Milroy, who was threatened by the enemy, but no attack 
being made, the detachment six weeks later returned to camp. But 
the regiment was not to remain much longer inactive. Lee's army 
having again moved, after the battle of Cbancellorsville, in the 



358 NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 

direction of the Potomac, the Fourteenth was early in Jun£ ordered 
to the front, and proceeding to Harper's Ferry, took position on 
Maryland Heights. Here it remained for two weeks, the men 
working on the fortifications and performing other duty. General 
Meade, however, immediately upon his succession to the command 
of the Army of the Potomac, ordered the evacuation of the Heights, 
and on the 30th of June the division in possession (commanded by 
General French) abandoned the position and proceeded towards 
Frederick City, whence, after various unimportant movements, it 
was ordered to march to the relief of Meade's army, now engaged 
with the enemy at Gettysburg. Reaching Boonsborough Gap, by 
way of which it was supposed the rebels, now in retreat, would 
retire, the division formed in line of battle, but, Lee having pur- 
sued another route, did not become engaged. 2 On the 9th of July, 
leaving the Gap, the division, now assigned to the Third Army 
Corps and designated as Third Division, marched to the front, join- 
ing the main army, whose fortunes it shared from that time forward 
to the close of the war. 

On the afternoon of the 17th, Lee having safely effected his with- 
drawal, the Fourteenth (with its division) crossed the Potomac at 
Edward's Ferry, and after various movements reached Bealton 
Station, where it went into camp, not having been engaged in any 
of the conflicts which attended the pursuit of the enemy. The 
brigade was now the largest in the corps ; the Fourteenth numbered 
eight hundred men ; the Tenth Vermont, nine hundred men, com- 
manded by Colonel Henry ; and the One Hundred and Fifty -first 
New York, nine hundred men, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel 
Bowen, in all two thousand six hundred men. The troops remained 
in camp along the Rappahannock for five weeks — the rebel army 
meanwhile lying quietly in camp at Culpepper. On the 15th of 
September, however, the calm was again broken, the corps crossing 
the Rappahannock and Hazel Rivers, and taking position near 
Culpepper Court House, where it remained until October 10th, 



2 At this time, the Fourteenth was brigaded with the One Hundred and Fifty-first 
New York, Sixth New York Heavy Artillery and Tenth Vermont, commanded by 
Brigadier-General Morris. 



THE FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. 



359 



when, the enemy advancing from Madison Court House on our 
right, Meade fell back across the Rappahannock. Here the Four- 
teenth was detailed for picket-duty, but the rebels still advancing in 
heavy force, it was withdrawn after a day's service, and with the 
army, continued the retrograde movement to Centreville Heights, 
lossing forty men taken prisoners during the march. Lee, however, 
failed in his movement, and having in turn fallen back, our army 
again advanced, the Third Corps reaching Catlett's Station on the 
21st of October. On the 30th, the corps again moved forward, 
marching seven miles and encamping near Bealton Station, where, 
on November 7th, it advanced to the Eappahannock, along which 
the enemy were constructing formidable works, and with the other 
corps engaged, effected a crossing, driving the enemy from the river 
with considerable loss. After a halt of a few days at Brandy Sta- 
tion, the corps again advanced, crossing the Eapidan, and overtak- 
ing the enemy at Locust Grove, a dense forest of pine trees, where 
he was strongly posted. At this time the brigade to which the 
Fourteenth was attached (the First of the Third division,) had the 
advance, and skirmishers being sent out, it soon became engaged, 
the men fighting bravely for four hours, at one time charging with 
great gallantry, and driving the rebels from their position with 
a loss of several prisoners. The Fourteenth, which had never 
before been actively engaged, fought with great steadiness through- 
out. Two companies (B and K,) being on the extreme left of the 
line, became separated from the regiment, and not having the order 
to fall back when relieved, remained in action for a full hour longer 
than the rest of the command, only retiring when their ammunition 
was exhausted. The loss of the regiment was sixteen killed and 
fifty-eight wounded (one report says fourteen killed and forty-nine 
wounded,)— its first losses in battle." Darkness coming on, the 

3 " General Morris rode to the front, congratulating the men for their bravery; in a 
few words he told them that as new troops, a brigade never fought better ; that they 
had accomplished all that was desired of them." — Sergeant TerriWs History of the 
Fourteenth Regiment. 

Among the killed were five members of Company H, that company suffering more 
heavily than any other in killed, while Company A lost most severely in wounded. 
The killed were Nathaniel W. Hawkinson, Barzillai Taylor, Henry C. Wilson, Michael 
Laven, Robert Farron, John White, Elliott Fields, Alfred Carman, Elwood Silvers, 



360 



NEW" JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



enemy retired to their position at Mine Eun, towards which our 
forces at once advanced, but Ms works being found of a most for- 
midable character, an assault, at first contemplated, was abandoned. 
General Meade, on the 1st of December, ordered a withdrawal across 
the Eapidan, which was at once effected without serious molesta-* 
tion, and four days after, the Fourteenth went into winter-quarters at 
Brandy Station — occupying an old rebel camp. At this time, the 
regiment numbered but six hundred men fit for duty — three hun- 
dred and fifty less than when it entered the field. Nearly one 
hundred had died, sixteen had been killed in battle, some were on 
detached service, some were in hospital, while a few had deserted. 
During the winter a deep religious feeling was awakened in the 
regiment, and many, under the faithful counsels of Chaplain Eose, 
were brought to a saving knowledge of Christian truth. Eegimental 
churches were built of logs, covered with tents furnished by the 
Sanitary Commission, and tracts, books and papers were freely 
distributed daily by men interested in the cause. 4 

Cornelius Boorasm, Peter Rue, Thomas Vanhise, Jefferson Rogers, Abraham Perdun 
and David Gallagher. 

The following complimentary order was issued by General Morris, under date of 
December 1st : 

" The Brigade commander deems it his gratifying duty, to express to the officers and 
men of the Fourteenth New Jersey Volunteers, commanded by Colonel William S. 
Truex, his appreciation of their bravery and endurance throughout the engagement on 
the 27th of November. 

"The occasion was one which presented the perils of the battle-field in the most 
discoui aging form. It was necessary to form the line of battle in a dense woods, and 
at the base of a hill, with the enemy in position on its crest, protected by breastworks. 
The regiment was imder fire for three hours, and for a portion of that time the cross- 
fire of the enemy's rifles made rapid and terrible havoc in the ranks. Its duty being 
to hold the line without advancing beyond a limited distance, the regiment performed 
its entire mission, drove the enemy from the crest, and held it until their ammunition 
was exhausted, and the veterans of the First Division arrived to relieve them. 

" Our distinguished division and corps commanders, have spoken of the regiment in 
terms of high commendations. 

" The brigade commander is proud to lead such gallant and patriotic hearts. 

' ' By command of Brigadier-General Morris. ' ' 

4 Sergeant Terrill in his history of the Fourteenth says ; 

" A great many who were converted were killed in the ensuing battles of the coming 
campaign, which was destined to be the hardest ever witnessed. Tools were furnished 
the men in abundance, and tents and churches rapidly erected. A pioneer corps was 
also organized for each brigade. The tools were packed in boxes, and carried on 
mules, slung across their backs. During active service they were to march ahead of 
the troops, cleai'ing the way ; also to bridge streams and ditches ; build officers' tents, 
and to make themselves useful in various ways. The troops were now taught to 



THE FOUKTEENTH REGIMENT. 



361 



Nothing disturbed the monotony of winter-quarters until the 6th 
of February, when the corps moved out and engaged the enemy at 
Culpepper Ford, but was unable to effect a crossing of the river, 
Lee being discovered in position, with his line extending from the 
Eapidan to Orange Court House. During the month of March, 
General Grant having been placed in chief command, the army 
of the Potomac was re-organized. The Third Corps being broken 
up, the Third Division (to which the Fourteenth was attached) was 
placed in the Sixth Corps, being at the same time reduced to two 
brigades instead of three. The Fourteenth still remained in the 
First Brigade, now consisting of the Tenth Vermont, One Hundred 
and Sixth and One Hundred and Fifty-first New York and Eighty- 
seventh Pennsylvania. 

At length, on the 3d of May, 1864, orders were issued for a for- 
ward movement, and on the following morning the whole army 
commenced its grand advance against the enemy, now concentrated 
at the Wilderness. Here, early on the 5th, our advance under 
Warren met and engaged the enemy, the battle raging furiously 
all day, Sedgwick's Corps, reaching the field, went into action shortly 
after noon, the Third Brigade of the Third Division being sent to 
reinforce the center. Here the Fourteenth was engaged for several 
hours, fighting gallantly and losing heavily. On the following day, 
the enemy attempting to turn our right flank, the battle was 
renewed and continued with great fury — the First Brigade still 
holding its position near the center, but losing few men. During 
the night, the enemy retired, when Grant advanced his columns 
with a view of concentrating around Spottsylvania Court House. 
Upon emerging from the Wilderness, Warren's Corps became 
actively engaged on the 8th with Longstreet's veterans, who sought 
to delay his progress, and the Sixth Corps going to his relief late 
in the afternoon, the Fourteenth again went into action, the enemy 
being driven back with a loss of one thousand five hundred men. 

manoeuvre by brigades and divisions; each afternoon was brigade-drill and dress- 
parade, the officers and men presenting a fine appearance, haying lain in camp long 
enough to get fixed up. Clothing was issued in abundance, and everything that was 
needed for an army was forwarded to the men.' 1 

46 



362 



]S T EW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



During the night the men hastily threw up breastworks, and during 
the whole of the following day heavy skirmishing was kept up, 
but without any, decisive results. General Morris having been 
wounded, Colonel Truex had now been placed temporarily in com- 
mand of the brigade. During the 10th and 11th the skirmishing 
continued, being followed on the 12th by a magnificent dash of 
Hancock's Corps and a desperate engagement along the entire line, 
the fighting being more murderous and deadly than in any previous 
battles, and resulting greatly to the damage of the enemy. The 
six follwing days were occupied in manceuvering and skirmishing 
at various points. On the night of the 21st, General Grant com- 
menced a flanking advance to the North Anna, and on the 24th, 
the Fourteenth crossed (with its corps) at Jericho Ford. Thence 
the brigade proceeded five miles to Nole's Station, forty miles from 
Gordonsville, and thirty from Eichmond, where it destroyed the 
Virginia Central Eailroad for a distance of eight miles, and returned 
to the corps without loss. General Grant having meanwhile found 
the enemy's position invulnerable, determined upon another flank 
movement, and accordingly, on the night of the 26th, cautiously 
withdrew from Lee's front, re-crossed the river unassailed, and, 
after pushing well east to avoid a demonstration on the flank of 
our long columns, while extended in movement, again turned south- 
ward and took the road to Eichmond. In this movement the 
Sixth Corps had the advance. Crossing the Pamunkej 7 , the army 
steadily advanced with heavy skirmishing to the Hanover Court 
House and Cold Harbor road, developing the enemy's position 
north of the Chickakominj\ Here, on the 31st, a general advance 
was ordered, resulting in the capture of a good part of the enemy's 
advanced line of rifle pits, our troops holding and bivouacking on 
the ground they had gained. During this engagement the Four- 
teenth was on the skirmish line, and lost several in killed and 
wounded — Orderly Black, of Company I, being shot through the 
heart and instantly killed, while Colonel Truex was slight! y 
wounded in the hand, but did not leave the field. 

On the morning of June 1st, the army resumed its advance, the 
Sixth Corps again in the rear. After a march of fifteen miles, the 



THE FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. 



363 



enemy's position at Cold Harbor was reached, and at live o'clock 
assault was delivered, the Third Division being in the advance 
with the Fourteenth in the front line. The enemy at this point 
was posted in a wood — -which concealed his strength — facing a 
level, open field. Across this field our men advanced with great 
spirit, under a heavy fire, and a terrific battle ensued, the losses on 
both sides being very heavy. The Fourteenth 5 suffered severely 
losing in two hours two hundred and forty in killed and wounded — 
Lieutenant Stults, of Company H, and Lieutenant Tingley, of Com- 
pany E, being among the former. The enemy being in overwhelm- 
ing force, our lines was obliged to fall back a short distance, en- 
trenching strongly during the night. Other corps being held in 
readiness now came up, getting into position for an attack on the 

5 Captain John C. Patterson supplies the following in reference to the fighting at 
Cold Harbor: 

"We moved out from our position at Crump's Creek on the evening of May 31st> 
marching all the night in the direction of Cold Harbor, and reaching there a little past 
twelve o'clock, m., June 1st, we were immediately formed inline, and our corps (Sixth) 
ordered to get ready for a charge. The bugle "sounded at about a quarter to five 
o'clock, p. m., and we dashed forward, my company on the right. We suffered 
severely, but getting through a slough we were soon upon the enemy, leaping the 
works, and putting him to route. I being on the right directed the movement. We 
pursued the rebels some sixty paces beyond their works, when I ordered a halt, finding 
that we were alone. (When I say alone, 1 mean companies D, F and a part of A.) 
I then formed the line, and passing to the left, found that we were broken from the 
rest of the regiment ; I then faced left, and moved off obliquely to rejoin the rest of 
the regiment to the left and rear. In moving along the enemy's works, I found the 
cause of the break in the regiment to be a bend in the works. As we sprang on the 
works, just at the bend, we saw the enemy in pretty strong force just above the 
bend firing at the rest of my regiment, I immediately called to the men to follow me, 
but the noise of battle, I suppose, prevented my call being heard. I then called for 
volunteers, and in answer fourteen brave boys sprang over the works, led by young 
Rodman M. Clark. I ordered the boys to fire a volley into the rebels as they stood 
packed together, which they did, and the most of them threw down their arms. At 
this point young Clark displayed great gallantry, dashing in among the rebs and 
commencing to disarm them. Some of them still kept firing at us, but all the while wc 
were disarming others. I ran up to the one I judged to be a superior officer, and 
placing my pistol at his head, told him if he did not have his men stop firing I would 
shoot him, whereupon he ordered them to cease. Before they did so, however, one 
scamp fired at me so closely that I felt the heat of the explosion in my face. The 
rebel officer proved to be a Major. I ordered him to pass to the rear, and then pro- 
ceeded, assisted by young Clark and the other boys, to secure as mdny prisoners as 
possible — our time being short, as we were feeling the fire of rebel reinforcements. 
In about ten to fifteen minutes, I secured and turned over to the Provost-Marshal 
one hundred and sixty-six men, including one Major, three Captains and three Lieu- 
tenants. I had one man killed and one badly wounded. 

"We remained at Cold Harbor, with severe sldrmishing, until June 7th, when 
we moved and crossed the James River." 



364 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



3d. At sunrise on that morning the enemy's works were again 
assaulted, and with no other substantial result than the loss of some 
thousands of men who had in vain dashed themselves heroically 
against an impregnable position. In this assault, the Fourteenth 
again lost several men. General Grant, now satisfied that the rebel 
works could not be carried, wisely decided to pass the Chickahom- 
iny far to Lee's right, and thence move across the James to demon- 
strate against Richmond from the south ; and accordingly, on the 
night of the 12th, the Fifth and Second Corps were put in motion, 
the Sixth guarding the rear and trains. Reaching Charles City 
Court House on the 13th, the corps crossed the James, the Third 
Division, forming the rear of the entire army, remaining on the 
banks of the river until all' the troops had passed. It was- then 
placed on transports and carried to Bermuda Hundred, whence, 
having disembarked, it marched to the front, uniting with Butler's 
army, then investing Petersburg. On the 21st, the corps was 
moved into position on the left with a view of finding and turning 
the enemy's right —cutting or holding the Weldon Railroad ; the 
Third Division again having the advance. Crossing the Norfolk 
and Petersburg Railroad, of which General Smith had already taken 
possession, the corps pushed steadily forward, reaching the TVeldon 
road on the 23d, and tearing up the track for some distance. Here, 
however, a large force of the enemy suddenly appeared on the 
scene and struck the corps a heavy blow on the flank, inflicting 
considerable loss, the Fourteenth, which became actively engaged, 
losing some forty men in killed and prisoners. Thus repulsed, the 
corps fell back to a new position, where earthworks were erected, 
and the troops, the rebels not pursuing, remained unmolested during 
the night. Meanwhile, General Wilson, who with two divisions of 
cavalry had moved against the enemy's communications, had struck 
the Weldon Railroad at Ream's Station, where he destroyed a long 
stretch of track, and passing thence westwardly, had reached and 
destroyed the track of the Lynchburg road for a distance of twenty- 
two miles, — reaching Dunkersville on the 23d, he had also torn up 
the Danville road for a considerable distance, but being confronted 
by a stronger force of the enemy than he could dislodge, he started 



THE FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. 



365 



on his return. By this time, the enemy was all around him, and 
on his striking the Weldon road at Stony Creek, assailed him with 
great fury, compelling him to move on the left with a view of reach- 
ing Ream's Station, which he supposed to be in our possession. The 
infantry movement, however, for that point, as we have seen, had 
failed,, and instead of finding friends, Wilson again encountered the 
enemy in heavy force — being, indeed, almost entirely surrounded. 
Information of his perilous position reaching General Meade, the 
Sixth Corps was at once (June 29th,) moved out to his support, 
reaching a point near the station late in the afternoon. The enemy, 
however, now retired, and after remaining at the station for three 
days, during which the Fourteenth New Jersey and One Hundred 
and Sixth New York were engaged in destroying the railroad, the 
column returned to its old position. 15 

While these movements were in progress around Richmond, Gen- 
eral Hunter with a large Union force had moved up the Shenan- 
doah Valley, meeting and dispersing the enemy at various points, 
and finally (on the loth of June) reached Lynchburg. This being 
a point of great importance to the enemy, Lee promptly dispatched 
a considerable force to its relief, part of which arrived the day 
before Hunter attacked the city from the south, (June 18th,) and 
the remainder during the following night. Thus menaced, and his 
ammunition running low, Hunter deemed it best to retire, which 
he did by way of the Kanawha Yalley, thus laying the Shenandoah 
region fairly open to incursions b}^ the enemy. Lee was not slow 
to improve the opportunity. Early, with all the forces he could 
muster, was at once sent northward, and moving rapidly, soon 
appeared on the Potomac, our forces at Martinsburg retreating 
precipitately to Harper's Ferry. Crossing the river, Early " raided" 
in various directions, causing great consternation in Maryland and 
Pennsylvania, and finally concentrated in the vicinity of Frederick. 
General Grant satisfied, at length, that the forces then in Maryland 

6 The actual losses of the Fourteenth up to this time, as reported June 27th, had 
been twenty-nine killed, one hundred and seven wounded and fifteen missing. Many 
of those who had been slightly wounded in the earlier battles of the campaign had 
returned to duty, and are not included in this report. The total casualties, during the 
whole campaign were not less, perhaps, than three hundred. 



366 



XEW JEKSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



were not sufficient to cope with Early, resolved to send relief, and 
accordingly, on the 6th of July, the Third Division of the Sixth 
Corps was detached from the army in front of Petersburg and hurried 
to Locust Point near Baltimore, where it arrived on the morning of 
the 8th, General Eicketts being in command. From this point the 
division, numbering some five thousand men, proceeded by rail to 
Monocacy — the Fourteenth New Jersey being the first regiment to 
reach that familiar ground. By this time the rebels were in force 
at Frederick City, but were closely watched by General "Wallace in 
command of our forces, who, on the night of the 8th, took position 
on the left bank of the Monocacy, which afforded a fair defensive 
position. Early on the 9th, the dispositions for battle were com- 
pleted, the division of General Eicketts having the left and holding 
the high road to Washington. At nine o'clock the rebel skirmish- 
ers appeared in front and soon drove our skirmish line across the 
river, thereupon planting guns and opening the battle. The dis- 
parity of artillery was great, the enemy having sixteen Napoleons, 
while we had only six smaller pieces : and the superiority of his 
fire was soon apparent. Gradually the skirmishing grew warmer 
and more general, and soon the fighting became serious. At length 
a body of the rebel army, moving out of range .of our guns, and 
flanking our left, forced a passage of the Monocacy two miles below 
the bridge on the Washington road — at once advancing in battle- 
array upon Eicketts, who had changed front to the left to meet 
their advance on his flank, his right resting on the river, steadily 
the rebel columns advanced to the assault, but they were met by a 
steadiness as inflexible as their own. The brave division, fighting 
with a desperation rarely matched, again and again repelled the 
rebel assaults, strewing the ground with dead — for six hours main- 
taining the unequal contest, waiting in vain for reinforcements that 
did not come. At length, the enemy, gathering all his strength for 
a final blow, again moved from our left in two massive lines to the 
charge, and gradually enveloping our lines, nothing was left but 
to retreat. The Fourteenth, being on the extreme left of the line, 
had suffered severely, but it had stood manfully to its work, and 
only retired when General Wallace, seeing that further fighting was 



THE FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. 



useless, ordered it to do so. During the engagement Lieutenant- 
Colonel Hall, Adjutant Buckalew and several officers bad been 
wounded ; Captains Stults, Kanine and Conover were killed, while 
every remaining officer of the line was either killed or wounded 
except Captain J. J. Janewa} r , of Company K. The command of 
the regiment devolving upon him, he led it bravely, but success 
was impossible, and at length the line gradually fell back, the men 
still disputing every inch of ground. But now, the enemy pressing 
in, poured a terrible fire of grape and canister into the retiring 
ranks, cutting down the defiant veterans by scores and fifties. Hap- 
pily, however, the pursuit was not persistant, and at length the 
weary division, extricated from its peril, found pause and safety six 
miles distant at New Market. The whole number of casualties in 
the Fourteenth as returned to the Adjutant General, was ten killed, 
sixty-nine wounded and five missing. 7 (Another and earlier report 

7 This report was not made up until several days after the battle, when many of the 
missing had come in. It was at first supposed that the loss was much greater. Ser- 
geant Terrill says in his history of the regiment: "Captain Harris, of Company C, 
was twice wounded, and was again struck while being helped in an ambulance ; several 
staff officers were also wounded, among them Captain King, Adjutant-General of the 
division. Captain Janeway was wounded in the shoulder shortly after taking com- 
mand, and was forced to leave ; the regiment was now without a commander. Several 
recruits had arrived after the battle of Cold Harbor, and the regiment was partly filled, 
entering the fight with three hundred and fifty men ; but ninety-five came out, two 
hundred and fifty-five being killed, wounded and captured in that terrible battle. Of 
the nine hundred and fifty men that left New Jersey, but ninety-five were left for duty, 
on the night of July 9th, without an officer to command them." 

The following from an officer narrates some incidents in the experience of the regi- 
ment subsequent to its arrival in the vicinity of Monocacy : " Reaching Frederick, July 
8th, we formed line west of the city, facing the Katodan mountains. Captain John C. 
Patterson was placed in command of the picket line, about two miles long. At eight 
o'clock in the evening, the troops were ordered by General Wallace to re-cross the 
Monocacy River by moving down the Baltimore pike and thence south, to take up a 
position on our old camp ground (Camp Hooker). The pickets were left until a quar- 
ter-past ten o'clock, when we were ordered to rejoin the main column at Monocacy 
Bridge. We had to move very quietly, owing to the closeness of the rebel pickets. 
The commandant cautioned the pickets (who were stationed about fifteen steps apart) 
to be very still and to each move back some distance before assembling on the pike. 
One poor fellow, overpowered by sleep, remained on the line, his post being in corn 
about knee high. He remained asleep until daylight next morning; as soon as it was 
light enough to discern objects at any distance he began to look around, raising to his 
feet. His rising was the signal for a hundred rebels to fire upon him. Strange to say 
he was unhurt, and dashed away in the direction of Frederick. But three rebel cavalry- 
men at once started to cut him off. As he was running across the field, he was joined 
by a citizen armed with a rifle. The latter told him (Minton) to continue on and he 
would attend to the three cavalrymen. Then stepping behind a tree, he leveled his 



368 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



puts the figures at fourteen killed, one hundred and five wounded 
and thirty-nine missing.) 

This engagement, while disastrous to our arms, was nevertheless 
beneficial, delaying as it did the enemy's movement against Wash- 
ington, and enabling the other divisions of the Sixth Corps, with 
other troops, to reach the Capitol before Early appeared before it on 
the 12th. But for this battle, indeed, Washington, had Early pushed 
rapidly forward, might have fallen, and incalculable disaster been 
inflicted upon our cause. Let that thought blend with the recol- 
lections of that bloody day in the memory of all who there faced 
the shock of overwhelming numbers, and fought with steady faith 
and unfailing endurance in the very shadow of disaster. 

The division remained at Ellicott's Mills, whither it retired after 
the battle, until the 11th, stragglers coming in every hour, then it 
proceeded to Baltimore, where it remained until the 13th, when it 
was carried by rail to Washington, to join in the pursuit of Early, 
who was now retreating. On the 15th, it moved out by way of 
Tenallytown, and proceeding to Edward's Ferry, crossed the 

rifle and fired ; one of the rebels reeled from his saddle, the other two dismounted and 
the pursuit ended. Minton continued on and rejoined the regiment just as the "battle 
commenced, and took part in the fight. The battle lasted nearly all day. Before our 
regiment was ordered out, we lost all our officers killed or wounded but three — Captain 
Patterson being one of the three, he being hit in the groin with a spent ball, but not 
disabled." 

We have been supplied also with the following incident of this battle by an officer of 
the Fourteenth : 

" When the enemy at Monocacy first struck us, three lines deep against our single 
line, his fire was terrific. Our Color-Sergeant (William B. Cottrell) while bravely 
waving his colors in front of his regiment, received a ball which before striking him 
passed through and severed the flag-staff just below his left hand. He fell forward and 
died upon the flag, his life-blood staining its folds. Our colors were immediately raised 
by one of the color-guards ; he, also, was almost instantly shot down. Then another 
raised it up ■ he was badly wounded and turned it over to the next Corporal, who was 
mortally wounded. These four were killed and disabled in almost the time it has taken 
me to write it, showing the terrible fire we were exposed to at the battle of Monocacy. 

"Our Lieutenant-Colonel was at the first badly wounded, his arm being broken. 
Captain Conover, Company D, the next ranking officer, was mortally wounded. The 
command then devolved upon Captain Harris, who was shot through the lungs and 
carried from the field. The next in rank, Captain Stults, Company H, was shot a few 
moments after and died almost instantly. The next in rank, Captain Janeway, Com- 
pany K, was wounded and left the field, the command devolving on Captain John C. 
Patterson. In the meantime, Lieutenant Craig^ Company J) i was badly wounded and 
Captain Conine, Company A, was killed, leaving our regiment with only three officers, 
the Adjutant, Lemuel F. Buckalew, First Lieutenant Samuel C. Bailey, Company F, 
and Captain Patterson." 



THE FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. 



369 



Potomac — the army now numbering over thirty thousand men, all 
commanded by General Wright. Pushing through Leesburg and 
Snicker's Gap, the force, on the 18th, reached the Shenandoah, 
finding the enemy on the opposite side. Wright at once determined 
to force the river, and for that purpose a heavy skirmish line was 
advanced and succeeded in crossing, but being assailed by the 
enemy in strong force, was soon driven back in confusion, many 
being drowned. During the following day nothing was done on 
either side. On the morning of the 20th, it was discovered that 
the enemy had left our immediate front, and a portion of our 
troops forded the river, but almost immediately re-crossed, when 
the column was again put in motion for Washington, which was 
reached on the 23d. Four days after, Early again threatening an 
invasion, General Wright once more moved to the rescue, proceed- 
ing by rapid marches to Harper's Perry, where he crossed the river 
and halted on Bolivar Heights on the 29th. Early, meanwhile, 
had sent a " raiding " party into Pennsylvania, which, on the 30th, 
burned Chambersburg, and then retreated towards Cumberland, 
where they were met and worsted by General Kelley, and with 
diminished numbers escaped across the Potomac. These and other 
operations of the enemy having occasioned wide-spread alarm, 
Wright's troops were again ordered to march, and, re-crossing the 
river, hurried to Frederick City, and thence to Monocacy, where 
General Grant, with a view of learning what was going on, on the 
4th of August joined Generals Hunter and Wright. In obedience 
to his orders, 8 the troops were two days after returned to Harper's 
Ferry, where General Sheridan, arriving, took command, the force 

8 "Concentrate all your available force without delay, in the vicinity of Harper's 
Ferry, leaving only such railroad guards and garrisons for public property as may be 
necessary. Use in this concentrating the railroads ; if so doing, time can be saved 
from Harper's Ferry; if it is found that the enemy has moved north of the Potomac in 
large force, push north, follow them and attack them wherever found ; follow them if 
driven south of the Potomac as long as it is safe to do so. If it is ascertained that the 
enemy has but a small force north of the Potomac, then push south with the main 
force, detaching under a competent commander, a sufficient force to look after the 
raiders and drive them to their homes. In detaching such a force, the brigade of cav- 
alry now en route from Washington, via Rockville, may be taken into account. 

" There are now on the way to join you three other brigades of cavalry, numbering 
at least five thousand men and horse. These will be instructed in absence of further 
orders to join you by the south side of the Potomac ; one brigade will start to-morrow. 




47 



370 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



now numbering nearly thirty thousand men, including two divisions 
of cavalry. 

On the 10th of August the column moved out against the enemy, 
coming up with his rear-guard at Cedar Creek on the afternoon 
of the 12th, the main body of the rebels being strongly entrenched 
on Fisher's Hill. Sheridan decided not to risk an attack, but to fall 
back, with a view of drawing Early from his position. Accordingly 
the army countermarched, being sharply pursued, and took posi. 
tion at Charlestown, the enemy occupying the west bank of 
Opequan Creek, covering Winchester. About this time, the Four- 
teenth Eegiment was again recruited, swelling the number to about 
three hundred men. From this time forward until early in Septem- 
ber, both armies were vigilant and active, sending out reconnoiter- 
ing expeditions and engaging in other movements looking to the 
improvement of their respective positions, but no general engage- 
ment was brought on. At length Sheridan deemed the fitting 
opportunity for a formidable movement had arrived, and accord- 
ingly, having on the 16th discovered the enemy's exact position by 
a reconnoissance in force, at two o'clock on the morning of the 19th 
he set his army in motion, determined to cany the enemy's position 
That position was naturally strong and had been thorough^ forti- 
fied. To assail it our army had to advance through a narrow 
ravine, shut in hy steep, thickly-wooded hills ; to form in an irre- 
gular, undulating valley in the enemy's front, and then, advancing 
through a wood, attack desperately his center, while flanking and 
crushing in his left. The undertaking was a difficult one, but 
the men moved to its performance with alacrity and resolution. 
Emerging from the ravine at ten o'clock, the Sixth Corps took 
ground on our left, Kickett's Division pushing forward through 
thick wood and over steep hills, where musketiy only could be 
used, right against the rebel front. Clearing the woods, the acl- 

In pushing up the Shenandoah Valley, where it is expected you will have to go first or 
last, it is desirable that nothing should he left to invite the enemy to return. Take alj 
provisions, forage and stock wanted for your command, and such as cannot be con- 
sumed destroy. It is not desirable that the buildings should be destroyed; they 
should rather be protected, but the people should be informed that as long as an army 
can subsist among them, recurrences of these raids must be expected, and we are deter- 
mined to stop them at all hazards/'— Extract from Grant's oMcrsto General Wright. 



THE FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. 



371 



vance found a broad, open valley before them, with the rebel 
army sheltered by woods and rocks beyond, whence a terrific fire 
was at once poured into our ranks. But with impetuous gallantry 
the column moved forward, carrying the first line of the enemy, 
being, however, assailed in turn by fresh troops and pushed back 
in disorder and with heavy loss. Additional guns, however, com- 
ing up, and our line being strengthened, the enemy was sent 
staggering back to his cover, where he again showed obstinate 
resistance, and for three hours the fighting raged with desperate 
fury. Meanwhile, on the far right, our cavalry had struck the 
enemy's left in flank and driven it with heavy loss, and this being 
almost instantly discovered by our men in our central front, they 
swept forward with a shout, plunging into the woods and putting 
the enemy everywhere to flight — the cavalry soon coining in on our 
right, and rapidly pursuing the fugitives for miles, capturing hun- 
dreds of prisoners as, in utter rout and disintegration, they fled from 
the disastrous field. The victory was complete; three thousand 
prisoners and five guns were among its fruits; but it had not 
been achieved without serious loss. The Third Division of the 
Sixth Corps lost very heavily, the Fourteenth Eegiment alone 
losing seven killed, sixty-two wounded and one missing. Its 
greatest loss, kov/ever, was Major Vredenburg, who, while at the 
head of the regiment ordering a charge upon a rebel battery, was 
struck by a shell in the breast and instantly killed. A brave and 
faithful officer, he was widely esteemed, and his death saddened 
the whole command, darkening with a mournful shadow all the 
shining record of that glorious day. But they nobly avenged his 
death. Charging the battery which had thrown the fatal shell, 
they captured it with resistless impetuosity, and thus, even when 
he was dead, the last order of the brave officer was executed. 
Among the killed w T as Lieutenant Green, commanding Company I, 
while Captain Bodwell, of Company E, was wounded. 

On the following morning, Early having again taken position at 
Fisher's Hill, Sheridan rapidly advanced his forces, and crossing 
Cedar Creek, formed in position for attack. On the 22d, an ad- 
vance was ordered, and the bulk of the Sixth Corps again moved 



372 



NEW JEESEY AXD THE EEBELLIOX. 




THE FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. 



373 



straight against the rebel front, while the Nineteenth moved on the 
left of their stronghold, and the Eighth, with the Third Division of 
the Sixth, passed by a long circuit around on the right, striking 
heavily on flank and rear. The battle lasted some three hours, 
when the enemy was driven pell-mell from his fortified position and 
retreated in confusion, followed by our victorious columns. During 
the day, the Third Division captured six pieces of artillery, two 
being taken by the Fourteenth Eegiment. In all sixteen pieces of 
artillery were taken, together with fifteen stand of colors and one 
thousand one hundred prisoners. The casualties in the Four- 
teenth in this engagement, numbered but ten killed and thirty 
wounded. The pursuit was kept up for several days, until Early 
disappeared in the mountains, when the Sixth Corps went into camp 
at Harrisonburg, where it remained until the 6th of October, when 
the return march was commenced, the troops finally halting at 
Strasburg. Early having now received re-inforcements, and stung 
by his repeated defeats, resolved upon a fresh adventure in the Val- 
ley, and accordingly, pushing forward his cavalry, they encountered 
our force near Strasburg, the fight at first going in their favor, but 
resulting finally in a handsome victory for our arms. Early, how- 
ever, held to his position near Fisher's Hill, carefully re-organizing 
his forces, and preparing for the movement by which he hoped to 
drive us clear out of the Yalley. Meanwhile, our forces held the 
line of Cedar Creek, the Eighth Corps on the extreme left, the 
Nineteenth Corps next, and the Sixth on the right, and although 
the enemy was known to be in force only six miles distant, every- 
thing was felt to be secure, even Sheridan supposing that his adver- 
sary had no stomach for further fighting, and leaving the Yalley 
for a hurried visit to Washington. But Early was more wily than 
he seemed. On the night of October 18th, moving out his entire 
army, he crossed the mountain separating the branches of the 
Shenandoah, forded the north fork, and early on the following 
morning, under cover of the fog and darkness, surprised our camps, 
turning both flanks and crushing back our astonished troops with 
terrible loss, including one thousand two hundred prisoners, twen- 
ty-four guns and all our equipage. So silently did the enemy ad- 



374 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



vance, and so suddenly did he pounce upon our sleeping camps, 
that the men were in many cases prisoners before they were 
awakened. The Eighth Corps, which met the first onset of the 
enemy, fled in utter rout with scarcely an attempt at resistance, 
hundreds being shot down and captured ; but the Sixth Corps, more 
accustomed to desperate fighting, promptly rallied, and for a time 
held the rebels in check. It soon became apparent, however, that 
it was impossible to hold our position, and a general retreat was 
accordingly ordered. Up to this time the battle had been utterly 
disastrous ; our army was practically broken in pieces ; and worse 
than all, was disheartened and spiritless. Finally, after falling back 
some five miles, the line was partially re-formed by General Wright, 
and fortunately was just then reinforced by Sheridan, who, hearing 
the sound of battle, had ridden at a thundering pace from Win- 
chester, to see what was going on. He saw only too soon the wreck 
and disaster of the day, and instantly set about the work of repair- 
ing the mischief. Eiding along the lines and speaking inspiringly 
to the men, he stimulated them to new endeavor, revived their 
hopes, and prepared them for a fresh encounter — meanwhile, also, 
strengthening his formations, studying the ground and gathering 
every item of information necessary to his purposes. At length 
everything was complete. " We are going to lick them out of their 
boots," said Sheridan, and the men, with the words ringing in their 
ears, once more assumed the offensive. After considerable ma- 
nceuvering, a charge was ordered, and soon the enemy in turn was 
driven back with great slaughter, with the loss of his trains and 
artillery, and all the trophies captured from us in the morning — our 
cavalry pursuing rapidly and cutting down the fugitives without 
mercy. 9 In this fight the Fourteenth Regiment, which was com- 
manded by Captain Janeway, again lost heavily — Adjutant Ross 
being killed. This officer had been promoted from the ranks for 
gallant conduct, and was held in high estimation by the regiment, 
The Sixth Corps was not again engaged in the Yalley, the cavalry 



9 The rebel loss included one thousand five hundred prisoners, twenty-three guns 
(not counting the twenty-four lost by us in the morning and recovered at night,) at 
least one thousand five hundred small arms, besides most of their caissons, wagons, &c. 



THE FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. 



375 



carrying forward the campaign in that quarter until the enemy was 
everywhere driven out. The Fourteenth remained in the vicinity 
of Winchester, engaged in various duties, until the 3d of December, 
when (with its division) it proceeded to Washington, and thence 
by transport to City Point, whence it advanced and occupied the 
position on the Weldon Eailroad, which had been seized and held 
by the Fifth Corps. Here the Fourteenth was re-organized, having 
received recruits to the number of two hundred. Captain Jane way, 
for bravery and meritorious conduct, was promoted to the Colonelcy 
of the regiment, he and Lieutenant Bailey being the only officers 
remaining of all those who were identified with it from the outset. 10 
. The division remained in winter-quarters, with only an occasional 
demonstration against the enemy, until late in March, when orders 
for a general movement of the armies operating against Kichmond 
were issued. At this time the Sixth Corps numbered nearly twenty 
thousand men, and was in the best possible condition. The rebels, 
greatly weakened by desertions, were everywhere growing restive, 
and at length, on the 25th of March, assaulted our lines in front of 
the Ninth Corps with great violence, gaining important advantages, 
but being subsequently repulsed with heavy loss in killed and 
wounded and some two thousand prisoners. General Meade, con- 
vinced that the enemy's lines generally must have been depleted to 
strengthen this assault, at once ordered an advance along the front 
of the Sixth and Second Corps, holding our works before Peters- 
burg to the left of Fort Steedman, and this was promptly made 
with the utmost spirit, the entrenched picket-line of the rebels being 
seized and held, every attempt to re-take it failing utterly, with loss 
to the enemy. Thus the last grand advance of the Army of the 
Potomac was commenced, and henceforth there was to be no cessa- 
tion of hostilities until the rebel flag went down in irretrievable 
humiliation and defeat. 

10 Sergeant Ten-ill's history says : " The officers were now mostly enlisted men, and 
by their conduct had won for themselves a lasting reputation. Among those that dis- 
tinguished themselves and in every action were at their posts, were men that entered 
the ranks as privates ; the most conspicuous were Captains "Wanser, Manning and 
Marsh; Lieutenants Foster, Barkelew, Fletcher, Harming, White and Mandervillc. 
Each one had entered the ranks, and had won for himself his position. Colonel Truex 
was still in command of the brigade, Acting Brigadier-General." 



376 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



In this movement the Fourteenth Eegiment was, as usual, in the 
advance. When the advance was ordered, that regiment, with the 
Tenth Vermont, then holding the picket-line, supported by two 
Ohio regiments, moved forward gallantly to the assault, carrying 
the enemy's line. Keinforcements coming up another assault was 
ordered, and again the men advanced, rushing, in the face of a 
withering fire, straight into the outer works of the enemy, hundreds 
of whom were captured with their arms in their hands. The 
captured works were at once occupied in force, when the Four- 
teenth, which had fought with great bravery, was again placed 
on picket— the corps remaining in position, awaiting orders to 
move forward to the assistance of other parts of the army, already 
actively engaged at other points on the extended line. At length, 
on the night of April 2d, Sheridan having driven the rebels from 
their works at Five Forks, substantially demolishing that (the right) 
wing of Lee's army, Grant ordered the three corps holding our 
entrenchments to assault along the entire line, which was done at 
daybreak, the Sixth driving everything before them up to the 
Boydton road— on which, wheeling to the left, towards Hatcher's 
Run, it swept down the rear of the rebel entrenchments, captur- 
ing many guns and several thousand prisoners, the other corps 
meanwhile carrying the main defences of Petersburg on the south, 
and rendering its evacuation immediately necessary. In this grand 
movement of the "fighting Sixth," of which a fuller description 
is subjoined, the battle-scarred Third Division was ever fore- 
most and ever victorious. The brigade of Colonel Truex at this 
time consisted of five regiments, and in the formation for assault, 
the Fourteenth was placed in the second line of battle, the brigade 
having the extreme left of the corps. In forming the line, it was 
General Wright's intention to attack in such overwhelming force 
that failure would be impossible ; and orders were given that when 
the column had made good its entrance into the rebel works, the 
divisions on the right and left should deploy, it being hoped in 
this way to drive the enemy from his works as effectually as if a 
fresh corps had attacked. To co-operate with this attacking column, 
General Park with the Ninth Corps was held in reserve, while 



THE FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. 



377 



Sheridan far away to the left was thundering on their flank. Just 
before the attack, General Wright and staff rode up to the picket- 
line ; a match was struck, and the time ascertained. It wanted just 
fifteen minutes of four o'clock. An officer was at once sent back 
to Fort Fisher with orders to fire a signal gun exactly at four 
o'clock. A few shots were fired by the enemy as the match was 
struck, and then all was still; no object was visible at a distance 
of a few yards, and of the thousands of men massed, not one could 
be seen by the enemy's line. 

Suddenly a bright flash leaped out into the darkness, and a loud 
report from a twelve-pounder rolled in the air ; a minute elapsed, 
and a similar sound came from the left some ten miles away, 
telling that the signal was understood. The veterans of the different 
divisions were now pushed forward, and the dull crash of musketry 
and the flash of artillery told that the battle had begun. The 
enemy was surprised but soon rallied, and a terrific strife ensued. 
The entire line from right to left became heavily engaged. But 
victory came with the dawn. General Wright's assertion that he 
would go through them like a knife was fulfilled. Their entire 
line was captured, together with thousands of prisoners, numerous 
pieces of artillery and many battle-flags. But to retain what we 
had gained it was necessary to gain still more ; and for this pur- 
pose, the Third Division was deployed to the left to drive the 
enemy from forts on other parts of the line. The two brigades 
under command of Colonels Truex and Keifer pushed gallantly 
forward, taking possession of a portion of the rebel lines, and soon 
struck the Southside Eailroad, destroying it for over ten miles. Later 
in the day, when our men had completely cleared the rebels out of 
that part of the line, the work of destroying the road was resumed. 
The division still pushed towards the rebel left, and at one point 
had as severe a fight as any which occurred during the day. The 
rebels had a battery of six guns, which they served in magnificent 
style, but our line was rapidly advanced and the guns were added 
to the number already captured. From this point the progress to 
the left was comparatively easy, the enemy being in fall retreat. 
From first to last the Fourteenth fought with the greatest bravery, 
48 



378 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



and to it, equally with the most efficient regiment of the corps, 
belongs the credit of the magnificent success of that glorious 
day. 11 

11 The following is an extract from Colonel Truex's report : 

u I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this brigade 
at the assault on the works in front of Petersburg, April 2, 1865, which resulted in the 
capture of the entire line and evacuation of the above-mentioned city. In accordance 
with instructions received from Brigadier-General Seymour, commanding the division, 
I moved the brigade at twelve o'clock, p. m., April 1, 1865, to the position which had 
previously been designated for it to occupy, viz : In the rear of our picket-line in front 
of Fort Welch, and on the extreme left of this corps. At about half-past twelve 
o'clock, m., I reached the ground and formed my brigade in three lines of battle, as 
follows : Left line, composed of the Tenth A'ermont Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel 
George B. Damon commanding, on the right, and the One Hundred and Sixth New 
York Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Alvah W. Briggs commanding, on the left, distant 
about twenty paces from the picket-line. Second line, composed of the Fourteenth 
New Jersey Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel J. J. Janeway commanding, on the right, 
and the One Hundred and Fifty-first New York Volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Charles 
Bogardus commanding, on the left. Third line, the Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania 
Volunteers, Captain James Tearney commanding. This latter regiment was composed 
almost entirely of raw troops, five companies having joined it within two weeks of this 
movement, and most of whom had never before been under fire. The troops were 
placed in position without attracting the attention of the enemy, although within one 
hundred and fifty yards of his picket line. About half an hour after, the enemy on 
their extreme left opened, suddenly, a very severe and galling picket fire, which ran 
down the line to my front, which continued for nearly one hour. Under this fire my 
brigade remained quiet, not answering with a single shot or otherwise betraying our 
presence to the enemy, although a number were killed and wounded. Too much 
praise cannot be given to my officers for the splendid manner in which they moved 
their men into position, and afterwards controlling their commands under this severe 
picket fire. At about half-past four o'clock, a. m., the signal gun to advance was fired 
from Fort Fisher, when I ordered the brigade to advance. Instantly a terrible fire of 
musketry and artillery was opened upon us by the enemy, but my men gallantly and 
bravely advanced at a double-quick and in a few moments scaled the breastworks, 
which at this place were from twelve to fifteen feet high ; driving the enemy before 
them and holding the position. I must here state that when the order to advance was 
given and the enemy opened on us, the Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers broke 
to the front, passing through the second and first lines and becoming temporarily the 
first line. The first colors inside the works were those of the Tenth Vermont Volun- 
teers, followed immediately by those of the One Hundred and Sixth New York Volun- 
teers and Fourteenth New Jersey Volunteers. We here captured three hundred pris- 
oners and either five or six guns. The first line, composed of the Tenth Vermont and 
One Hundred and Sixth New York Volunteers, were instantly re-formed inside the 
works, wheeled to the left and charged down the line at a double-quick, the balance of 
the command following as they entered the works, driving and doubling up the enemy 
as they advanced. The next fort was seized with but little opposition, my troops cap- 
turing abo it one hundred and fifty prisoners and two guns. Again advancing, I 
ordered the brigade to charge on the next fort. The enemy here endeavored to make 
a stand, but my command pushed forward and compelled him to evacuate it, 
when the fort was instantly occupied by my brigade, the first colors to enter being 
those of the Fourteenth New Jersey Volunteers. Here my command was joined by a 
small portion of the Second Brigade, which remained with me until I fell back tempo- 
rarily to the second fort, where they were ordered to the right and joined to their 



THE FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. 



379 



Early on the 3d, being informed that Petersburg was evacuated, 
and that the pickets of the Twenty -fourth Corps had advanced into 
the city, the Fourteenth, after returning to its former camp, joined 
in the pursuit of the enemy, bivouacking for the night near Suther- 
land Station, and thence pushing forward to Sailor's Creek. Here 
the brigade assailed the enemy's flank, doubling it up and driving 
him for a distance of a mile. Upon reaching the hill directly in 
front of the creek, however, the rebels were found strongly posted 
in the rear of some works ; and an assault was consequently neces- 
sary. The stream in front of the brigade was some seventy-five 
yards wide, but the command moved bravely forward, advancing 

proper commands. We here captured about one hundred prisoners and seized twenty 
guns. This fort we held about twenty-five minutes, when the enemy advanced in two 
lines of battle, one in front of the fort and the other from the woods on the right, 
compelling us to fall back temporarily to the second fort above-mentioned. On this 
charge of the enemy we lost heavily in killed and wounded, besides many prisoners, 
my men falling back reluctantly and contesting the ground inch by inch ; but were 
overpowered by superior numbers. The enemy was enabled to hold this fort for some, 
length of time, and it was not until the arrival of a battery*to our aid that we were 
successful in dislodging him, capturing forty prisoners and two pieces of cannon. In 
the capture of this fort the sharpshooters of the brigade deserve especial mention in 
silencing the rebel guns by picking off the gunners wherever they made their appear- 
ance. For this purpose a number of them were deployed on the left of the works in 
the direction of a house facing the fort. 

" The brigade was formed in column of regiment and advancing on the left flank of 
the fort, compelled its surrender. Without halting, we advanced on the next fort, 
which was evacuated almost without a struggle, leaving in our possession four guns, 
caissons and horses. Still pressing on about half a mile, we met the Twenty-fourth 
Corps, when a halt was ordered. 

"At this point I was ordered to countermarch my brigade and proceed in the direc- 
tion of Petersburg. 

"At the 'Brick Chimneys,' in front of Petersburg, and on the extreme left of the 
Ninth Corps, we remained until four o'clock, p. m., when I was ordered to move my 
brigade and occupy a line which in the morning had been occupied by the enemy's 
pickets. Earthworks were thrown up, a picket-line established and the troops biv- 
ouacked for the night. The result of the day's operations may be summed up as fol- 
lows : Five hundred and ninety prisoners and fifteen cannon. 

"I have every reason to be proud of the regiments composing my brigade, the Tenth 
Vermont, One Hundred and Sixth New York, Fourteenth New 'Jersey, Fifteenth New 
York and Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and the coolness, judgment and 
gallantry of their commanding officers, Lieutenant-Colonel George B. Damon, Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel A. W. Briggs, Lieutenant-Colonel J. J. Janeway, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Charles Bogardus and Captain James Tearney. My thanks are also due to the field and 
line ofiicers for the efficient manner in which they discharged their duties during the 
eventful day. I also mention with pleasure members of my staff, who were through- 
out the whole day conspicuous for promp action, courage and personal exposure : 
. " Captain and Brevet-Major Charles K. Leonard, A. A. G. ; Captain and Brevet- 
Major Hiram W. Day, Brigade Inspector ; Captain and Brevet-Major Charles M. Bart- 
ruff, A. A. D. C. ; Captain Benjamin F. Miller, A. A. D. C." 



380 



JS T EW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



through mud and water to their hips, and under a severe fire from 
the enemy. Immediately upon reaching the opposite side of the 
stream, the line was re-formed and advanced to the crest of the 
hill, driving the enemy from his works. Then, wheeling to the 
left, Truex pushed his column against the left flank of the enemy, 
pouring in a rapid and concentrated fire, which was continued until 
a flag of truce was displayed, when the firing ceased. Upon mov- 
ing forward, however, to gain information, a severe fire from the 
enemy some distance to the right was again opened, when the 
brigade was once more ordered forward. But at this moment, an 
officer rode up with Major Peg-ram, Inspector- General upon the 
staff of General Ewell. Major Pegram was the bearer of the flag 
of truce, and said to Colonel Truex, " I surrender Lieutenant 
General Ewell and staff and his command." Up to this moment 
the firing on our left was kept up by our troops, but it now imme- 
diately ceased. With Major Pegram were about thirty officers and 
enlisted men. * 

This was the last engagement in which the Fourteenth, now re- 
duced to about one hundred men, participated. Proceeding to Barks- 
dale, the command remained in camp until the 21th, when it moved 
to Danville, arriving four days later, the movement looking to a co- 
operation with Sherman against the rebel General Johnston. Almost 
simultaneously, however, with the arrival at that place, news of 
Johnston's surrender was received ; and the war was at an end. 

The regiment remained at Danville until the 16th of May, when 
it proceeded by rail to Eichmond, whence, on the 24th, it marched 
to Washington, reaching Bailey's Cross-Eoads, eight miles from the 
Capital, on the 2d of June. Here the men detached from the regi- 
ment were ordered back, and the new recruits transferred to the 
Second New Jersey with two hundred and thirty men. On the 
8th, the corps was reviewed at Washington, and on the 19th, the 
Fourteenth was formally mustered out of service, proceeding on 
the following day to Trenton, where, on the 29th, having received 
their final payment, the men who had shared so many perils 
together, and for nearly three years had " endured hardness like 
good soldiers" for the Nation's sake, exchanged farewells and sepa- 



THE FOURTEENTH REGIMENT. 



381 



rated into the old familiar paths of peace, wherefrom their feet had 
been lured only at the call of solemn and imperious duty. 1 ' 

12 "The regiment had been gone nearly three years, leaving New Jersey with nine 
hundred. and fifty active men, two hundred and thirty returned; during that time, 
having participated in numerous battles and skirmishes, fighting each time with that 
bravery which the New Jersey troops were noted for. In that time the regiment had 
traveled by rail one thousand and fifty-one miles, by water six hundred and twenty- 
eight miles, and on foot two thousand and fifteen miles." — Sergeant TerrilVs History. 

The following, copied from a descriptive list of a soldier of the Fourteenth, shows of 
what stuff that regiment was composed: 

"Sergeant John Grover, Jr., Company F, Fourteenth New Jersey Volunteers: This 
soldier has proved himself wanting in none of the things that go to make up the per- 
fect soldier. Whether in camp, on the march, or before the enemy, he has always 
developed the noblest characteristics and the most consummate worth. Never out of 
the ranks, never complaining, never lacking in obedience or in knowledge, he has been 
a model worthy of imitation by inferiors and superiors. He has been in every engage- 
ment in which the regiment has participated, and was recommended for a medal of 
honor for consummate bravery at Cold Harbor and Monocacy. He was wounded at the 
engagement in front of Petersburg on the 2d of April, 1865. After entering the 
enemy's works, he was captured by reason of the overwhelming numbers of the foe, 
and when they were compelled to evacuate the works on a second charge of our forces, 
his dastardly captors deliberately shot him, which necessitated the amputation of his 
arm. He deserves honorable and lasting mention and remembrance. 

"Vincent R. Maksh, Captain;" 



CHAPTER XIII. 



THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT. 

The Fifteenth Regiment was organized at Fiemington in July 
and August, 1862. Three companies were recruited in Sussex 
County, two in Warren, two in Hunterdon, two in Morris and one 
in Somerset, and ail were composed of men of superior physical 
strength and capacities of endurance. The regiment was mustered 
into the United States service on the 25th of August, and on the 
27th left for Washington, numbering nine hundred and twenty-five 
officers and men, Colonel Samuel Fowler commanding. 1 Reaching 

1 The roster of the regiment was as follows : 

Colonel, Samuel Fowler; Lieutenant-Colonel, Edward L. Campbell; Major, James 
M. Brown ; Adjutant, William P. Seymour ; Quartermaster, Lowe Emerson ; Surgeon, 
Bedford Sharp ; Assistant-Surgeons, George R. Sullivan, George Trumpore; Chaplain, 
Alanson A. Haines. Company A — Captain, Lambert Boeman ; First Lieutenant, Thomas 
P. Stout; Second Lieutenant. John E. Emery. Company B— Captain, Alfreds. Burt; 
First Lieutenant, Charles M. Fairclo ; Second Lieutenant, Charles R. Paul. Company 
C— Captain, Ira J. Lindsley ; First Lieutenant, Erastus H. Taylor ; Second Lieutenant, 
Samuel R. Connett. Company D — Captain, James Walker; First Lieutenant, Lewis 
Van Blarcom ; Second Lieutenant, James S. McDanolds. Company E— Captain, John 
H. Vanderveer ; First Lieutenant, Stephen H. Bogardus ; Second Lieutenant, Ellis 
Hamilton. Company F— Captain, George C. King ; First Lieutenant, Owen H. Day ; 
Second Lieutenant, John H. Vanderveer, Jr. Company G — Captain, W^illiani H. Slater ; 

First Lieutenant, ; Second Lieutenant, John D. Trimmer. Company H 

— Captain, Andrew J. Wight; First Lieutenant, William D. Cornish; Second Lieute- 
nant, James Bentley. Company I— Captain, ; First Lieutenant, Cornelius 

C. Shimer ; Second Lieutenant, William W. Van Voy. Company AT— Captain, 

; First Lieutenant, William H. Edsall ; Second Lieutenant, John Fowler. 

Samuel Fowler, Colonel of the Fifteenth Regiment, was a man of great force of 
character, of fine abilities, and withal a patriot of the very purest order. Descended 
from a loyal ancestry, educated in the school of Jackson democracy, hating secession 
and nullification, and holding fealty to the Union to be a paramount duty — he was 
among the first to take an advanced position in support of the Government in its 
struggle with treason, and, though violently assailed by some of his own party friends, 
whose sympathies with the loyal cause were less active than his own, sternly and 
uncompromisingly held the ground he had assumed — laboring with untiring vigilance 
to facilitate the enlistment of troops, build up confidence in the Government, and in 
every possible manner promote a right determination of the contest. His influence, 



I 

THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT. 383 

the Capital, it encamped at Tennallytown, where it remained for 
about a month, engaged in drill and acquiring discipline for future 
service. While here, the men were also employed upon the 
defences of "Washington, slashing timber, making military roads, 
and throwing up earthworks — Fort Kearney being constructed 
entirely by their labor. 

On the 30th of September, the regiment proceeded by rail to 
Frederick, Maryland, and thence marched across to Bakersville, 
passing the battle-field of Antietam and Sharpsburg. At Bakers- 
ville, it was assigned to the First (Jersey) Brigade, First Division, 
Sixth Army Corps, and henceforth participated in the hardships, 
battles and triumphs of the Army of the Potomac. The month 
of delay which followed was diligently improved by the regiment, 
field- exercise and drill being practiced daily ; and when, at last, the 
army moved across the Potomac, the new recruits had been trans- 
formed into soldiers who were worthy to march with the veterans 
whose deeds had already covered our arms with undying glory. 

The order to march, when (on the 31st of October,) the army 
broke camp, was obeyed by the Fifteenth with true soldierly 
alacrity. But one thing was universally regretted, and that was 
the inability of Colonel Fowler, the chivalrous commander, who 
was dangerously ill with typhoid fever, to accompany the regiment. 
His ability and energy had been manifested in recruiting and 
rapidly preparing for the field an unusually fine body of men ; 
but his high ambition to lead them into actual combat was never 
gratified, and he never after assumed command. When he rejoined 

especially among the young men of Sussex being great, his services were from the 
outset of the utmost, value, •whole companies being recruited by his efforts alone. In 
all the war meetings of the county, his voice pleaded forcibly for unanimity and energy 
in the work of the public defense ; and to him, more than to any other man, it is due 
that Susses during the whole period of the war was represented in the field by some 
of the best and bravest troops connected with the service. In the organization of the 
Fifteenth Eegiment, his influence was particularly manifest, scores of young men 
flocking to its standards who, but for his connection with it, would never have gone 
a-field. That Colonel Fowler did not always approve all the military acts of the Gov- 
ernment is undoubtedly true, but he kept his faith in the Cause all the same, per- 
mitting no opposition or reproaches to sweep him from his anchorage. He did not 
survive to see the happy termination of the war, but had he done so, no man in all the 
land would have hailed with keener rejoicing than he the overthrow of the rebellion, 
which he abhorred as at once a blunder and a crime. 



384 



NEW" JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



the regiment after the first battle of Fredericksburg, it was with a 
shattered constitution, and though he followed the army for a few 
weeks, the surgeons pronounced him unfit for duty, and he was 
mustered out of service. He was ever held in affectionate remem- 
brance by officers and men, and when intelligence of his death 
afterwards reached the command, not a few stout hearts were 
wrung by grief that so promising a career had so soon and unex- 
pectedly been closed. 2 

At New Baltimore, General McClellan took his farewell of the 
army, and attended by General Burnside, his successor, did the 
New Jersey Brigade the honor of riding entirely around their camp, 
receiving a cordial welcome. After a week's delay at Warrenton, 
the army moved to Stafford Court House, with Fredericksburg as 
its objective. Another delay, however, gave the enemy an oppor- 
tunity to concentrate his forces, and when, on the night of the 10th 
of December, the advance was resumed, Fredericksburg was in a 
state of perfect defense. The Fifteenth reached Stafford Heights 
on the morning of the 11th, but did not become engaged, though 
witnesses of the cannonading of the doomed town. At sundown 
the army was massed in the plain north of the Eappahannock, 
during the night the pontoon bridges were laid, and at daylight 
the First Brigade crossed, moving rapidly up the hill to the edge 
of the plain, in full view of the enemy on the heights. At two 
o'clock, p. m., forming in line of battle, it advanced swiftly across 
the plain, the rebel batteries meanwhile opening vigorously. The 
men of the Fifteenth were under fire for the first time, but they 
did not falter. Before the rebels had fairly got the range, Deep 
Bun Creek was reached, and in the chasm it opened the regiment 
found protection, though a few casualties occurred from the explo- 

2 Lieutenant-Colonel Edward L. Campbell had come out of the battle of McClellan's 
Maryland campaign with honor, and joined the Fifteenth Regiment on the march to 
Bakersyille. Here, npon the sickness of Colonel Eowler, he took command, which he 
held during most of the time the regiment was in the service, leading it in nearly every 
great battle in which it participated. One who served with the regiment says : "If the 
Fifteenth ever performed any efficient service for the country, or by its conduct re- 
flected any honor upon New Jersey, it was due more to Edward L. Campbell than any 
other man. His bravery, integrity, capacity and diligence, stamped the regiment with 
a character whose value was known in many critical junctures and hard-fought battles.' ' 



THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT. 



385 



sion of shells. 3 On the following day, 13th, the army advanced 
early in the morning right and left, and a fearful struggle soon 
commenced. During most of the day the Fifteenth was stationed 
along the line of the railroad, keeping up a musketry fire, and 
now and then charging upon the enemy, with little loss on 
either side. Late in the afternoon, a more decided movement was 

3 "The rebel fire was direct and close, and the exposure of a little knot of men or 
officers would bring a shell just over their heads or into their midst. Colonel Ryerson 
had ridden up the further bank and was seated on his horse, when a shell came directly 
towards him and seemed to explode on the very spot he occupied. Doctor Oakley ex- 
claimed, ' Harry Ryerson is gone!' The smoke cleared away and he was seen to ride 
on unharmed, having marked the coming missile and thrown himself down on his 
horse's neck just in time and far enough to escape." — Chaplain Haines 1 Notes. 

The following is the official report of the action of the regiment : 
" My command broke camp at White Oak Church, Virginia, on the afternoon of Tues- 
day, April 28th, and marched to the bank of the Rappahannock, near Franklin's crossing, 
where it bivouacked until towards morning, when it was moved to the river, and 
crossed in boats just before daylight on the morning of the 29th, taking up a position 
immediately on the left bank. Remained there until the morning of the third day of 
May— a part of which time was employed in doing our post duty, immediately in the 
face of the enemy. 

" On the morning of the 3d instant, I was ordered to the front at about daybreak, 
and was assigned a position in support of a battery on the extreme left, which was 
hotly engaging the enemy. Remained upon this duty, taking up various positions, 
and part of the time exposed to a severe scattering flank fire from the enemy's line of 
skirmishers, until the enemy was driven from his position on the heights above Fred- 
ericksburg, and the line on the left was ordered to retire towards that place, when I 
was left in the rear as a support to our retiring skirmishers, by order of the General 
commanding the division. Everything was brought from the field without difficulty, 
as the enemy did not follow up. After procuring ambulances, (to get which I was 
compelled to send to the city of Fredericksburg,) and moving the wounded left 
upon the field during the rapid movement, I proceeded upon the line of march 
of the corps. Arriving some distance out of the city, on the plank road, I learned 
that the enemy was making stout resistance in front, and that the First Brigade 
was about to engage him. Marching as rapidly as practicable, I arrived at the 
front at about five o'clock, p. m., and without halting, was immediately ordered 
by the General commanding the corps to engage the enemy on the right of the 
road, in a thick wood, in which the enemy had taken a position, and effectually 
resisted any attempt to dislodge him. My command advanced about one hundred 
yards, through a dense and in places impassable undergrowth, to within about thirty 
yards of the enemy's position, where it engaged at least four of his regiments, with, 
as I am convinced, a terrible effect, but without driving him from his well-chosen posi - 
tion. Just at dark, my ammunition being entirely exhausted, and the enemy's fire 
destructive, I retired in good order, the enemy showing no disposition to follow. I 
have the satisfaction of saying for my command, that not a man left the line of battle 
except the wounded, and when the rolls were called immediately upon arriving in the 
open field, every man was present or properly accounted for except those who were 
killed, wounded or missing in action, the latter being but five, and all probably killed 
or wounded. My wounded were all brought off during or after the action, except 
possibly the five mentioned above, not found on account of the dense undergrowth of 
bushes. 

49 



386 NEW JERSEY AtfD THE REBELLION. 

made on the immediate front, but the brigade was forced back 
with very considerable loss, Colonel Hatch, of the Fourth Kegiment, 
who led the charge, being wounded in the knee, requiring amputa- 
tion of the leg, from the effects of which he died a few days 
after. A large number of the Fourth were captured, together with 
a number' from the Twenty-third and Fifteenth. The total loss in 
the latter regiment was about thirty. Among the killed was 
Sergeant-Major John P. Fowler, whose name had been proposed 
for a commission. Captain Slater, of Frenchtown, lost a leg, and 
bore the amputation with much patience and Christian fortitude. 
Major James M. Brown, who displayed great courage and activity, 
received a painful contusion in the thigh from a bullet which 
disabled him for some time. In addition to this hurt, an old wound, 
received while a Captain in the Third Kegiment. which shattered 
his jaw and partially paralized his tongue, broke out afresh, render- 
ing his resignation, when cold weather set in, imperative. He was 
subsequently appointed Provost-Marshal of the Fourth Congres- 
sional District, and continued to hold the office until it was abolished 
with the return of peace. 1 

" Sunday night niy command bivouacked upon the battle-field. During the engage- 
ment of Monday, was assigned to various positions, a part of the time in support of 
batteries, when at night the artillery was ordered towards the river; I was ordered to 
follow it. Be-crosscd the river just before daylight in the morning, and went into camp 
on the right bank. On Friday, the 8th instant, marched to my present place of en- 
campment. I would respectfully call attention to the conduct of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Campbell. He was seen in the thickest of the fight and repeatedly he went to the 
front alone, trying to get not only his own men, but those of other regiments to follow- 
I am much indebted to our Chaplain (Haines) for his services in transmitting orders and 
attending to the wounded. All my officers behaved well, especially while taking into 
consideration it was their first engagement. 

" I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

" W. H. Penrose, Colonel Commanding Brigade/" 

1 "Mitchel Mulvey, Company G, was the first man of the regiment killed. At the 
time shots were being exchanged with the rebel pickets. He was cautioned not to 
expose himself, but exclaimed : ' Hush, don't tell a Jersey boy to keep back when the 
enemy is in sight.' He had fixed his attention on a rebel sharpshooter who fired 
from behind a tree. "When, at length, the rebel exposed himself in firing, he took aim 
and fired. The rebel was seen to tumble over, evidently killed. At the same moment 
Mitchell fell back dead, shot through the brain. As the regiment was relieved on 
Sabbath morning, a plunging bullet-shot passed through the knapsack and body of 
Alexander S. Sergeant, Company F, killing him. Ezekiel C. Quick, Company G, was 
shot through the lungs and lived several clays, expressing his entire willingness to 
suffer for his country and his strong faith in the Saviour. He sent several messages to 



THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT. / 887 

Bravely as the army had fought, it could not Accomplish the 
impossible, and on the night of the 15th, General' Burnside with- 
drew his forces, who settled down at Falmouth and White Oak 
Church. The winter which followed, marked by no signs of activ- 
ity other than the " Mud March," was for the most part one of great 
gloom and suffering. The troops, especially those who experienced 
for the first time a winter's hardships in the field, felt it severely. 
The typhoid fever prevailed ; without proper tents or facilities for 
building log huts, lying on the wet, spongy ground, without vege- 
table food, illy-provided with shoes and clothing, and firewood 
scarce, the men suffered and died by hundreds. Among the victims 
in the Fifteenth was the Hospital-Steward, John R. Hilton, who 
died nobly in the path of duty.' But at length, the winter, dreary 
and sad, passed away, and active work again commenced. In the 
latter part of April, 1863, Colonel William H. Penrose, a native of 
Michigan and a Lieutenant in the Third United States Infantry, 
took command of the regiment, and on the 29th, having broken 
camp at White Oak Church the day previous, the brigade crossed 
the Rappahannock at Franklin's crossing, to co-operate in the 
movement against the enemy at Chancellorsville, whither the bulk 

the men of his company and as a dying 1 man warned them to be in earnest in preparing 
for eternity. 

" The scenes at the hospital on the night of the 13th of December, at the Barnard 
House, were most impressive. The parlors, chambers, corridors, cellars, garret, court- 
yard and garden of the fine old mansion were crowded with the wounded and dying. 
Blood and death were on every side. General Bayard was already dead; Colonel 
Hatch lay in delirium ; one sufferer after another had been laid upon the amputating 
table and was removed with arm or leg gone, and many a brave man's corpse was 
hastily buried in the garden, and many more surrendering back their souls to God. 

"It is proper to notice the fidelity of the medical officers of the regiment. Doctor 
Redford Sharp, the principal Surgeon, was most active and efficient. Though 
detailed to the Division Hospital, he was able to do much for the wounded of the 
regiment brought to him, and was specially tender and careful of all under his charge. 
He gave nearly five years to the cause of humanity in the army, and his name deserves 
remembrance along with the good and the brave. Doctor George R. Sullivan was most 
skilful in the treatment of disease and very efficient in the duties of his profession. 
He was attached to the regiment till the organization of the Thirty-ninth, when he was 
promoted as its Surgeon." — 2fotes of Chaplain Haines. 

5 "His last act was one of humanity. The day before his death, with the fever upon 
him, he went a distance of half a mile to see and prescribe for some sick men. He 
died at peace with the world and his Maker. His remains were taken to Belvidere, his 
native place, and a beautiful monument, erected by the officers of the regiment, marks 
his grave." 



388 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



of the army \7as already moving. During the day. (29th,) the Fif- 
teenth was kept in position near the river, but in the evening was 
sent on picket in the open plain, within four hundred feet of the 
enemy. ^ w0 days after rifle trenches were dug, which it occupied 
until night of May 2d. when our skirmishers drove in the 
envy's line and held the plain to the foot of the heights. On the 3d, 
rit daylight, the brigade moved rapidly out from its position, in the 
face of a sharp rebel fire — the Fifteenth reaching the turnpike road 
and having a severe skirmish, in which it lost several men killed 
and three bodies left on the field, the loss in all being twenty, sub- 
sequently, the regiment being captured, the Fifteenth about noon 
was withdrawn from the extreme left, and marching through the 
town, pushed up the plank road over the heights in the direction of 
Salem Church. At four o'clock, p. m., the command halted, and in 
obedience to orders, two hours after, was hurried into position on 
the right of the brigade, encountering the heaviest fire it had yet 
made. Charging gallantly through a thick wood, the enemy was 
found advantageously posted behind a wall and ditch, but the 
Fifteenth, with a royal courage, bravely faced all obstacles, main- 
taining the fight until eight o'clock, p. m., when, owing to a want of 
concert of action, it was compelled to fall back, having lost in killed, 
wounded and missing, one hundred and thirty men, which number, 
added to the twenty of the morning, swelled the losses of the day 
to one hundred and fifty. The fighting at Chancellorsville having 
meanwhile proved disastrous, it was found necessary to withdraw 
the army, which in the case of the Sixth Corps was a hazardous 
undertaking, but was accomplished on the night of the 4th without 
loss. 

6 "Captain Ira Lindsley, of Morristown, an excellent officer, fell at the head of his 
company. Lieutenant John Fowler, had been^in charge of the ambulance train, but 
anticipating the moving of the army, had some days previous requested to be returned 
to his regiment. He came back only to be instantly killed at Salem Heights. The 
Color-Sergeant, Eugene Hicks, of Clinton, a fine, noble-looking young man whose 
name was on the list for promotion, fell with the colors in his hands, pierced with a 
bullet through the brain. Corporal Samuel Rubadon seized the falling flag and carried 
it right forward through the rest of the fight. Corporal Simon Nevins, who had left 
Rutgers College to enlist, received his death wound. Warren N. Dunham, a true sol- 
dier and lovely Christian youth ; Joshua D. Banker, who had recently professed his 
faith in Christ, and many interesting and noble young men, were left dead upon the 
field."— Diary of Chaplain Haines. 



THE FIFTEENTH KEGIHENT. 



389 



After re-crossing tire Rappahannock at Banks' Ford, the regiment 
returned to its old camp, where it remained until June 6th, when it 
broke camp, and on the evening of the 7th, once more crossed the 
river at Franklin's crossing, and taking position in the old rifle pits, 
awaited an expected attack. During the ensuing week strong 
works were constructed on the brow of the hill overlooking the 
plain below Fredericksburg, but no conflict resulting, the regiment 
on Saturday night re-crossed the pontoon bridge, afterwards hauling 
the boats from the river — a few men in the darkness and confusion 
being left behind. 7 Still moving forward — the army now being 
ordered in pursuit of Lee, who was moving into Pennsjdvania, 
the regiment finally reached Fairfax Station, where, after a halt of 
some days, it again (on the 26th of June,) advanced, crossing the 
Potomac near Edward's Ferry. On the night of July 1st, leaving 
the vicinity of Manchester, Maryland, it moved in a northwesterlv 
direction until it struck the Littleton pike, and thence through 
Littleton and Two Taverns, reaching Gettysburg at three o'clock, 
p. m., of the 2d, having marched thirty -five miles in sixteen hours, 
and mostly without food. At seven o'clock, p. m., the brigade 
was sent to the front, but though the battle was in progress, did 
not become engaged. The ground in its front was that from which 
Sickles had been driven, but the enemy in turn being driven back, 
the men slept in position on their arms. But the wakeful ones 
heard, all through the night, 'the moans -and cries of the wounded, 
who had been gathered into the houses or barns, or lay uncared 
for upon the bloody field. 

On the morning of the 3d, the brigade, after various movements, 
occupied a rocky knoll, something like an eighth of a mile from 
Little Round Top, in the direction of the town. The enemy being, 
after three hours' stubborn fighting, repulsed and the position 
secured upon the right, a lull in the combat ensued, interrupted 
only by artillery fighting from the left. But all the morning Lee 

i " Among those left were Hiram Sands and Albert Fowler, who subsequently had 
quarters in the Libby Prison and at Danville. When the bridges were all taken up, 
one man, left on the other side, came to the bank and most piteously begged for a boat 
to come for him, but it was too late and between him and us there was a great gulf."— 
Diary of Chaplain Haines. 



890 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



had been placing his artillery and massing his troops for a grand 
assanlt, and at length one hundred and fifty pieces, opened all 
along his lines, hurling great showers of missiles against our posi- 
tion. Fortunately, however, the First Brigade escaped with only a 
trifling loss. " Upon the rocky knoll, fronted with trees," writes 
a member of the Fifteenth, " our position was indefinite, and most 
of the missiles passed over our heads harmlessly, bursting in our 
rear, or going too low, struck in the hill below us. Several men 
were injured by shells exploding in the air, but in general the 
regiment was unharmed. With arms firmly grasped the men 
waited the coming assault for over two hours, when the fire on 
either side slackened and in contrast with the previous dread 
explosions there was a great calm. But the enemy was forming, 
and emerging from their cover, fifteen or twenty thousand Con- 
federates moved out to the deadly assault. With strange emotion 
we watched their coming ; it was not fear, it was not surprise, but 
every man was silent, and grasped his weapon more closely. When 
the enemy reached the middle of the plain, our batteries began 
to play upon him, cutting through his lines, but he came on 
with increasing rapidit}^, till the fire of musketry, which had been 
withheld, was poured into him. He dropped rapidly, but nearer 
and nearer swept the charging columns. Most of our batteries 
were out of ammunition and ceased their firing, and it was left 
to the opposing bodies of infantry to determine the contest. As 
the charging column swept nearer, a heavier and more deadly fire 
stayed a body of North Carolina troops for a moment, when they 
broke and ran; a large number throwing down their arms and 
coming in as prisoners. Pickett's Division had a less distance of 
open ground to traverse, and so great was the impetus it acquired 
that it passed directly over our outer-line of stone wall and rough 
works, and drove back the first line of troops, belonging to part of 
the Second Corps. The rebel colors, indeed, were planted right 
on the breastworks. The critical hour of the day had come, but 
General Hancock was equal to the emergency, and gathering troops 
from right and left, and halting and re-forming the broken columns, 
a new line was formed, which, though bending back some distance 



THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT. 391 

from the former front, was a formidable barrier to the enemy's 
farther progress. Then from right and left, assailing either flank, 
was poured in a destructive fire, and our men came pressing closer, 
making the circuit smaller. The fighting was short and decisive. 
The rebels recoiled before the deadly fire, threw away their arms 
in token of submission, and on all sides crouched close to the earth 
in dismay. Some thousands were captured and moved away to the 
rear, our troops at once regaining and holding their former line. 
Soon after, another charging column moved across the plain, but a 
withering artillery fire played upon their ranks, and a portion of 
our troops, leaping the entrenchments, assaulted their flank and 
soon put them to flight, with, heavy loss of killed and prisoners. 
Before sundown the righting ceased, but the Confederates had failed 
and their commander was convinced of the hopelessness of assault- 
ing the position of the Union Army. It was Fredericksburg 
reversed: but wiser than Burnside, Lee did net persist in hurrying 
his columns again and again to certain destruction. The Fifteenth 
witnessed all from their position, but though ready for duty were 
not summoned to actual fighting." 

The next day, 4th, was spent without a contest. Each side buried 
its dead and sent the wounded to the rear, within its own lines. 
The rebels during the clay threw up works, but at night began their 
retreat. At once the army started in pursuit, and early Sunday 
morning, the Fifteenth took the road on the left and passing along 
the base of Little Bound Top, and through Plum Bun meadow and 
the wheat field, and peach orchard where Sickles' Corps had suf- 
fered so heavily on the 2d, came in about two hours upon their 
deserted hospitals. Following cautiously, at night it came upon 
their rear-guard near Fairfield, and a sharp skirmish followed. 
After halting all night and the next day until four o'clock, p. m., 
at Fairfield, the brigade again marched, and at sunrise reached 
Emmettsburg, the enemy having evacuated the whole region. The 
pursuit was continued for several days, and on the 12 th. near Hagers- 
town, there was a skirmish in which two men of the Fifteenth were 
wounded, one by a bullet through the foot, and Jacob 0. Burdett 
through both thighs. The former subsequently died in the hospital. 



392 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Hagerstown was captured, and two days later the command reached 
Williamsport, but the rebels were safely beyond the river. On 
the 19th of July, the brigade re-crossed the Potomac at Berlin and 
marched through the Loudon Valley, arriving at Warrenton on the 
25th, where it went into camp and remained until September loth ; 
two days later, moving to Culpepper Court House, it again en- 
camped ; and the remainder of the year was passed without partici- 
pating in any engagements. The Fifteenth marched with the army 
to Centreville and back again to the Rappahannock, was present, 
though not engaged at the capture of Rappahannock Station, and 
after the movement to Mine Run went into winter-quarters two 
miles from Brandy Station. Here timber being abundant, the regi- 
ment built very comfortable huts, and the camp was finely laid out 
upon a ridge of ground. On the 17th of January, 1861, a chapel 
built of logs, roofed with canvass, and twenty feet by thirty in size, 
was opened for religious services in the regiment. This rude house 
of worship witnessed many a scene of devotion, and the evident 
presence of the Holy Spirit, and was the spiritual birth-place of 
many souls. After its opening, services were held twice on the 
Sabbath and every evening of the week, excepting Wednesday, 
when the Literary Society had the use of the building. Soon after 
the opening of the Chapel an unusual religious interest was awak- 
ened throughout the regiment. The house was well filled night 
after night, The preaching seemed to reach the heart, and the 
meetings for prayer after tattoo were deeply interesting. Meetings 
for inquirers were opened and numbers of the awakened began to 
come. Three communion services were held in this building. At 
the first, January 24th, two men of the Fifteenth and five from the 
Third made public profession of their faith in Christ. At the 
second, March 27th, nineteen made a profession of religion and 
eleven of them were baptized. The third, May 1st, witnessed the 
reception of twenty more into the regimental church, six of whom 
were baptized. The services of May 1st were very largely attended 
and numbers expressed their comfort in the exercises, an officer who 
received his death wound on the 6th, saying it was the most solemn 
administration of the sacrament he had ever attended. The last 



THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT. 



meeting was held in the Chapel on Tuesday night, the 3d of May, 
after which the canvass covering was taken down and packed for 
removal. Out of one hundred and thirty in the regiment who 
professed to have found peace in the Saviour of men. many never 
again met at a religious meeting on earth, and before the month 
ended two-thirds of them had died or been disabled on the battle- 
field. 

On May 4th, the regiment broke camp at daylight, and marching 
by way of Brandy Station and Stevensburg, crossed the Rapidan 
at Gerrnania Ford by pontoon bridge. The 5th found it in the 
Wilderness, and the sounds of battle where Warren had come into 
collision with E well's Corps, soon brought the order hastening the 
Sixth Corps to his support. The thickness of the woods, and encum- 
bered state of the road, formed a great obstacle to a speedy advance 
to the point of contest ; but at length, being put on the double- 
quick, the men. with much confusion floundering through the 
thicket, reached the battle-ground about one o'clock, p. m. Each 
side was waiting for reinforcements, and during the afternoon little 
was done beyond firing by artillery — which seemed ineffectual — 
and straightening our lines and getting the regiment out of the con- 
fusion into which they had been thrown by the brushwood. The 
Fifteenth was now thrown in advance upon a rise of ground, from 
which our forces had withdrawn in the morning, and began to 
throw up rifle pits. (The regiment was for a time detached from 
the rest of the brigade, and for two days served under Colonel 
Upton of the Second Brigade.) Towards night the firing was re- 
sumed, inflicting some casualties — Captain Tan Derveer, Company 
E. having his hand shattered and being wounded in the throat. 
He was a valuable officer, brave and capable ; disabled by these 
wounds he was sent to Washington, and after resigning his com- 
mission received a Government appointment, and died of fever 
soon after the war closed. Several men were also wounded, and 
Leonard Decker, Company D. killed. The night was cold, and 
marked by musketry firing, and at break of clay the men stood to 
arms anticipating a stubborn contest. Just at sunrise, Captain 
Ellis Hamilton was struck by a bullet from a rebel sharpshooter, 
50 



894 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



which passed through both, thighs. He was sent to Washington, 
and after lingering some days, tenderly watched by loving friends, 
he expired, expressing his firm faith and telling of that change of 
heart he felt he had experienced while in camp at Brandy Station. 
Though one of the most youthful officers in the regiment, he was 
distinguished for bravery and efficiency, and universally beloved as 
having gone into the service from the purest sense of duty. At 
length, an hour after sunrise, the roar of artillery and musketry on 
the right announced that the rebels had assailed. Soon the combat 
approached and swept by the regimental front and on to the left. 
For a while it was vehement, but presently died down and the 
morning was disturbed only by occasional discharges of artillery 
and musketry firing along the skirmish line. But a more prolonged 
contest was being waged on the left, where Hancock had engaged 
Hill and Longstreet. Just at dark Ewell's troops, who fronted 
the Sixth Corps, attacked the flank of the Third Division, which 
fell back in confusion, the rebels carrying the breastworks, and 
then pouring a fire upon the flank of the First Division, the Fourth 
Brigade being driven from its position and flying in panic. The 
Tenth New Jersey in this disorder, and Colonel Byerson, after 
having rallied his men and made them lie down on a new line 
which he determined to hold, as he rose upon one knee, received a 
bullet in the forehead, from which he died a few days after in a 
rebel hospital, deeply regretted. But though the line was broken on 
their right, and the eneix^ penetrated to their rear, the Fifteenth 
held their advanced and isolated position till midnight, when with- 
out loss they followed the rest of the army to the new line some 
two miles to the rear. The situation was very hazardous, and many 
believed the regiment captured ; so close was its proximity to the 
rebels that the men heard their conversation with ease. 

It was two o'clock, a. m., May 7th, when the regiment came into 
the new line. It had stood its ground when others fled and panic 
prevailed on either side ; and now, determined still to hold its posi- 
tion, began entrenching at daylight. By ten o'clock, a. m., the 
works were very strong, and though the enemy felt the line in front 
and drove in a part of the skirmish line, by which three men were 



THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT. 



895 



wounded, and John Brogan, Company A, killed — no real advantage 
was gained. At dark the regiment marched by the Fredericksburg 
road to Chancellorsville, and thence to the point where Grant was 
now concentrating. 

The morning of Sunday, May 8th, was intensely hot, and 
exhausted by the fatigues of previous days and the march of the 
past night, the men fell fainting by scores from tlie ranks. Accord- 
ingly at ten o'clock, a, m., a halt was ordered. The Fifth Corps 
were at this time in advance, and firing was heard at the point 
where they struck the enemy. About noon the Fifteenth reached 
the field of action, about half a mile from Spottsylvania Court 
House, meeting many of the Fifth Corps going in squads to the 
rear. As the command came up the road at Alsops, General 
Warren rode into the ranks demanding, "What brigade is this ? 
Where is the commanding officer ? I want to move this brigade 
forward at once. I must have this brigade." Colonel Penrose, 
now the rankins; officer, commanded the brigade, and soon after, 

O 7 O 7 3 

ordered by General Warren, moved to a designated position, 
and held the ground firmly under the artillery fire of the enemy. 
But the real object of our advance in that direction was not 
attained. General Warren had failed to reach Spottsylvania Court 
House in time to hold the roads which concentrated there — which 
was his real object in the advance — the possession of this point 
being considered of the greatest importance to a successful issue of 
this part of the campaign. At eight or nine o'clock on the 
morning of May 8th, a small body of Union cavalry were in 
possession of the Court House, but at ten o'clock, a. m., when the 
head of the Fifth Corps emerged from the woods and crossed the 
open space near Alsops, they were greeted with a furious discharge 
of musketry from the troops of Longstreet, whose column had 
entered Spottsylvania Court House, driven out the cavalry and 
now came pouring into the place regiment after regiment. It was 
a critical moment when the Fifth. Corps received the first discharge 
from rebel infantry. As yet only the head of Longstreet's force 
had reached the Court House, though, every moment swelled the 
number of his forces. The veterans of the Fifth, surprised at the 



396 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 




FROM THE RAP1DAW TO RICHMOND 



THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT. 



897 



sudden onset, were thrown into confusion, and the advance was 
checked until a stronger and more orderly assault might be 
delivered. This was attempted, a charge was made, and some 
advantage gained ; but the delay of half an hour lost us Spottsyl- 
vania Court House, and was followed by the bloodiest contests in 
which the Army of the Potomac ever engaged. 

During the following day, the 8th, the Fifteenth was not engaged, 
but at six o'clock in the evening, the order came for the brigade to 
advance — the Fifteenth to charge the works on the right flank and 
the other regiments on the front. The Fifteenth at once moved 
gallantly forward 3 charging at double-quick, but without firing a gun 
— the enemy also reserving his fire. Soon, the assailants, reaching a 
marsh, were exposed to an enfilading fire, which swept their ranks in 
three directions, but though whole companies seemed to melt away, 
the gallant Jerseymen plunged straight forward through, the soft, 
spongy marsh, forced their way through the fallen timber and over 
every obstacle until they mounted the crest and standing on the 
parapets fired on the rebels in their own ditches. So pitiless was 
the assailing fire that the enemy speedily gave way, and had the 
Fifteenth been properly supported, or in greater numbers, the 
victory must have been complete. But now, back in the woods, a 
drum beat the assembly, and perceiving the weakness of the attack- 
ing force, the rebels rallied from all sides to beat back the meagre 
remnant of the brave little regiment. Thus overwhelmed, the 
Fifteenth slowly fell back, having lost in all one hundred and one 
men; but it had performed one of the most gallant achievements 
of the campaign, and in that thought the survivors found some 
compensation for their sufferings, as, exhausted and worn, they 
withdrew from the scene of combat. 7 The Tenth Eegiment, which 

' Chaplain Haines says of the scenes after this engagement : 

" With Doctor Hall, our brave and good Surgeon, I found a place in the rear— a little 
hollow with green grass and a spring of water — where we made hasty preparations for 
receiving the coming wounded. Those that could walk soon began to find their way 
in of themselves, and some few were helped in by their comrades as soon as the charge 
was over and a portion withdrawn. It was a terrible thing to lay some of our best 
and truest men in a long row on the blankets, waiting their turn for the Surgeon's 
care. Some came'with body wounds, and arms shattered, and hands dangling. With 
the hospital attendants, I began ripping the clothes and dressing the wounds of the 
slightly wounded, while Doctor Hall attended the more dangerous cases. At ten 



398 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



was sent in about the same time as the Fifteenth, participating 
in the charge on the front, scattered very soon after becoming 
engaged — Lieutenant-Colonel Tay, however, leading forward three 
or four companies until they came up to the works, when he, 
Captain Snowden and several other officers and a large number of 
men, after maintaining a short, unequal contest, were forced to 
surrender. The remainder, escaping, came out of the contest 
greatly disordered, without an officer of experience to command 
them, and were consequently placed under charge of Lieutenant - 
Colonel Campbell, of the Fifteenth. 

At noon of the 9th, the Fifteenth again moved, marching to the 
right, but did not become actively engaged, though three companies 
were stationed on the skirmish line, and the whole command was 
much exposed. 8 On the 10th, the regimental position was no less ex- 

o' clock, with the drum corps, I sought the regiment to take off any of our wounded 
we could find. On my way, met some men carrying Orderly Sergeant Martin Van 
Gilder, of Hamburg, mortally wounded, in a blanket. With his hand all blood he 
seized mine, saying, ' Chaplain, I am going. Tell my wife I am happy.' Then came 
my loved friend, young Sandford Simmons, of Lafayette, with many others. The 
enemy held the ground where the charge was made, and I was not permitted to advance 
far beyond the picket-line. Once, with James D. Baylor, I crawled out so far that we 
could hear the conversation of the rebels, and the order, 'fall in,' as they relieved their 
skirmishers. I made several trips between the regiment and field hospital. At two 
o'clock, a. m., I laid down amid a great throng of poor, bleeding sufferers, whose moans 
and cries for water kept me awake. At four o'clock, got up and had coffee made, and 
going round among the wounded found a Pennsylvanian who had lain at my feet dead. 
A few feet further off lay Sergeant Scudder, of Somerville, dead. Settiug out for 
the skirmish line, I found the regiment, and in the half hour of quiet made out a list 
of losses from the Fifteenth Regiment, one hundred and one in all. Among the 
missing was Captain Lewis Van Blarcom, and among the dead, Seargeant Lucien A. 
Voorhees, Company A." 

s " At ten o'clock, a. m., of the 9th, a sharpshooter from the rebels was posted in a 
tree on the right. He seemed to fire with unerring accuracy and is said to have de- 
stroyed twenty lives. As the regiment was being relieved, he caught sight of our 
colors, and as Sergeant Samuel Rabadon rose, a ball struck him in the breast. He was 
taken to the hospital and expired in a few moments. General Sedgwick came forward 
a little later and was struck by a bullet in the face, probably from the same sharp- 
shooter, and died in half an hour. 

"At noon, (9th,) the regiment moved off to the right. Doctor Hall went with the 
hospital attendants, while I retained five drummers to bury Sergeants Schenck and 
Rabadon. We found a spade, dug a grave where the hospital had been, and laid them 
side by side in the rough hole. A number of men from several regiments were filling 
their canteens at the spring. I asked them if they could come for a few moments 
around a soldiers' grave. Most of them came and uncovered their heads. I repeated 
some passages of Scripture and offered a short prayer. Drum-Sergeant Kline filled up 
the grave, nailing to two posts which he planted a piece of cracker box, on which I 
cut the names of the dead. While he was doing this, with my other men I gathered 



THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT. 



399 



posed, but the command bravely held its own against the onsets of 
the enemy, losing in all twenty men. 9 During the 11th, both armies 
manceuvered for position without any general engagement, but on 
the 12th hostilities were renewed with unsparing violence. The 
First Brigade, being moved at half-past three o'clock, a. m., to the 
front on the left of the corps, was sent forward to assail some of 
the same works it had assaulted on the 10th — other brigades parti- 
cipating in the movements, and sharing in its perils. Few charges 
of this memorable campaign were more difficult, or more grandly 
executed than that made at this time by the Jersey Brigade. They 
had not only to force their way through a pine thicket, and then 

the muskets and accoutrements left by the wounded. Laying the muskets with the 
muzzle on a stump, one heavy stamp of the foot bent the barrel, broke the stock and 
made the piece useless. The accoutrements we heaped together and threw on the fire, 
and with hasty steps sought the regiment. The enemy's batteries opened at two 
o'clock, p. m., and with Doctor Hall and the hospital attendants I went to arrange a 
hospital. Colonel Penrose rode by and informed me the rebels were nearly around us, 
and, indeed, it seemed by the shots fired they were on every side. Summoning our 
attendants, we moved up a ravine on the right nearer the front, but protected by a roll 
of ground from musketry fire in our rear. Five minutes after, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Campbell rode back with three companies from the Fifteenth and stationed a skirmish 
line. Fearful work was all around us. The din and horrors of war exceeded descrip- 
tion. At nine o'clock, p. m., several of our wounded were brought in. We dressed 
their wounds, and loading two ambulances with them, sent them back on the Freder- 
icksburg road. A message came to me from Colonel Penrose, and finding his head- 
quarters, he told me it was impossible to reach Colonel Campbell and the rest of the 
regiment that night, but in the early morning he would give me an orderly and wished 
me to find them. Near midnight, laid down. Picket firing all night. 1 "—Chaplain 
Haines 1 Notes. 

9 " Tuesday, May 10th, sixth day of campaign. Rose at daylight. The orderly came, 
and a mile to the left we found Colonel Campbell and half the regiment, being the 
extreme line in that direction. The enemy's fire was very annoying, and the position, 
as the day advanced, was one of great danger. In time, the Second Division, Second 
Corps, under General Mott, came up on our left, but waited a whole hour before they 
relieved our men. An anxious period to me, when I was aware that at every discharge 
our own men were being struck by the bullets of the foe. At last the Third Regiment, 
Excelsior Brigade, a New York Regiment, were ordered to relieve them. The rebels 
saw their advance, and slackened fire till they came to our line and our men rose to go 
out. Then they poured a volley into them, and at once they broke and ran. The men 
of the Fifteenth received the onset of the enemy, who came out of their trenches to 
pursue, drove them back and came out in order. But it cost us twenty men. One 
wounded man crawled out (Corporal Van Cleef, Company E,) whom I found, and with 
our only stretcher and some of the men I brought off. One bullet had passed through 
his thigh, and one entering at the shoulder, had come out at his side near the waist. 
These made five bullet wounds that he had received since he came into service. The 
three companies followed to a little hollow, where there was water, and we remained 
there three hours. I dressed as well as I could the wounds of Van Cleef and sent him 
to the rear, to be put in an ambulance. He informed me that William C. E. Gulick, 
Company E, my attached friend, and one of the bravest and truest that ever carried a 



400 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



forming, dash across an open space, but to do so in the face of a 
deadly-concentrated fire which no ordinary line could resist. But 
the Jersey in en were equal to the occasion. Bidding his men reserve 
their fire until they saw the foe and knew that every shot would 
tell, Colonel Penrose steadily pushed forward the brave command. 
A thousand men soon lay lifeless, or wounded and bleeding, upon 
the ground, but still the line swept on. The Fifteenth, dashing 
through the abattis before the rebel works, swept over a portion 
of the breastworks, which for a time they stoutly held, driving out 
the rebels, or bayonetting those who tenaciously clung to the posi- 
tion. Some threw down their muskets and lifted their hands in 

musket, was shot and he believed dead. I resolved to bring him off, if possible, dead 
or alive, and so waited for three hours, hoping the enemy would retire and we might 
reach him. But waiting did not afford the opportunity, and though six men volun- 
teered at all hazards to bring Gulick off, I gave up every hope when the rebels advanced 
a skirmish line and threw up rails to begin a breastwork. 

' ' While we waited, the men found the body of John W. Smith, who was shot last 
night. I sent sis men, who brought the body, and we dug a shallow grave with sharp- 
ened sticks, the men scooping out the earth with their hands and dinner-plates. I 
summoned the men of the three companies on the ground, and we laid the body in, all 
standing with uncovered heads, while two offered prayer amid the loud din and roar of 
a sudden charge of the foe on our front. Before we could fill the shallow grave an 
orderly dashed over the hill bringing the order for the men to hurry up and hold the 
crest of the hill. Knowing I was of little use there, after they got in position, with 
bullets flying thick through the pines over my head, I rode back to find the quarters 
of last night, get something to eat and prepare for the work of the hospital for 
to-night. I succeeded in getting a feed of oats for my horse— the first he had for two 
days. At four o'clock, p. m., a corporal and six men came in bringing a wounded 
man on an old door. To my joy it was Gulick. He had succeeded in crawling amid 
the confusion of the several charges to a place where our men found him. But poor 
fellow, he had a mortal wound, as I think, through the bowels. I told him I thought 
he must die, but with a clear voice he said : ' Chaplain I am not afraid t o die. I feel my 
peace is made with God.' While Doctor Hall dressed his wound, I found an ambulance, 
and putting Gulick aboard, started it for the corps hospital. One warm grasp of the 
hand, as I stood on the ambulance step, and I and my friend had parted to meet, doubt- 
less, no more in this world. He behaved gallantly and was nearer the rebel works than 
almost any man who took part in that charge. 

" Ten o'clock, p. m. All is quiet now, though the setting sun witnessed the fiercest 
fighting we have experienced yet. The carnage has been terrible on both sides. Am- 
bulances came up in numbers to take off the wounded. As far as I can judge, the 
advantages are favorable to our side, at least so far as this particular portion of the 
line is concerned. Our troops charged again and again, taking a part of the enemy's 
works and capturing one thousand prisoners, who are resting a few yards from us. 

" May 11th. I learn that our brigade, in connection with Colonel Upton's, charged 
last night at dark, and obtained possession of a portion of the rebel works, which 
they held three hours. They were left unsupported, and the desirable position after 
all was yielded. Several of the Fifteenth are missing. The Third New Jersey lost 
nearly one hundred men, though some are coming in constantly. The enemy has 
made his battery on our front very formidable." — Diary of Chaplain Haines. 



THE FIFTEENTH KEGIMENT. 



401 



token of surrender and lay crouching in the ditch, only, however, 
to resume their weapons when their captors were more hardly 
pressed. Lieutenant Justice, of whom Colonel Campbell said, " He 
was to-day as brave as a lion," as he rose on the breastwork, waving 
his sword and shouting to his company, was shot by one of these 
skulking rebels, who was in turn run through with the bayonet by 
a man of Company A. Captain Walker was shot through the head 
at the first exposure to the enemy's fire. Captain Shimer was 
killed. Lieutenant Vanvoy was wounded, and while moving to 
the rear, was again struck and expired in a few moments. Captain 
Yan Blarcom received several terrible wounds, but survived with 
the loss of a leg. Lieutenant Fowler was wounded and captured, 
and after a painful experience of the hardships and cruelties of 
Southern prisons, made his escape, and by a romantic series of ad- 
ventures and deliverances in the mountains and swamps, at last 
reached the Union lines in Tennessee. 

The tenure of the salient was brief. The line to the right and 
left was broken, and an enfilading fire from a long distance on the 
right, swept through the thin ranks. The enemy had an inner 
line of breastworks from which he poured a deadly fire. It was 
impossible to hold the captured bank so long as it was swept by 
the works yet un taken. Accordingly, the regiment fell back, and 
when Colonel Campbell gathered his shattered battalion, only 
seventy-five were found. 

On the left of the ground where the regiment charged, the assault 
was renewed again and again through the day by other troops, and 
the musketry fire was prolonged all night. So fierce was the in- 
cessant shower of bullets that the bodies of the dead were riddled, 
and great trees cut away a few feet from the ground. Within the 
salient the dead were literally piled in heaps, and the combatants 
fought over a mound of their dead comrades. Few points, if any, 
on the broad theater of the war witnessed greater carnage than 
this. Forty bodies, or near one-fifth of the whole regiment, lay on 
the breastwork, in the ditch or the narrow, open space in front. 
Numbers had crawled away to expire in the woods, and others were 
carried to the hospital, there to have their sufferings prolonged for 
51 



402 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



a few days more, and then expire. "No experience during the whole 
time the Fifteenth was in the service was more destructive than the 
half hour from ten o'clock to half-past ten, of the morning of May 
12th. 10 

On Saturday, the 14th, the brigade moved to the left of the 
army near the Anderson House, and came upon the enemy about 
noon. The Second and Tenth Eegiments were thrown forward as 
skirmishers across a stream, where they were surprised and over- 
come before they could be reinforced. Subsequently, however, the 
rest of the brigade was thrown forward and the position retaken. 
From this time until the 24th, the regiment was moved backward 
and forward, from the center to the left of the army — occasionally 
skirmishing with the enemy and losing a few men. Never did the 
command so realize the horrors of war. Blood and death were on 
every side. The regiment had broken camp on the 4th with fifteen 
officers and four hundred and twenty-nine muskets, and now was 
reduced to six officers and one hundred and thirty-six muskets. 
From May 21st to June 1st it was kept most of the time in motion, 
with an occasional loss on the skirmish line, being present at the 
battle of North Anna and other places of conflict. On the 1st 
it reached Cold Harbor about noon. At three o'clock, p. m., the 

i° " Apart from the rest, behind a log to which he had crawled, lay the body of Color- 
Sergeant John L. Young. His hands were clasped and uplifted, as though he had 
expired in the act of prayer. A handsome hoy of eighteen years, he lay there in all 
the beauty of his young manhood, with Testament in his bosom and his blue eyes 
opened towards heaven. A few weeks before, he had made a profession of religion, 
and had given pleasing evidence of being a child of God. Close by him lay James D. 
Baylor, a young disciple of Christ, brave in life, and still manly and noble in death. 
Shot through the heart, the warm blood that flowed from, his bosom besmeared the 
Testament and hymn book which he carried wherever he went. There, too, lay George 
D. Foulds, an orphan boy, whose loving spirit found the Saviour he had served from 
amid that scene of conflict and death. Orderly-Sergeant Paul Kuhl lay close under 
the rebel works. He had been shot through the thigh, and wound his handkerchief 
around the limb and twisted it with his ramrod to stop the bleeding. It would seem 
as though his giving signs of life had made him the mark for rebel bullets, with which 
his body was riddled. He had early in his military life given his heart to the Saviour, 
and was loved and respected for his piety by all who knew him. The brave, the 
generous and the good lay slaughtered around, the most precious gifts which our 
State has ever given to the sacred cause of the country. Some of the dead have been 
removed, but the most sleep there in ground which their own blood has consecrated 
and their deeds made memorable. The spot is now as quiet as any graveyard, and 
nature has thrown her pall of richest green over the soil that holds their bones." — 
Diary of Chaplain Haines. 



THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT. 



-103 



Sixth Corps charged, and twentv-flve of the Fifteenth were killed 
and wounded —Sergeant-Major A. Y. Wyekoff being among the 
former. In the charge, the Fifteenth and Tenth Begiments reached 
a position on a hillock which they held when the line was broken 
on either side of them, and which they began to entrench upon at 
sundown. On this little hillock they remained for the greater 
part of the next ten days, and from it many never came alive. 
The firing from the enemy was almost constant, and whenever a 
man raised his head above the surface he was almost certain to be 
struck. The men, in fact, were obliged to burrow in the ground, 
and communication was kept up with the rear through a long 
ditch dug to hide those passing from sight of the enemy. The 
dust, the great heat, the confined space and the dead bodies buried 
just under the surface, soon rendered the place most offensive. Day 
after day passed, line after line of works were constructed, the 
number of dead and wounded increased, but still the regiment was 
not taken from this horrible place, till, on the night of the 12th, 
it marched for the James Eiver. 

On the 19th it reached the outer-defences of Petersburg, where 
it remained; with the exception of a march to Beam's Station, until 
the night of July 9th, when it proceeded to the James Eiver and 
took steamer for "Washington, going thence to the Shenandoah 
Valley. Xothing of particular importance occurred until August 
loth, when it was assaulted at Strasburg. on the Shenandoah, and 
lost nine men. On the 17th, it skirmished all day through Xewtown 
and Winchester, the brigade forming the rear-guard of the army. 
At six o'clock, p. m.. one mile and a half south of Winchester, the 
enemy assaulted with vigor, the brigade of nine hundred men and 
one regiment of cavalrv, the Third New Jersey, sustaining the 
shock of an overwhelming force, estimated at five thousand. In 
this action, the Fifteenth lost sixty-one men in killed and missing. 
On the 21st, the enemy assaulted our lines at Charlestown, whither 
our troops had retired, and a number of men were lost. At mid- 
night, the Fifteenth (and other regiments) fell back to a position 
near Bolivar Heights, where it was stationed for several days. 

On the morning of the 19th of September, the regiment broke 



404 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



camp before day, and after marching eight miles, halted at eleven 
o'clock within two miles of Winchester, in a ravine covered by the 
fire of the enemy. About noon the brigade, under Colonel Camp- 
bell, moved out and the action became general. Soon the Third 
Division of the Sixth Corps was thrown into confusion, and at this 
moment the greatest disasters of the day occurred. General David 
A. Russell, commanding the First Division, was killed while rally- 
ing the broken line. The Fifteenth suffered severely, losing nearly 
fifty in killed and wounded. Orderly-Sergeant Charles H. Mulli- 
gan, of Chester, was shot through the head. He had been absent 
wounded, and returned just a week previous. Only the night 
before his voice had been heard in the Sunday evening prayer- 
meeting. His readiness for every duty, his gentle manners, his 
cheerful face had endeared him to all who knew him, and though 
used to scenes of slaughter, his comrades wept as they laid him in 
the hastily-prepared grave. In the general advance, later in the 
day, the Fifteenth acquitted itself bravely, and in the pursuit of 
the flying enemy, shared with the brigade the elation which the 
victory everywhere occasioned. On the 21st, the regiment had a 
skirmish with the enemy, in which two men were killed and fifteen 
wounded. On the 22d, Sheridan again delivering battle at Fisher's 
Hill, whither Early had retreated, the brigade (with other troops) 
moved to the right and at four o'clock, p. m., assaulted and cap- 
tured the rebel works, the Fifteenth (under Captain Cornish) dis- 
playing great gallantry. The enemy again retreating, our forces 
pushed forward in pursuit as far as Staunton, whence, having laid 
waste the country, they retired across Cedar Creek, north of Stras- 
burg, Sheridan going to Washington and leaving General Wright 
in command of the army. 

The night of October 18th was intensely cold, and in consequence 
many men of the Fifteenth, as well as of other regiments, were astir 
at an earlier hour than usual on the morning of the 19th. The night 
previous there had been some firing on the right, but now it came 
from the opposite direction. At five o'clock, a. m., picket firing was 
heard far away to the left, but attracted no great attention at the 
point occupied by the First Brigade. Presently an order came 



• THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT. 405 

down from Brigade Headquarters for the men to get breakfast ; 
this, however, was soon followed by the command to stand to arms. 
And now the sounds of approaching conflict showed that the enemy 
was advancing in force. The order came, "move out at once." 
Colonel Campbell at once led out the regiment, bullets meanwhile 
flying into the very camp, and the confusion on all sides increasing. 
With difficulty the tents were packed and the baggage got off in 
the wagons. The Eighth Corps, as it now appeared, had been sur- 
prised and the rebels were thronging their camps, bayonetting the 
men before they were awake. The Nineteenth Corps soon gave 
way before the assault on their flank, and the Sixth was called to 
bear the burden of the terrible onset. The volleys of musketry 
were terrific, and to add to the perils of the situation, our artillery, 
as soon as captured, was turned upon our forming ranks. The 
Fifteenth, with the First Brigade, after the first shock, bravely 
maintained its reputation for steadiness and courage. Major Lam- 
bert Boeman was killed, and many of the best men of the regi- 
ment fell. The color-guard were all killed with three exceptions. 
Peter Grunderman, Color-Sergeant, who bore the National Colors, 
was struck by a fragment of shell which first broke the staff and 
then striking him in the side, bore him to the ground. Corporal 
John Mowcler fell dead with the State Colors, and the enemy seized 
them as they came up. This was the only flag the Fifteenth ever 
lost ; but it was retaken that night and returned next day — General 
Torbert and Custer visiting the regiment to restore it, and saying 
in short speeches, not only that the flag was not lost by any fault of 
its own, but that the Fifteenth had ever done its duty. During the 
action, Colonel Campbell was struck by a bullet which shattered 
his left arm, but he kept command until the greatest danger was 
over, when, weak from the loss of blood, he was forced to mount 
an orderly's horse and leave the field. The word flew along the 
line, " Colonel Campbell is wounded," and even in the excitement of 
the hour the men turned from the observation of the enemy to 
follow him with their eyes. As he rode away he lifted his unin- 
jured hand and motioned to them, which they interpreted to mean, 
"hold on." 



406 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



After falling back a mile and a half, at eight o'clock the advance 
of the enemy had been checked by the Sixth Corps, which held 
some ridges of ground from which it was difficult to dislodge it. 
But the Eighth and Nineteenth Corps were disorganized masses. 
The Eighth had lost all its artillery, most of its camp jDroperty and 
wagon train. The Nineteenth lost heavily, but not all. Thirty-one 
pieces of artillery were gone, being as many, within two, as had 
been captured in the Yalley during the operations herein recorded. 
But the end was not yet. At ten o'clock, General Sheridan came 
in sight, a little man on a large black horse, riding at full gallop 
ahead of his staff. The road for several miles was filled with 
stragglers from the broken corps, but when Sheridan came in view, 
they waved their hats, (the men of the Sixth wore caps, and the 
others hats,) and a prolonged shout arose along the road. The 
great mass of men hurrying to the rear, turned about and moved 
the other way as rapidly as they had been flying before. But their 
enthusiasm was nothing compared with what it was when the brave 
commander dashed in front of our lines, waving his hat and shout- 
ing, " We shall be in our old camps to-night." Then what peals 
of cheering rolled along the ranks ! 

JSTow all became quiet except a slow cannonading. Early's men 
were gathering their plunder and drinking whiskey from the 
captured trains till four o'clock, p. m., when the army having 
regained its composure, a general advance was made, resulting in 
the utter discomfiture of the rebels, who were driven at all points, 
until they had crossed the creek, crowding in haste to get away, 
and our infantry re-occupied their old camps. Then, finally, 
Custer, with his cavahy, rushed upon them in the streets and the 
narrow defile south of Strasburg and gave them a more complete 
overthrow than was ever experienced in the Valley. In this grand 
assault, we captured nearly two thousand prisoners and forty-five 
pieces of cannon — fourteen more than we had lost. Some of these 
were abandoned in the creek, or became immovably wedged in 
the streets of the town. 

At nine o'clock at night the body of Major Boeman was brought 
in, and was shortly after sent to Flemington for burial. He was 



THE FIFTEENTH REGIMENT. 



407 



at the time of his death in command of the Tenth New Jersey 
"Volunteers. A deep sorrow at his loss filled the hearts of all, the 
men grieving as for a personal friend. His influence as a Christian 
had been very happy upon the command, and did not cease with 
his death. The brigade had suffered heavily, and not a field officer 
was left. In the Fifteenth there were hardly any non-commissioned 
officers, and the number of those who belonged to the regiment at 
the time of its formation was dwindled to a mere handful. Most 
of the dead were stripped of their clothing, and the wounded robbed 
of shoes and outer garments. In general the wounded were treated 
with much inhumanity, though some instances are known where 
they received kindly treatment. 

This battle closed the fighting of the year in the Yalley. On 
the 1st of December, the Sixth Corps rejoined the Army of the 
Potomac, and the Fifteenth settled down before Petersburg for the 
winter. It was never again heavily engaged. In the final assault 
upon the enemy's works, in April, 1865, it carried itself with con- 
spicuous courage, but suffered only trifling loss. Upon Lee's sur- 
render, it was sent to Danville, whence, late in May, it proceeded 
to Washington, and subsequently to Trenton, where it was finally 
disbanded. In all the qualities of courage, endurance and devotion 
to duty, this was among the foremost of New Jersey regiments ; 
to have fought in its ranks on the ghastly fields where it won 
celebrity, may well be counted an honor at once lustrous and 
imperishable. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (First Cavalry). 

Ox the 4th of August, 1861, the President of the United States 
issued an order authorizing Honorable William Halsted, of Tren- 
ton, to raise a regiment of volunteer cavalry from the State of New 
Jersey. The order limited the time for recruiting to ten days, but 
there was afterwards an extension of ten days additional. Mr. 
Halsted had been for many years a prominent member of the bar 
of the State, and, having attained considerable political eminence, 
had been at one time a member of Congress, but now, approaching 
his seventieth year, scarcely possessed the activity and physical 
strength requisite for the cavalry service. Governor Olden, for 
this and other reasons, declined to recognize the regiment as part 
of the State contingent of volunteers, and it was consequently 
recruited under wholly independent auspices. But whatever judg- 
ment may be pronounced upon the capacity of the Colonel to com- 
mand, he certainly proved that he possessed the ability to raise the 
regiment. On the 24th of August, the first four companies, under 
command of Major M. E. Beaumont, arrived in Washington, and 
only a week after six other companies were brought in by Colonel 
Halsted himself— the whole going into camp on Meridian Hill. 1 

1 The original roster of the regiment was as follows : 

Colonel, William Halsted ; Lieutenant-Colonel, J. H. Alexander ; First Major, Myron 
H. Beaumont; Second Major, Henry O. Halsted; Surgeon, William W. L. Phillips; 
Assistant-Surgeon, Ferdinand V. L. Dayton ; Acting Adjutant, W. E. Morford ; 
Chaplain, Henry R. Pyne ; Quartermaster, Benjamin B. Halsted. Company A— 
Captain, JohnH. Shelmire ; First Lieutenant, Jacob R. Saekett ; Second Lieutenant, 
James H. Hart. Company JS— Captain, Richard C. Lewis ; First Lieutenant, William 
Frampton; Second Lieutenant, James Tompkinson. Company C— Captain, Ivins D. 
Jones; First Lieutenant, John S. Tash; Second Lieutenant, William W. Gray. Com- 
pany D— Captain, Robert N. Boyd; First Lieutenant, John Worsley; Second Lieu- 
tenant, Henry W. Sawyer. Company E— Captain, John W. Kester; First Lieu- 



THE SIXTEENTH JREGDIEXT — (FIEST CAVALRY). 409 

From the first, this camp was a scene of tumult and disorder. 
Drills were scarcely thought of ; the most ordinary precautions of 
sanitary police were neglected ; and, withal, there was no authori- 
tative announcement of duties, no promptl}' enforced penalty for 
disobedience. Officers who sought for some advantage or indul- 
gence, applied to the Colonel with no consideration whether the 
favor ought property to be asked by a subordinate or granted by a 
commander. If in his endeavors to administer his government 
faithfully, the Colonel refused their petition, they persisted even to 
angry remonstrance ; finally overpowering his objections at the cost 
of all respect for authority. Two Lieutenant-Colonels were con- 
tending for the position to which both had been appointed, and the 
officers were divided into cliques, supporting one or the other. 
When officers who knew something of their duty tried to do it, 
their men drew invidious comparisons between them and other 
easy-going company commanders ; and without any energetic supe- 
rior authority to support them, the officers found themselves forced 
to succumb to the tide of popular opinion. For the regimental 
commander, in the midst of the throng of duties, all strange and 
peculiar in their character, found himself unable to concentrate his 
attention upon any one. Called to labor constantly beyond his 
strength, harassed by responsibilities for which he was unpre- 
pared by military experience, and to bear which he was untrained 
in military habits, he found the confusion around him defying all 
his efforts and regulations, and could only by slow degrees begin 
to grapple with the difficulties of his situation. Still, in one way 
or another, things dragged along. The regiment passed from 
camp to camp ; and at length crossing the river was placed in a 

tenant, Patton J. Yorke; Second Lieutenant, Francis B. Allibone. Company 1 — 
Captain, John H. Lncas ; First Lieutenant, Moses TV. Malsbury ; Second Lieuten- 
ant, Aaron S. Robbins. Company G — Captain, John H. Smith; First Lieutenant, 
George. W. Wardell; Second Lieutenant, Peter A. Bertholf. Company B— Captain, 
H. C. Perley; First Lieutenant, William T. Inman; Second Lieutenant, Myer Asch. 
Company ^-Captain, Benjamin W. Jones; First Lieutenant, James Hunt; Second 
Lieutenant, Edward Field. Company A— Captain, Virgil Broderick ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Thomas R, Haines; Second Lieutenant, John Fowler. Company L— Captain, 
William TV. Taylor; First Lieutenant, Hugh H. Janeway; Second Lieutenant, Peter 
H. Langstaff. Company M— Captain, John P. Fowler ; First Lieutenant, Horace TV. 
Bristol ; Second Lieutenant, Samuel Warbag\ 

52 



410 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



brigade. Here the difficulty as to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy was 
terminated, and Joseph Karge, formerly an officer in the Prussian 
service, though for many years a naturalized citizen of the United 
States, was permanently established in that rank. When this result 
was accomplished, the Colonel, weary with the labor which had 
been imposed upon him, and becoming ill from the effect of camp 
life, took a sick-leave and retired for a time to Washington. 

For an officer who had been trained to regard a despotic disci" 
pline as the only principle of military authority, and to force the 
body rather than to inform the intelligence as the only possible 
system of drill, the command of twelve hundred men who had 
always previously had their own way, and who had been used to 
learn with the mind before acquiring the habits of physical skill, 
was a burden of unanticipated difficulty. He could not understand 
the spirit which animated the men, and he could recognize even 
less easily the sentiments which made many of his officers some- 
times sympathize with the soldiers rather than with himself. Men 
who had not learned to obe}^, who of late had been accustomed to 
an almost impunity of insubordination, might, perhaps, have been 
led to obedience by a calm, firm spirit of unwavering discipline, 
but that discipline must have been unaccompanied by blows or 
words as punishments which would arouse their anger from a sense 
that they were not justly proportioned to the offence. When 
authority and unreasoning severity were associated together, the 
spirit which rebelled against the latter confounded with it the disci- 
pline with which it was combined ; while the Lieutenant-Colonel 
interpreted the reluctance to submit to these, as a spirit of mutiny 
against his efforts to establish order. Thus the whole camp was a 
scene of misunderstanding, threatening frequently to break out into 
riot and rebellion, when, unfortunately, another element of discord 
intervened to aggravate the whole. As the Lieutenant-Colonel was 
bending all his energies to the performance of his duty in perfect- 
ing the military character of the regiment, a result, the details of 
whose accomplishment he clearly understood, he encountered a dif- 
ficulty in procuring those supplies which were essential not only to 
efficiency, but even to continued existence. The last raised company 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 



411 



had just reported to camp without uniforms, without blankets and 
without tents to shelter them ; and the number of horses inefficiently 
supplied with forage, and the appliances for the preservation of 
their health, strength and equipments was constantly increasing. As 
these things occurred within sight of the immense granaries and 
overflowing storehouses of Washington, Lieutenant-Colonel Karge 
promptly called the Eegimental Quartermaster to account, without 
obtaining any satisfactory explanation ; and though that officer was 
warned to perform this duty, the supplies were still unprovided. 
The matter was reported to the brigade commander, who, finding 
on investigation that the Quartermaster had been irregularly mus- 
tered in, had his name without further ceremony removed from 
the rolls of the regiment ; and his place having been supplied by 
another officer, the needed rations, forage, arms and clothing were 
without difficulty obtained. The Colonel who was in Washington, 
felt that as he was the ranking officer of the regiment, he should 
have been consulted before such a change had been effected ; and he 
naturally interpreted the removal of the Quartermaster as an in- 
fringement of his prerogative, and an attack upon himself ; he, con- 
sequently, hurried back to camp in indignation and signalized his 
resumption of command by an unseemly altercation with the 
Lieutenant-Colonel. Confusion now was worse confounded. The 
Colonel naturally took the part of the men in their complaints 
against the late executive ; and the reforms in drill, discipline and 
camp routine, at once fell into abeyance. At the same time the 
officers of ability and zeal, though they might question the pro- 
priety of the Lieutenant- Colonel's manner, could not but perceive 
that his course tended to the improvement of the regiment, while 
the present state of things must result in its dissolution. They, 
therefore, began to draw towards the side of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Karge, and were on that account regarded as hostile b}^ Colonel 
Halsted. Hence there were two prominent parties in the camp, 
besides numerous petty sub-divisions, varying continually, accord- 
ing to the impulses of personal pique and the demand of indi- 
vidual interest; and this state of affairs by distracting attention 
and zeal from the good of the regiment, left it still unprepared for 



412 



NEW JEKSEY AND THE EEBELLION. 



service. During the month of JSTovember the regiment was assigned 
to the Division of General Heintzelman, and in the beginning of 
December another change of command took place. Owing to mis- 
construction of certain regulations, Colonel Halsted became in- 
volved in difficulty with the War Department, which resulted in 
his arrest, and the command devolved in consequence upon the 
Lieutenant-Colonel. There was a sudden resumption of energy 
and discipline. Well seconded by the senior Major, who, though 
young, was familiar with the routine of the cavalry service, Karge 
set to work to make soldiers of the officers and men. As a first 
step he sent the most inefficient officers and men before the Exam- 
ining Board in Washington, thus starting the rest into activity. 
Wherever there was any duty to be done, either he or the Major 
was to be seen ready to pour forth vials of wrath upon the heads 
of the delinquents. Officers grumbled and soldiers swore, but 
still the routine was inexorablv carried on, and before lonsr all 
awoke to a consciousness that they had never been so comfortable 
since their first enlistment ; still they were unable to perceive that 
this good came to them through the man whose abuse rankled in 
their hearts, and hatred of the Lieutenant-Colonel continued with 
but little diminution. 

In the five weeks of this regime a soldierly spirit was implanted 
in the men, which preserved its vitality through all the ensuing 
trouble. Colonel Halsted, by the middle of January, settled his 
difficulty with the War Department, and was restored to the com- 
mand of his regiment, which was thereupon removed from General 
Heintzelman's jurisdiction. This transfer occurring in the midst 
of a dismal storm, was undertaken without clue preparation ; and 
for two nights the men and horses bivouacked in the streets of 
Washington exposed to the inclemency of the weather. A new 
camp was then laid out near the road leading out of Seventh street 
towards Eockville, and in a contracted space the troops v/ere 
crowded into quarters. Knee-deep in the mud, with no provision 
for their comfort, no duty to employ them except the harassing 
work of furnishing a double camp-guard, the men began to sicken 
and desert by scores. Eumors began to float around that in the 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIEST CAVALRY). 



proposed reduction of the cavalry the regiment was to be disbanded, 
and the men began to calculate that it was better to hurry home at 
once than to linger in discomfort for no purpose. The Lieutenant- 
Colonel and Major were in arrest. Many of the best officers were 
in disgrace, and many of the poor ones gave themselves up to 
intoxication. The Colonel's time was engrossed by pursuing the 
cases of his officers before the Examining Board ; and no one 
seemed to have a hope or a care for the well-being of the regiment. 
So the month of February came in and wore half away. Suddenly 
other rumors were whispered through the camp. The regiment 
had been recognized bv the State, and the soldiers' families were 
to receive State pay. Colonel Halsted had been mustered out, 
and Percy Wyndham, an Englishman by descent, Colonel in the 
Sardinian service, a soldier of Garibaldi, and chevalier of the 
Military Order of Savoy, had been commissioned Colonel by the 
Governor. The regiment was safe and its prospects brilliant. On 
the heels of the rumor came its confirmation. Colonel Halsted one 
morning left the camp and never returned. That evening, an 
officer, young, dashing, handsome, every inch a soldier, quietly 
walked in and introduced himself as Colonel.- The regiment was 
transferred to better ground and the mud was dried up by clear, 

- Colonel Wyndham' s order, upon assuming command, was as follows : 

"Headquarters Fiest New Jeesey Cavalry, ) 
February 9, 1862. \ 

[" Regimental Order, M. 1.] 
" I, Sir Percy Wyndhain, Colonel-Brigadier of the Italian Army, having been recom- 
mended by Major-General McClellan, and dnly commissioned as Colonel of the First 
Regiment of New Jersey Cavalry, by the Governor of the State of New Jersey, do 
hereby assume command of this regiment, which from this day is known and recog- 
nized by the Governor of the State of New Jersey as the First Regiment of New 
Jersey Cavalry. The monthly allowance made by the State to the families of her vol- 
unteers, will be hereafter paid to the relatives of the patriotic sons of New Jersey who 
are in the ranks of this regiment. The regiment is now well armed and splendidly 
mounted, and all that is needed to put it in the most efficient state is strict obedience 
to orders, and thorough military discipline ; and the Colonel commanding desires the 
assistance of all officers and men to attain this end — the well-being of the regiment 
being the first. " Sir P. Wyndham, 

" Colonel Commanding." 

Colonel Sir Percy Wyndham was born September 23, 1S33, in the ''Downs," on 
board the ship "Arab." He was a son of Captain Charles Wyndham, Fifth Light 
Cavalry, of the English army. At the age of fifteen, he entered as a volunteer in the 
" Students' Corps " at Paris, on the 2Sth day of February, 1848, and took part in the 
campaign of the French Revolution in 1848. On the 11th of July, in the same year, he 



4U 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



frosty weather. Everybody was released from arrest, and the spirit 
of the regiment brightened with the sky. "Halsted's Horse" 
became the First New Jersey Cavalry ; and with the change of 
name, there came a change of character. 

II — In the Field. 
Daring the winter and early spring, the regiment was employed 
in picket-duty and scouting along the left of the line. In this duty, 
Lieutenant Hugh H. Janeway, having at one time ridden in ad- 
vance of his company, accompanied by a single orderly, was 
wounded and left for dead by the enemy. With great fortitude, 
he rose and walked back to his command, and, though wounded in 
seven or eight places, was fit for duty again within a month. On 
the 18th of April, 1862, the regiment was ordered to Fredericks- 
burg to join General McDowell, arriving late on the following even- 
ing, after a march of great severity. On the afternoon of the 
20th, it again started on a scout, proceeding towards the lower 
extremity of the Xorthern Xeck. Bivouacking that night at 
King George Court House, headquarters were on the following 
morning transferred to the country-house of Edward Tayloe, near 
which, according to tradition, the father of Pocahontas had often 

was transferred to the navy, and promoted to be Ensign of Marines. On the 7th of 
April, 1850, he resigned his position in the Erench Xavy, and entered as a volunteer 
in the English Artillery, on the 19th of June, 1851. He resigned this position on the 
1st of October, 1853, and having passed a very creditable examination, entered the 
Eighth Austrian Lancers, as Second Lieutenant, on the 3d of the following December. 
He served two years as Second Lieutenant, and was promoted, on the 15th of April, 
1851, to be First Lieutenant, and soon after that was promoted to be Squadron Com- 
mander. This position he resigned on the 1st of May, 1S60, and on the 26th of May, 
1S60, he entered the Italian army as a Captain. On the 20th of July following, he was 
promoted to Major for conspicuous gallantry on the [field of battle before Milogog, 
and placed in command of his regiment. Again for conspicuous gallantry, he was 
promoted to be Lieutenant-Colonel on the field of battle before Capua, on the 1st of 
October, 1860, and was placed in command of a brigade by General Garibaldi in person. 
He commanded this brigade with great credit up to the 8th of October, 1861, when, 
filled with military ardor, and having no opportunity in Italy to further distinguish 
himself, he obtained leave of absence for twelve months and came to the United States. 

While in Europe, Colonel Sir Percy Wyndham took part in the following memorable 
campaigns: Campaign of ISIS and 1819, French Eevolution; campaign of the Russian 
War, 1855-6 ; campaign of 1859, in the north of Italy ; campaign in the south of Italy 
and Sicily; the battle of Polemo, Nuloggo, Eager and Capua. He was knighted by 
King Victor Emanuel on the field and made Chevalier of the Military Order of Savoy, 
and upon the establishment of peace received a medal commemorative of the Italian 
war. — Reminiscences of First Xew Jersey Cavalry, by Colonel Beaumont. 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 415 

gathered his court — in honor of whom the place was called Pow- 
hatan Hill. From this point, a party of twenty men, under Lieu- 
tenant Walter E. Bobbins, of Company G, was sent to the extrem- 
ity of the Neck, accomplishing their difficult expedition without 
loss, and returning with some two hundred negroes and a number 
of horses. The slaves also came in from other points in great 
numbers, and one of them bringing intelligence of a party of rebel 
cavalry placed as a courier post some twelve miles distant on the 
other side of the river, Captain Broderick, with a party of dis- 
mounted men, marched by night through rain and mud to the 
designated point, completely surprising the partjr, killing one, mor- 
tally wounding another, and bringing five with their horses into 
c.amp. On the following Saturday and Sunday, the regiment made 
a reconnoissance across the country to the Potomac, and on the 
28th, returned in good condition to camp near Falmouth, where it 
was brigaded with the First Pennsylvania Cavalry, under command 
of Brigadier-General George J). Bayard. Here the regiment remained, 
engaged in picket-duty, until the 25th of May, when the brigade 
moved across the river, and advanced on xhe plank road as far as 
Salem Church — thence pushing on to the front of the army, within 
hearing of the guns at the battle of Hanover Court House. Here 
the brigade suddenly received orders to march into the Yalley of 
Virginia to oppose Stonewall Jackson, and on the 28th, the com- 
mand turned in that direction. With many of the horses unshod, 
over stony roads and through heavy mire, often along hillsides, 
giving up the road to others, the brigade pushed steadily on, passing 
all other forces, and five days after reaching Strasburg, where 
about one hundred and fifty rebel stragglers were captured. The 
second battalion of the First Jersey, headed by Lieutenant Colonel 
Karge, at once pushed forward in pursuit of the retreating enemy, 
and coming up with his rear-guard, opened upon them, adding to 
the number of our prisoners. At length, covered by a little stream 
whose bridge had been hastily destroyed, a line of cavalry appeared 
drawn up across the road. At this moment Wyndham brought up 
the rest of the regiment at a gallop, and without a pause the three 
battalions in different columns were thrown across the stream 



416 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



against the enemy. The fourth squadron. Companies D and F, 
covering their advance in a deep ravine, struck the road close to 
the enemy, and in close column of fours wheeled into it to charge. 
Just as they debouched upon it, a deep voice from the tall wheat 
of the adjacent field, called out, "Beady, aim!" and a regiment 
of rebel infantry rose up from their concealment. " Down on your 
saddles, every man," shouted Captain Boyd, as the order to fire 
issued from the rebel commander. Each man stooped to his horse's 
neck, and the whole volley whistled harmlessly over the heads of 
our troops, riddling the fence behind. Simultaneously with the fire 
of the infantry, the rebel cavalry in the road opened right and left, 
uncovering a section of artillery in position. " Eight about wheel, 
march! trot! gallop!" shouted Boyd, with an energy proportioned 
to the emergency. As the column dashed round the bend of the 
road, a few scattering shots from the infantry were sent after it, 
killing the blacksmith of Company D, while just as its rear got out 
of range, the canister of the artillery tore along the causeway, too 
late, however, to hurt them. The rebel battery continuing its fire, 
the first battalion (Beaumont's) took a wider sweep, and now came 
towards the road in its rear, while a portion of the third, under 
Haines and Janeway, strove to take it more in front. As our men, 
advancing, set up their wild cheer, the supporting rebel cavalry 
broke and retreated in disorder, leaving the guns without protec- 
tion, and causing the artillerists and drivers to waver. But by 
each gun sat the officer of the piece with his pistol in hand, holding 
the men sternly to their places. Deserted by their supports, our 
men still pressing on, and their pistol shots whistling on, these gal- 
lant fellows forced their gunners to limber up as accurately as if on 
drill ; and then at a gallop the pieces were whirled along to the 
rear. Major Beaumont and Captains Bristol and Kester, with Ser- 
geant Fowler, of Company E, and half a dozen men, dashed forward 
in pursuit through the field by the side of the road, firing their 
pistols as rapidly as the chambers would revolve, but the severe 
marches of the past week, and the desperate speed of the morning's 
chase, told now exhaustingly upon the horses. In spite of all their 
efforts, they were left behind, though Fowler, one of the Corporals, 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 



417 



( and a private named Graskill found their animals so crazy with ex- 
citement as to be unmanageable. After the flying battery they raced 
with headlong speed, plunging at last right into the ranks of the 
rebels, who were obliged in self-defense to fire at those who were 
thus riding them down. Within a few yards of the rebel General 
Ashby himself, Fowler was shot dead, the Corporal wounded and 
Gaskill unhorsed and taken prisoner. 

By this time the First Maine Battery had come up, and the fight 
became one exclusively of artillery, the shells falling thickly among 
our troopers — a few men being slightly wounded, and one or two 
horses killed. 3 Soon the night began to close in, and the infantry 
of Fremont came, panting with their rapid march, upon the field of 
battle. But it was too late for further action, and pursuit was evi- 
dently impossible. Ashby, without loss, drew off his men, and our 
exhausted cavalrymen bivouacked on their first field of battle. 

Promptly on the morrow the march was renewed, the brigade 
moving through the town of Woodstock, pressing upon the rear of 
Jackson. Fording the river at Eclinburg and ascending the hills 
above Mount Jackson, a long line of rebel wagons came into view 
in the distance, with the army drawn up to protect their passage. 
Between them and our forces rolled the swollen waters of a branch 
o£ the Shenandoah, and this — the bridge having been fired — it was 
found impossible to cross. Our guns, indeed, opening an angry 
fire upon the enemy, compelled him to retire out of range, but he 
did it with an air of triumph, which enhanced the mortification of 
the pursuers, who at length baffled and disappointed, camped by 
the river's side, watching its constantly-increasing volume and 
soaked by the incessant rains. Here, vainly endeavoring mean- 

3 Chaplain Pyne, in his notes, says : 

"One of the enemy's missiles struck beneath the Lieutenant-Colonel's horse, as he 
stood in his place in line. The explosion threw horse and man into the air, tearing 
the animal to pieces, hut the rider came down unhurt, and emerged from the cloud of 
smoke with no blood upon him but that of the slaughtered animal. 

"A strange instance of poetic justice occurred during this fire. Two women living 
among the hills, leaving the safe retreat of their homes, came down into the Valley to 
see Stonewall Jackson defeat the Yankees. As they sat in a room looking towards 
the scene of action, a shell from the enemy's battery struck the building and exploded, 
tearing off a leg from one and seriously injuring the other. Crippled for life by their 
friends, they had to depend upon the surgery of the hated foe for their rescue from- 
immediate death." 

53 



418 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



while to bridge the stream, the command remained during the 
whole of the following day, and until the afternoon of the 2d. when, 
after great difficulty, a crossing was effected and the march con- 
tinued to Newmarket. 

About neon of Friday, the 6th of June, the army arrived upon 
the hills near Harrisonburg. Broderick, with his company in the 
advance, dashed through the streets of the town, chasing some 
mounted men who had lingered there for observation. As he 
emerged into the open road, a body of infantry, lining the stone 
walls on either side, rose and fired into his men. Broderick drew 
up, and coolly scanned the numbers of the enemy. Then, seeing 
that the force was too great for him to charge, he wheeled and 
retired, with a deliberation that, as was afterwards learned, was the 
object of high admiration among the enenry. Then, in column of 
four, Wyndham trotted through the town and took up a position 
beyond it, sending out skirmishers through the roads in front. 
About three o'clock, after a colloquy with one of General Fremont's 
scouts, the regiment, accompanied by a battalion of the New York 
Mounted Eifles, advanced at a fast trot on the road to Port Ee- 
public. The regiment, which had left Fredericksburg about eight 
hundred strong, was now reduced to less than half that number ; 
but those who remained were as full of daring as was their gallant 
leader. As Shelmire, with the leading squadron, passed the line 
of Sawyer's skirmishers, the latter called out to him to take care, 
for the enenry was in force in the wood beyond. The Captain 
answered in his resolute way, ' : I have been ordered to charge any 
force that I may meet, and it is my duty to try and do it," and 
with these words he continued on. Pasf the remains of a burning; 
ambulance, Wyndham carried his whole force forward, with drawn 
sabers, all of them wild with the excitement of the race. The 
narrow road, fenced in on each side, and with the bordering fields, 
also enclosed by strong worm fences, dipped into a hollow through 
which ran a streamlet with swampy banks ; and rising with a 
gradual ascent, entered a wood that crowned the summit of the 
hill. On the left, the wood was diminished to a thin belt hiding 
an open field, strongly fenced in by posts and rails, while the front 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT— (FIEST CAVALRY). 419 

of the wood was there also lined by an irregular worm fence. 
Beneath the shadow of the trees, a small body of rebel cavalry was 
drawn up across the road. " Form platoons !" shouted the Colonel, 
catching, with moistened hand, a firmer grasp of his saber. While 
the men were still hurrying their wearied horses into the fresh 
formation, he gave the orders, " Gallop ! Charge! " and the whole 
body, half-arrayed, plunged forward to the attack. The head of 
the first battalion entered the wood by the road, driving in the 
squadron of the enemy. The second, diverging to the left, com- 
menced to tear clown the fence, Wyndham and Karge both dis- 
mounting to assist in the operation; while the third battalion 
moved still farther to the left, to force an entrance there. Shel- 
mire IM the first squadron in until he met a heavy column of cav- 
alry blocking up the road as far as he could see it ; and at the same 
moment a force of infantry, lying hidden in the wood, poured a 
tremendous volley into his flank. Two men, Charles Parry and 
William Traughan, fell dead at that discharge, and a lad, named 
Jonathan Jones, reeled, mortally wounded, from his horse. Simul- 
taneously with this discharge, two regiments of rebel infantry, from 
behind the post and rail-fence, opened a steady fire upon the 
remainder of the regiment. Even under these disadvantages, the 
high spirit of the men sustained them. The first squadron, the 
only one that could see an enemy, deliberately returned saber, and, 
drawing their pistols, commenced a reply to the bullets that were 
sweeping through their ranks ; and at the same moment the heads 
of the other two battalions forced themselves into the wood, from 
which issued a steady stream of fire. 

Fortunately for our men, the weapons of the enemy threw too 
high, thus preventing an immediate annihilation of the command ; 
but even when our columns had entered the wood, they found the 
enemy perfectly protected from assault. There was nothing for it 
but to fall back into the field, and endeavor to form line again 
even beneath the fire. As the rest of the regiment formed, Shel- 
mire, seeing the cavalry of the enemy sweeping around his flank, 
was forced out of the wood, and his men, pressed by the rebels 
upon one side, were driven against the right of the line that was 



420 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 




FSELD OF OPERATIONS OF THE FBRST CAVALRY 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 421 

just forming. In a moment there was a scene of inextricable con- 
fusion. The Colonel had entered the wood, but had not come out 
of it ; the Lieutenant-Colonel, only saved by some of his men from 
being taken prisoner, had not yet regained his saddle; the Senior 
Major was enveloped in the rout of the first battalion ; while the 
standard-bearer, unhorsed, had lost the colors. There was thus no 
general rallying points, and each officer and man had to act on his 
individual responsibility. Kester had one little knot of men col- 
lected, Lucas another ; other officers were hunting for their men ; 
when, with a yell, a body of rebel horsemen swept down upon the 
disordered troopers. The Mounted Rifles, who had not charged, 
instead of covering the Jersey, turned and left the field ; and the 
First Regiment, under the terrible fire of the infantry, had no 
chance of meeting properly this fierce assault. The whole body 
broke from the field, the officers still keeping towards the enemy, 
and endeavoring at intervals, and with some success, to check the 
vigor of the pursuit. 

Among the last to retire was Captain Thomas Haines. In the 
midst of the confusion his slender form was conspicuous, as he 
called to the men of his company and sought to rally them around 
him. As he was crossing the heavy ground bordering the stream, 
a squad of the Virginia Cavalry, led by an officer in a long gray 
coat, who sat erect and easily upon his bounding charger, came 
down upon the flank of the fugitives. A bullet from that officer's 
pistol penetrated the body of Captain Haines, who dropped, dying, 
from his horse. Broderick, in whose company he had been Lieute- 
nant, was close behind him as he fell. Rising on his horse, he 
turned round upon the rebels, and shouting "stop!" fired his 
revolver at their leader. The officer reeled in his saddle, and his 
men, catching him in their arms, hurried back from the spot. 
Broderick stooped over Haines, and called him by his name ; but 
there was no answer, and there was no time to pause. Leaving 
the lifeless form, as the enemy again pressed upon him, he sadly 
spurred his horse to a renewal of his flight. 

If a cavalry charge is glorious, a cavalry rout is dreadful. Press- 
ing upon one another, strained to the utmost of their speed, the 



422 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



horses catch an infection of fear which rouses thern to frenzy. The 
men, losing their places in the ranks, and all power of formation 
or hope of combined resistance, rush madly for some point of 
safety upon which it may be possible to rally. Each cheek in 
front makes the mass behind more dense and desperate, until 
hcrses and men are overthrown and ridden over, trampled on by 
others as helpless as themselves to rescue or to spare. The speed 
grows momentarily" greater. Splashing through pools of mire, 
breaking down fences, darting under trees, with clang of sabers 
and din of hoofs, officers wild with shame and rage shouting them- 
selves hoarse with unavailing curses, and the bullets of the enemy 
whistling shrilly overhead, the mingled mass sweeps on, until utter 
exhaustion stops them, or their commanders, struggling to the front, 
can indicate the place to form. Thus the First New Jersey gal- 
loped from the field of their defeat, leaving their Colonel, three 
Captains, one-twelfth of their troopers and the regimental colors in 
the hands of the enemy. 

Kallying on the first ground that afforded them a chance to form, 
the regiment checked the pursuit before it was relieved by the rest 
of the brigade, and then dispirited and broken down, it retired into 
camp. A few of the officers remained upon the field, and were 
spectators of that magnificent fight of the Pennsylvania Bucktails, 
in which that battalion, unsupported, checked and even drove the 
whole of Ashby's infantry. Into the woods the little body of one 
hundred and twenty officers and men hurled themselves against the 
enemy. Two regiments that were in their front reeled and retreated 
before their rapid and deadly fire — Ashby himself falling in the 
vain attempt to rally them. Assailed in flank by a third regiment, 
with their Colonel and twenty-five men wounded, and ho support 
coming to them from the infantry of Fremont, the little band 
retired, the Colonel refusing to be carried from the field where his 
men had killed and wounded many more than their own number 
of the enemy. With this glorious contest ended the fighting for 
the day. 

While the Major-General was spending the next day in delibera- 
tion, Captain Broderick, the Surgeon and another member of the 



THE SIXTEENTH KEGTMEXT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 



423 



regimental staff, accompanied by three men cf Company K, resolved 
to attempt the recovery of the body of Captain Haines. Passing 
bej r ond the point where Fremont's scouts had ventured, they fol- 
lowed the road to the battle-ground, discovering and relieving- some 
wounded Federal soldiers, and some wounded officers of the 
enemv. Thev found that a worthy farmer of the neighborhood had 
decently interred the uncofhned corpse, and that he was the only 
one of our officers who had fallen on the held. The others were all 
prisoners and had been carried off by the enemy. In a house, a 
little way beyond, lay young Jones, of Company A, at the very 
point of death. He was very young, with a face as smooth and 
beardless as a girl's, and with that sweetness of expression which is 
even lovelier in masculine youth than in the features of a woman. 
As his Captain, Shelmire. was led past him a prisoner, the boy 
spoke his name. The Captain, dismounting, took him tenderly in 
his arms, sgothing him and comforting. Then bending down and 
printing on his pale lips a kiss, the stout but gentle-hearted soldier 
continued his march to prison. 

Eemoving the body of poor Haines from the earth, and preparing 
it as well as they could for removal, the party sadly departed into 
the farmers house to wash their hands. Here as they purified 
themselves from dust, their eyes fell upon some appetizing pies 
which the woman of the house had just drawn out of the oven ; 
and the ever-present hunger of campaigners awoke in them with all 
its vigor, They had just concluded a bargain for these dainties when 
Sergeant Brooks announced the appearance of the enemy, compel- 
ling them to mount their horses and abandon the enclosure of the 
house. There, under cover of the fatal wood, were undoubtedly 
eight or ten rebel horsemen, maintaining a threatening appearance. 
But when men have been long on rough fare, a pie becomes a mat- 
ter of importance, not to be resigned for trivial causes. Showing a 
firm front to the enemy, therefore, a detachment of the party ad- 
vanced to the house, and received the precious dainties, bearing 
them off triumphantly, in the very teeth of the enemy ; and then 
with dignified gravity of pace, they commenced their retreat and 
the consumption cf the eatables. 



424 



NEW JERSEY AXD THE REBELLION. 



In the Harrisonburg churchyard their lamented comrade was 
interred on the following day, while the cannonade at Cross Keys 
thundered out a requiem ; and no e}'e was tearless as the earth was 
thrown upon his coffin. He was one of those youths, in whom 
center the affections of a family, who were yet solemnly dedicated 
to the service of their country ;• and doing that service nobly, he 
laid down his young life. What he might have been, who can 
tell? What he was is the treasured memory of those who have a 
right to keep the veil drawn over the picture of their love as well 
as their affliction. 

The battle of Cross Keys was fought when Jackson was able at 
the same time to check Fremont and still keep open his line of 
retreat by Port Eepublic, Movements that looked feasible on 
paper, failed in the field, either from incompetence, dilatoriness or 
want of harmony in the commanders, or else through those acci- 
dents of the weather which had not been taken into account ; and 
the campaign which looked so fair in May, closed in June with a 
succession of defeats. 

Ill— Pope's Advance. 

On the Wednesday succeeding the action at Cross Keys, the 
First Cavalry was ordered to return to General McDowell, and by 
the third week in June was in camp at Manassas Junction, where 
it remained until the stragglers had come in, when it proceeded, by 
way of Warrenton Junction and Culpepper Court House, to Madi- 
son Court House. Thence it was ordered to proceed, under General 
Hatch, to Gordonsville and Charlottesville, to hold the railroad 
and destroy communication with the Valley. Hatch, however, 
giving undue credence to the reports of natives and others, im- 
agined (erroneously) that a force had been thrown on his flank, and 
that the front was too strongly held to be attacked, and conse- 
quently, instead of carrying out the plans of General Pope, (who 
was much enraged on account of the failure.) countermarched his 
command through a difficult country, by way of Sperryville, to 
Culpepper. Subsequently, the regiment was again sent forward, 
but without result. About the last of July, it was advanced to 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 425 



the Eapidan, which it held from Eapidan Station to near Cave's 
Ford, connecting with BuforcVs pickets from Madison Court House. 
]STo movement of any moment being made, the regiment remained 
there, skirmishing successfully every day, twelve miles from any 
support, while the enemy again took the offensive. 

At length, on the night of the 7th of August, General Jackson 
crossed with fifteen thousand men at Barnett's Ford. The follow- 
ing morning, at three o'clock, Colonel Karge, with a battalion of 
the regiment, moved around the left of the enemy, where the 
rebel cavalry had left their tracks the night before. Captain Jane- 
way taking one direction and Karge another, Lieutenant Beekman, 
in charge of Janeway's extreme advance, pushing rapidly along, 
dashed upon and captured a party at breakfast, coming off with 
twenty -three prisoners. Captain Bristoe, in another direction, 
captured two ; and, moving by bye-roads quite around the enemy's 
left, the battalion returned to the main body in safety. Meanwhile, 
Captains Boyd and Lucas, with a small body of sixty men, re- 
mained on picket at Eapidan Station. A. dispatch had been sent 
them in the morning warning them to retire, but the messenger 
never reached the station. Towards evening, Captain Boyd, who 
had been giving some information to a topographical engineer, 
found himself cut off from his men, and pursued hj a party of the 
enemy. In order to escape, he was forced to take the road to the 
regimental camp, but as he drew near, an old negro woman warned 
him that it was in possession of the enemy ; and as he turned, the 
rebels, whom he had distanced, again caught sight of him and 
gave pursuit. Dashing into the woods, he managed, after awhile, 
to elude the foe, and after crouching in the woods during the 
night, the next morning joined the regiment as it formed in line of 
battle. Captain Lucas, thus left in command, with cool audacity 
held his position through the night ; and though his pickets were 
three times driven in, each time replaced them in person, deter- 
mined to hold his ground to the very last. In the morning, he 
found two rebel regiments half a mile on his right, and another at 
the same distance on the left ; bat going quietly and cautiously 
through the woods, he brought off his men in safety except two 
51 



426 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



who had been taken during the night. This steadiness of Lucas 
probably saved the day at Cedar Mountain, as it delayed the forces 
of the enemy, who might otherwise have turned our left. 

IV — Cedar Mountain. 
On Saturday morning, the 9th of August, General Banks drew 
up his cavalry in line of battle supporting his batteries, and distri- 
buted the two or three regiments of infantry belonging to General 
Crawford in the most imposing manner possible. From seven 
o'clock in the morning until half-past three in the afternon, the men 
stood there motionless, only occasional shots being exchanged be- 
tween our own and the hostile batteries. In the meantime the rest 
of Banks' (skeleton) corps came up ; but still he was compelled to 
keep his cavalry in front to hide his weakness in infantry. At 
half-past three a vigorous fire was opened upon our line from the 
left, to which the battery of the First New York Artillery replied 
with great effect. Lieutenant-Colonel Karge, though so prostrated 
by sickness as to be unable to keep command of the regiment, 
immediately drew it into a position where a rising ground in front 
disturbed the accuracy of the rebel range, and then led out the 
skirmishers of the first squadron under Captain Bristoe, of Company 
B. This splendid body of men held their ground nobly, and for 
three-quarters of an hour checked the efforts of the rebels to de- 
bouch round a wood. At length the enemy leveled at them a tell- 
ing artillery fire, and with heavy expenditure of ammunition forced 
them to retire, after the Ehode Island Cavalry, which covered their 
left, had swept back at a gallop. Both bodies of skirmishers, how- 
ever, re-formed, and took their places in the ranks with marvelous 
promptitude. Still the enemy made but little progress, the battery 
in his front having command of his line. Presently, however, 
determined if possible, to capture the guns, the rebels threw out a 
regiment of sharpshooters to disperse the cavaliy, and the heat of 
the engagement at once became more intense and exciting. At 
this moment, Broderick, who was in charge of some skirmishers on 
the right, stealing cautiously through the timber, discovered the 
precise position of the rebels who were engaging us and hastily 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 427 

signaling the commander of the battery, and procuring the requi- 
site direction, shell after shell was promptly dropped into the midst 
of the densely-formed brigade lying behind the cover, causing the 
men to scatter in dismay and disorder — many being killed outright. 
But still the rebel sharpshooters were pouring a vigorous fire into 
our line, the balls falling thickly among and around the cavalry- 
men. Suddenly there was a slight confusion in the ranks of Com- 
pany A. u Steady there," cried the Major, sternly. Two men, 
Washington Kaimer and Albert Young, drew their horses out of 
the ranks and saluted, saying quietly, " We are hit, sir," as thej^ 
moved to the rear. The ranks closed up again like a wall, and in 
ten minutes, these two men, instead of nursing their hurts, had the 
balls extracted, the wounds bandaged by the Surgeon, and before 
the blood had clotted on the lint, were once more back in their 
places. Once the rebels attempted to bring a piece of artillery out 
of the wood against us, but the men of our battery were too vigi- 
lant for them ; as they brought it above the brow of the hill, a 
gallant Dutch gunner squinted carefully along his piece, and in- 
stantly discharging it, the rebel gun was seen to bound upwards and 
topple over dismounted to the ground. 

But still the balls of the sharpshooters kept doing their work, 
and our position was fast becoming untenable. A fresh rebel 
battery had been so placed as to command the entire field in which 
the cavalry were posted. General Banks, who had come up, seeing 
that the whole line was threatened with annihilation, ordered them 
to retire to a new position, which was done in perfect order, though 
the ground they traversed was like the floor of a fiery furnace with 
exploding shells — three batteries of the enemy nurling upon it a 
converging fire. As the Jersey regiment passed his range, two 
of the platoon commanders fell — Beekman witA two pounds of iron 
in his shoulder ; Alanson Austin with his thigh almost severed 
from his body. 4 With the same discharge several of the men were 

* Major Beaumont's " Reminiscences" lias the follow^ in reference to young Austin : 
" There lay the poor hoy, almost a child in look, md a sort of pet among officers 
and men, pale and stunned, in the arms of some f his platoon, his right leg nearly 
severed from his body. The crushed and torn mu^les showed among them the broken 
hone, and the blood dropped slowly to the grounl, mingling with the dust. To get 



428 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



wounded, and the horse of Craig, Sergeant-Major of the third 
battalion, was struck dead to the earth. Though he was the last 
man of the column, and there was now no protection against the 
advancing enemy, he paused in the midst of the fire to remove his 
saddle and equipments, and bearing them on his back proceeded on 
foot to re-join his regiment. 

The obstinacy of the cavalry and Crawford's small brigade had 
accomplished the vital object; and when they retired, it was upon 
the line which Banks had formed behind them. The First New 
Jersey had no more actual fighting to encounter, though they con- 
tinued drawn up upon the left flank, ready to charge, should it 
be required. Upon their comrades of the First Pennsylvania was 
imposed the only duty that afterwards fell to the share of the 
cavalry. 

Brief as the engagement had been, the number of the wounded 
was very large — though the First Jersey lost only eleven men. All 
night loDg the surgeons were busily employed, and yet there seemed 
no diminution in the number, who needed care — until at length, 
Assistant-Surgeon Dayton, of the First, sank down in utter pros- 
tration."' Just then the enemy opened a cannonade in the darkness 

him into an ambulance and drive back to the hospital seemed fearfully long for all; 
and the men felt every jolt almost as sharply as did he. Behind a wood was spread 
out the ghastly apparatus of military surgery, and the poor hoy was removed as quickly 
as circumstances would permit to the neighborhood of the table. As he lay in the 
Chaplain' S arms he seemed to recognize the voice that spoke to him, and with the faint 
gaspings oi a dying man he whispered, ' Oh, Chaplain, if I could only pray !' 4 Shall 
I pray for yoo?' 'Yes.' And the Chaplain put up those exquisite petitions in the 
service for the visitation of the sick. Austin's lips moved as if he were following the 
words of the petition to the very end. Then he was lifted on the table, the sponge of 
chloroform applied, and the ghastly work of amputation performed. He never recov- 
ered from the shock. His mind wandered ogam to the action, and he uttered words of 
command to his men. At last, with a feeble motion of his hand, he made an effort to 
ejaculate ' Star-spanglec banner!' These were his last words. The shells of the 
enemy came plunging through the wood, and struck against the fence behind which 
our hospital was establish^.' Austin was placed in an ambulance, beside Beekman, 
who had been hit almost it the same moment ; and the whole establishment moved 
back to a house in the rear. Scarcely had he been removed from the vehicle when he 
quietly breathed his last, le lies buried in Culpepper, in the southwest corner of 
our military graveyard, while ids cousin Haines sleeps at Harrisonburg, awaiting the 
same general Resurrection." 
s A note from Chaplain Pine sa-s : 

" Surgeon Phillips was sick in Washington, Assistant-Surgeon Dayton had been lying 
down all day oppressed with illness but the moment that his services were required, 
he rallied his energies, and worked with zeal and efficiency. Though the loss of the 



THE SIXTEENTH EEGIMEXT — (FIEST CAVALRY). 



429 



upon some of our men, who had incautiously lighted fires to pre- 
pare a cup of coffee. General Pope, who had but lately arrived 
upon the field, seeiug a battery not far from where he was stand- 
ing, the balls from which fell into our ranks, ordered Captain Asch, 
of the First ]STew Jersey, who was on his staff, to ride over to it 
and direct its commander to cease firing. Asch hinted that he 
thought it was a rebel battery. " l\"onsense. :r replied the General, 
• ; you go and give them the order.'" The Captain rode boldly up 
and exclaimed, :; The General directs that you cease firing." 
" Does the General order that?" asked the surprised artillery officer. 
' J Yes, r? said Asch, i; he sent me with peremptory orders ;' ? and 
while the wondering rebel obevecl, the aid galloped off, delighted 
to escape without detection. 6 The fire ceased, but at the same 
moment the battery was opened upon by one of our own with a 
raking fire, and next morning the ground was found covered with 



regiment was but eleven, the loss of the army was great ; and he labored on until, at 
eleven o'clock at night, he fell down by the side of the man whose wounds he was 
dressing. Even then, he took charge of a train of ambulances containing fifty of the 
wounded, took them into Culpepper, found a church to use as a hospital, received the 
next day nearly thirty more, managed so skilfully as to have only one death and no 
amputations, procured abundant rations and hay for bedding, had the air kept pure 
and the building clean, and had altogether by far the best hospital in the place." 

6 Lieutenant-Colonel Karge had been in hospital at Culpepper Court House. Before 

assuming command he issued the following order : 

[Regimental Order, Xo 171. J 

"Head quae tee s Fiest Xew Jersey Catai 
Camf neab Cheap. Mouhtain, Yiegesta. August 14, 1S6P 

" The commanding officer of this regiment takes the first opportunity 
his high gratification at the cool and brave behavior of both the men ar 
the last action. Although himself severely indisposed, he was w* 
ments of the regiment, and its intrepidity while under a galling f 
pride, Major Beaumont in co mm and of the regiment, acquitted 
officer, by his coolness, and the excellent manceuvers wirier- 
heavy fire of shell. 

lt The commanding officer, therefore, gives his heartfelt ' 
ers of your country and your principles, and you may we 1 
the ninth of August will be deeply impressed upon his 
has seen the regiment, nurtured by him, do its whole 
desires to take notice of the coolness, prompt obedi<" 
formance of their duty, by Hospital-Steward Samr 
Corporal Yoorhees, Ambulance-Driver McAffee, r 
Department, without exception, and to give l 
promptly assisting our brave wounded from th 
heavy fire. By order of 

"Joseph Kabg 



430 



NEW JEKSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



dead horses, heaped together where they stood when waiting to 
limber up. 

The glorious resistance shown by our small force on the 9th, was 
not followed up by General Pope on the 10th, though the enemy 
was actually leaving his train and his artillery teamless in the road, 
in a confused apprehension of pursuit from us ; and on the 18th, 
the First Regiment was ordered, with the rest of the cavalry, to 
cover the rear in a retrograde movement. The brigade at that time 
consisted of the First New Jersey, First Pennsylvania and Second 
and Tenth In ew York Cavalry Regiments. On the morning of the 
20th, the Second New York and the New Jersey regiment had a 
skirmish near Brandy Station, in which the enemy was driven 
back with loss. As the brigade approached the Rappahannock, 
General Stuart swept down upon it in force along the road over 
which it had passed. The Harris Light (Second New York) led by 
Kilpatrick, was at once ordered to the charge ; the First New Jer- 
sey forming upon its right, the Tenth New York deploying on the 
left and the Pennsylvanians moving into reserve. But the Harris 
Light, otherwise splendidly officered, had one inefficient officer. 
At the moment when the head of the opposing columns came 
together, the Lieutenant heading the first platoon of the regiment 
drew rein and backed his horse right through the ranks behind 
Instantly the whole column, all the men being inexperienced, 
in confusion, and a moment after the whole regiment broke 
*■ back, thus opening the center of the field, and forcing 
ange front with his line. Before, however, the new 
"1 be completed, the masses of the enemy swept down 
d flank. Karge emptied the chambers of his revol- 
v and then throwing the weapon at their heads, 
vith his saber, followed by the men around 
way before his impetuous charge. But with 
-oken, all that he could hope to do was to 
• under cover of his charge, and, accord- 
body, with one accord, spurred as 
ar, fighting hand to hand as ihej did 
: pursuers. A wide ditch stretched 



THE SIXTEENTH RE&IMEKT — (FIEST CAVALBY). 431 

across the field, and was relied upon by the Colonel to assist the 
reserve in their charge. Many of the exhausted horses fell as they 
strove to leao it, and headlong above them rolled the chasine; 
rebels. As he drew near it — the last man of the Jersey — Lieu- 
tenant Bobbins' horse fell dead beneath him. Bobbins kept his 
feet, and actually sprang across the ditch on foot, but he was soon 
seized by his pursuers, dragged to the rear and cut down while a 
prisoner, though fortunately saved from death by a metal plate in 
the center of his cap. Meanwhile, the reserve had drawn back to 
the woods, and there was nothing left for our retreating men but 
to dash on through the timber, still pursued. But at the moment 
when their rear seemed in the hands of the rebels, Broderick rushed 
with some fifty men upon the flank of the enemy, while Lucas sim- 
ultaneously wheeled his company upon them on the other side. 
The unexpected charge cut the rebels in two and drove back the 
mass of them with loss. At the same time. Balls, with his Penn- 
sylvanians, charging upon, all who passed the wood, dispersed and 
cut them down. Karge with his Adjutant charged unsupported 
upon a party of fifteen and drove them before him, but a bullet 
took effect in his lesr, and forced him to srive up the chase. The 
fighting was over, but of the two hundred and fiftv Jerseymen 
engaged, forty did not answer to their names. Karge was disabled.-, 
Hick hurt and unhorsed. Bobbins and Stuart in the enemy 7 s hand's. 
Many others had been captured, but were cut otit by the well-timed 
charge of Broderick, Lucas and their comrades. 

The few rebels who had penetrated the woods had time only to 
see the last of our army crossing the Bappahannock bridge, and 
forming in safety on the opposite shore — so that,, in spite of the 
reverses, the object for which the men had fought was gained, and 
the rebels had nothing but the barren field of oattle. 

V — Manassas Plains and .aldie. 

Fortunately, about this time Colonel TTyndham re-appeared in 
the field, and resumed command of the regirnent, which now became 
constantly engaged in marching and skirmishing. Finally, after 
Jackson had made his famous march bv the flank into the rear of 



432 



XEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



our forces, the brigade was sent to hold Thoroughfare Gap, upon 
the maintenance of which depended the safety of our army — where 
it remained one day, taking one hundred and fifty prisoners, and 
blockading the Gap by felling trees across it. Sergeant Brooks, of 
Company K, alone brought in seven armed prisoners. Towards 
evening, as the advance of the enemy was pressing towards the 
Gap, General Eicketts with four brigades came up, and planting his 
artillery, swept the entire defile with canister, driving back the head 
of the rebel column with heavy loss. But all this time our subor- 
dinate commanders were without instructions to direct their move- 
ments in combination with other parts of the army — were utterly 
ignorant indeed of the situation of affairs at other points in the 
field. So far as Bayard and Eicketts were concerned, they had to 
decide absolutely for themselves, prove the study of their own situ- 
ation, with Jackson barring the roads to the Capital, and Lee thun- 
dering upon their rear. Eightly, therefore, they yielded the posses- 
sion of the Gap, and fell back towards the railroad at Manassas and 
Bristow Stations, the only path which opened to them a retreat. In 
the battles of the 30th and 31st, which terminated so disastrously, 
the brigade did not actively participate. During the period of the 
rout, it was deployed over the field, checking stragglers and forcing 
them back to their ranks, and all through the disastrous night of 
our retreat, the men did faithful and exhausting duty. On Monday, 
the 1st of September, the brigade supported the left in the fight 
from Centerville to Fairfax Court House, only skirmishers, how- 
ever, having ,any work to do. During the night, it covered the 
right flank of the retreating column from Centerville to Fairfax, 
after which, utterly exhausted, the First Jersey went into camp at 
Bailey's Cross Eoads. 

During the months of September and October, the brigade, 
although not accompanying the Army of the Potomac in the 
Maryland campaign, was kept constantly employed, detachments 
patrolling and reconn^itering the whole country about the late 
battle-fields. Lieutenant-Colonel Karge, who had returned to duty 
before his wounds were liealed, took command of a force composed 
of detachments from several regiments, and swept the country near 

I 



\ 

V 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 433 

Leesburg to the base of the Blue Kidge, while Wyndham, in com- 
mand of the cavalry of Sigel, dashed through Thoroughfare Gap, 
and harassed the communications of Lee. On one occasion, in the 
face of infantry, cavalry and artillery, he fought his way through 
the Gap, with a number of prisoners and wagons, previously taken, 
and while the rebels continued a vigorous fire at the position which 
they supposed him to occupy, he had coolly moved off by echelon, 
and was five miles on his homeward road. In the early part of 
October, Karge received an order to go into Warrenton. So well 
was the movement executed that our troops were dashing into the 
town, by three roads, before the enemy had an intimation of his 
approach. Those who could, mounted their horses and fled towards 
Sulphur Springs, leaving their Colonel and many of their comrades 
in our hands. A lot of stores and one thousand six hundred pris- 
oners constituted the full fruits of the expedition. 

On the 29th and 30th of October, Bayard's Brigade, fifteen hun- 
dred strong, starting from Chantilly, scouted through Aldie and 
Middleburg up to Uppervilie. On the 31st, it lay at Aldie. On 
that day, Stuart with a large force of cavalry, came upon a portion 
of Stoneman's picket on the Snickerville road, capturing all but a 
dozen or so, who retreated in great confusion and alarm, carrying 
the news to the First Jersey. Captain Kester at once gathered his 
men together, and forming in the village street, awaited the onset 
of the rebels. Down the hill they came with a headlong dash, 
expecting to carry everything before them, and wheeling into the 
village rode at our little squadron. But the little band never 
wavered at their approach, and instinctively the leading files of the 
Virginians began to lessen their speed. At the moment when their 
ranks were thus thickened and confused, Captain Kester poured 
into them a volley from his carbines, and then with sabers drawn 
and a ringing cheer, our troops charged the startled enemy. Back 
rushed the rebels to escape the sfiock, and after them went the 
Captain, while close upon his heels followed the rest of the First 
New Jersey, eager to press the advantage. As the regiment rose 
the hill, Kester made his squadron swing off to the left, and led 
them on as skirmishers, the regiment keeping to the turnpike and 
55 



434 



( 

NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



in close column of fours, seeking to ride the rebels down before 
there should be a necessity for deploying. Only a quarter of a 
mile beyond the ground dipped with a rapid descent to the level of 
the valley, and if the rebels could be driven over the brow of the 
hill they would be exposed helplessly to a plunging fire of artillery. 
Already the advanced party of the pursued had scattered wildly 
over the fields, and but a single turn of the road intervened between 
the head of the column and the desired position, when around that 
bend came a column like our own charging to meet the charge of 
our own men. Even the blown and exhausted horses of the pur- 
suers had sufficient vigor to meet their assault, and as the columns 
approached, the head of the rebel regiment broke and turned away. 
But then, as the chase commenced, a squadron in single rank crossed 
the summit of the hill and opened a flanking fire upon the close 
column of the First New Jersey. Men and horses went clown 
beneath the volley to which but a feeble and scattering return could 
be made. The rush for the position had failed, and now in turn 
our men had to run for shelter that would allow of due deployment 
and a regular engagement. As the column wheeled by fours, Saw- 
yer, who was last in the retreat, was struck by a bullet in the loins, 
and though he retained his seat on horseback, he was disabled for 
further present duty. The horses of two or three men sank under 
them, and they became prisoners of the quickly-pursuing foe. By 
this time Karge had brought up the Second New York as a support 
to the force engaged, and their appearance, with the steady fire of 
our skirmishers, relieved the flanks of the First New Jersey from 
the annoyance of pursuit, so that it was easy to form in line under 
cover of the undulating ground. And now each side had taken its 
position, from which the other was to seek to drive it. The whole 
force engaged of the National troops consisted of the First New 
Jersey, Second New York and a section of a horse battery, all 
under command of Colonel Karge — General Bayard holding the 
remainder of the brigade in reserve, ready to meet the contingency 
of a flank attack. The rebels had two or more of their most 
distinguished cavalry regiments, and a batter}^ of four guns, all 
under the immediate command of General Stuart ; so there was a 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT— (FIRST CAVALRY). 435 

fair opportunity of testing the ability of the famous rebel, under 
circumstances very favorable to him. Several times the rebels 
formed to charge and came forward from the wood against the 
skirmish line, but each time they were driven back by the rapid 
fire of the skirmishers alone ; and while they were vigorously stri- 
ving to break through that apparently slight obstruction, Lucas 
returning from a scout to Middleburg swept from behind their line 
and formed threateningly upon their right flank, Karge also had 
sent a squadron of the Second New York to proceed by a blind 
road about a mile and a half around the rebel left, and then turn 
in and attack them ; and while waiting for their operation, nothing 
was attempted on our part but resistance. Unfortunately, the offi- 
cer commanding the flanking party failed fully to comprehend his 
orders, and after going the distance ordered, instead of pressing the 
enemy, halted, and made no further movement. Thus the after- 
noon passed away with no perceptible advantage to either side, 
and after a continuous artillery combat, which seemed to damage 
nobody, the first signs of approaching night were gladly welcomed 
by both parties as an excuse for a dignified retirement. Scarcely 
had the two separated when the sound of troops approaching was 
heard on the road behind the First New Jersey, and followed by a 
long line of quickly-moving cavalry, Wyndham came riding 
towards the Gap. He had heard the guns from his quarters at 
Chantilly, and his instinct led him to the support of his gallant 
troopers. As the brigade retired to prepare for the serious opera- 
tions which were approaching, he pushed after the retreating enemy ; 
and picking up stragglers, and sweeping over the country, he har- 
assed their flanks and rear during the night- 
Stuart had designed to make a reconnoissance in force of the 
whole Piedmont region, and to interfere with any advance on the 
part of Sigel's troops. Could he destroy the bridges and interrupt 
railway communication, a fatal obstacle might be opposed to the 
advance of the Army of the Potomac ; while at the same time the 
line of Lee's retreat might be covered and kept secure. By the 
skirmish at Aldie not only was this prevented, but his own retreat 
was delayed until it was endangered. Caught in the vicinity of 



436 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Union by Pleasonton, all day on Sunday Stuart fought, at a disad- 
vantage ; and it was only by the sacrifice of two guns and many 
men that he was enabled to make his way by Ashby's Gap to the 
shelter of the rebel infantry. Thus, though not twenty men were 
lost on both sides in the action, its results were such as to entitle it 
to mention in the regimental history. 

On Monday, the 3d of November, Bayard's Brigade united finally 
with the Army of the Potomac, joining it in the vicinity of Upper- 
ville, as it pressed down towards TVarrenton, turning the flank of 
General Lee. With the operations which threatened the destruc- 
tion of General Hill at Culpepper, while Lee was at Gordonsville, 
and Jackson had not left the Yalley, the First New Jersey Cavalry 
had nothing to do, for it was entrusted with the delicate and ardu- 
ous duty of protecting the long line of army wagons which moved 
in its rear along the different roads and passes of the country. 
Under Major Beaumont the regiment was kept incessantly in 
motion, picking up guerrillas, watching dangerous defiles, scouting 
down the artillery, forever on the alert against attack or surprise. 
It is not to be wondered at, that such harassing duty quickly began 
to tell upon the horses, and that every available animal in the 
country was needed and sought for to re-mount the men. The 
seizure of such horses, therefore, was entered upon with energy, 
and in most cases accomplished with success. 

As the regiment started on its return from Berlin to re-join the 
army, a squad of men from Company D happened to get separated 
from the main body, and ignorant of the direction which it had 
taken, took by chance the road to Snicker's Gap. A couple of 
pieces of artillery, which had been sent forward to supply the place 
of disabled guns, had also wandered off in the same direction, and 
with a sutler's wagon or two were about to fall a prey to the swarm 
of guerrillas who swept over the country in our rear. Just as the 
rebels were rushing out upon the vehicles, our men appeared in 
sight, accompanied by a few infantry stragglers. In a moment, the 
infantry sprang behind a stone wall and opened a steady fire upon 
the crowd of thieves, while the Jersey men, with a yell, rode in 
upon them, pistol in hand. Down went two or three of the rebels. 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 437 

and over went several of their horses. Into the woods darted the 
rest, pursued by our few troopers. In ten minutes there was not 
an enemy to be seen, except the few left dying on the ground. 
Extricating the guns from their awkward position, and partaking 
of the sutler's gratitude, the Jerseymen turned about for Leesburg, 
and in an hour or two were in the lines of Wyndham, who had 
again come out into the Yalley from Chantilly. The rebel cavaliw, 
hearing of the unprotected condition of the guns and wagons, were 
not long in following their trail ; and seeing the advanced guard of 
Wyndham, rushed upon it, mistaking it for the few troopers who 
had before rescued the desired booty. Never were men more 
sadly mistaken. Wyndham let them through his advance, and 
then, wheeling his flankers inwards, enveloped the Southern cavalry 
with six hundred men. Hopelessly surrounded, they yielded to 
his force, and the partisan troops of Loudon County were at night- 
fall a hundred and fifty weaker than in the morning. 

VI— Scouting — Brandy Station. 

While the army was preparing to move upon Fredericksburg, 
Bayard was employed in scouting on the Northern Neck. For 
three weeks after -this, the First New Jersey was encamped at 
Brook's Station, on the Aquia Eailroad, doing picket-duty, which 
it abandoned to cross the Eappahannock with Franklin's Grand 
Division, not, however, becoming actively engaged. Bayard being 
killed, the brigade next day re-crossed the river, Colonel Gregg, 
of the Eighth Pennsylvania, assuming command, and the weary 
troopers, going into winter-quarters, found the rest and strength so 
long needed and so long denied. 

Spring came at last, and on the 13th of April, 1863, the cavalry 
division of General Gregg left its camp near Belle Plain Landing, 
and uniting with the rest of the cavalry corps, moved towards 
Bealton Station, on the Orange and Alexandria Eailroad. After 
some days of marching to and fro, the First New Jersey encamped 
at Warrenton Junction, whence, on the 29th, it moved down to 
Kelley's Ford, on the Eappahannock, crossing on the following day 
and moving on to Mountain Eun, and thence across the Eapidan 



438 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



at Eaccoon Ford. The next morning, the IsTew Jersey regiment, 
still leading the division, on the road to Orange Springs, Major 
Beaumont surprised and charged a small party of the enemy, 
capturing their Major and several other prisoners. Still pushing 
on, the command on the following morning reached Louisa Court 
House, where several hours were occupied in tearing up the track 
and burning the sleepers of the railroad for several miles on either 
side of the village. Arrived at Thompson's Cross Eoads, Wynd- 
ham was ordered, with his own regiment and some auxiliary forces, 
to proceed to Columbia, on the James River, where he arrived in 
due time, destroying the canal bridges, the boats loaded with com- 
missary stores, a commissary storehouse, and a warehouse of 
Government tobacco. Major Beaumont and a party of fifty men 
set out to destroy the aqueduct over the James Eiver, but were 
unfortunately ordered back before the work could be completed. 
Meanwhile, Fitzhugh Lee had collected all his available cavalry, 
and was pushing down to intercept our returning column and re- 
capture the valuable train of horses and supplies gathered during 
the advance ; but by a forced march the detachment arrived in 
safety, the next clay, at Thompson's Cross Eoads, rejoining there 
the force of the Commanding General. The clay after, having 
collected all the parties not finally detached, Stoneman began his 
retreat, and two or three clays after, the entire force reached the 
neighborhood of its starting place, where, with occasional changes 
of encampment, it remained until circumstances again called it to 
actual encounter with the foe. 

The battle of Chancellors ville having been lost, and Hooker's 
army retired to its old position, Lee had promptly put his columns 
in motion and concentrated, early in June, on Culpepper Court 
House — thence operating on our right. Hooker accordingly massed 
his cavalry near Catlett's Station, giving its command to Pleasanton, 
who at once prepared to move across the Rappahannock. On the 
8th, Gregg's Division broke camp at Warrenton Junction and 
marched to Kelley's Ford, where it bivouacked for the night, cross- 
ing the following morning. Capturing or cutting off the videttes, 
Captain Yorke led the advance around the position of the rebel 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 439 

cavalry, and debouched through the woods beyond Brandy Station, 
while the enemy was still between that place and the Rappahannock 
River, occupying an elevation. Our artillery promptly opened, 
the rebels replying vigorously, but without effect. Meanwhile, 
Jones' rebel brigade hastily formed to receive our advance, but 
almost before they knew it the First New Jersey had charged upon 
and among x them. So impetuous was the assault, that without 
even an attempt to charge, the rebel line broke in confusion ; and 
driving them back pell-mell, the regiment pressed upon their rear, 
and then, with one hundred and fifty prisoners, rallied and re-formed 
for the greater work before them. Leaving the First Pennsylvania 
to support his battery, Wyndham at once ordered the New Jersey 
Regiment to charge, and with Lieutenant- Colonel Broderick at its 
head, and in column of battalions, it again advanced .with a steady 
trot against the enemy. Without a pause, Hobensack led the left 
squadron of the first line clown the steep bank of the railroad 
cutting and up the other side, a steep descent and rise of nine 
feet either way, taken by the whole body without a waver or 
moment's hesitation. - While the right squadrons of the other 
battalions followed Broderick against Stuart's headquarters, located 
on an eminence facing the right of our line, the left wings, under 
Lucas and Malsbury, accompanied Hobensack, dashing at a hill on 
which stood a battery, about half a mile from the headquarters. So 
rapid was the advance of both columns, that the batteries of the 
enemy endeavored in vain to get range upon them ; while our own 
guns, admirably directed by Martin and his officers, played with 
terrible effect upon the stationary rebel line. With a ringing 
cheer, Broderick rode up the gentle ascent that led to Stuart's 
headquarters, the men gripping hard their sabers, and the horses 
taking ravines and ditches in their stride. As the rebels poured 
in a random and ineffectual volley, the troopers of the First Jersey 
were among them, riding over one gun, breaking to pieces the 
brigade in front of them, and forcing the enemy in confusion down 
the opposite slope of the hill. Stuart's headquarters were in our 
hands, and his favorite regiments in flight before the sabers of our 
troops. By the same orderly who carried off Stuart's official 



440 



2CEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



papers, Wyndham ordered up a section of his battery, and the 
regiment of Pennsylvanians — the latter, leaving the artillery to the 
support of the First Maryland, moving at once to the attack, just 
as a fresh brigade of rebels charged the hundred men of Broder 
ick. But that gallant officer did not shrink. As the enemy ad- 

! vanced, down against him rode our men — Broderick and his Adju- 
tant in front; Hart, Wynkoop, Cox, Jamison, Harper, Sawyer, 

— Brooks and Hughes all in their places, leading their respective meu. 
With a crash, in went the little band of Jerseymeu, sweeping 
through the leading rebel regiment — the impetus of the attack 
scattering the faltering enemy in confusion, right and left. Then 
through the proud Twelfth Virginia they rode on, with no check to 
their headlong onset ; and, with dripping sabers and panting steeds, 
emerged into the field beyond. There, no longer in line of battle, 
but fighting hand-to-hand with small parties of the enemy, they 
met a third regiment of the rebels, firm and unshaken, eager 
to rush upon the scattered groups of the assailants. But even 
in this emergency, the confidence of the men in their leaders 
was not shaken. Against that swarm of opposers each indi- 
vidual officer opposed himself with such men as gathered around 
him, and slowly fighting, breaking the enemy with themselves into 
bands of independent combatants, the First New Jersey fell back 
up the bloody hillside. Not a man was there who had not his 
own story of the fight to tell. Kitchen, left alone for a moment, 
was ridden at by two of the rebels. As one was disabled by 
his saber, he spurred his horse against the other. But just at that 
moment, a ball penetrated the brain of the faithful animal, and 
throwing his rider twenty feet beyond him, he plunged headlong 
to the earth. Trembling from the fall, the Adjutant slowly re- 
covered his senses, but only to see another rebel riding upon him. 
Creeping behind the body of his dead horse, he rested his revolver 
on the carcass to give steadiness to the aim, and frightening off his 
enemy, managed to escape to the neighborhood of the guns, and 
catch a riderless horse to carry him from the field. In the middle 
of the fight, Broderick's horse fell dead beneath him. Instantly 
his young orderly, (bugler,") James Wood, sprang to the earth and 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 441 
re-mounted him — seeking; "himself for another horse. As he did so 

o 

he was captured. Moving to the rear, he came upon a carbine 
lying upon the ground. Seizing it and leveling it at his captor, he 
forced the man to change places with him, and thus, with an empty 
weapon, re-possessed himself of arms and equipments, together 
with a prisoner. Jamison, on foot and alone, was chased around a 
house upon the hill, when he saw Broderick again unhorsed in the 
midst of a crowd of rebels, and Sawyer riding to his rescue. At 
the moment when Jamison was giving himself up for lost, he saw 
his pursuers stop, wheel and hurry away, and running himself 
around the corner, he beheld Taylor, sword in hand, leading the 
charge of the Pennsylvanians. Around the base of the hill, the 
sturdy regiment swept resistlessly on, driving the enemy before it; 
and making a complete circuit of the position, returned again 
towards Brandy Station. 

In the meantime, the left wing of the regiment had directed its 
efforts against the other battery of the rebels. Keeping to the trot, 
their unbroken ranks moved steadily against the hill, on whose 
summit stood the cannoneers and a few horsemen observing their 
approach. As they came nearer, all these men disappeared except 
one, who maintained his position, and who, as they came within 
two hundred yards of the summit, lifted his hat, beckoning with it 
to those in the rear. In one moment the whole hillside was black 
with rebel cavalry charging down as foragers, pistol and carbine in 
hand. Hobensack glanced along his squadron. Not a man was 
out of place, and every horse was taking the gallop without a 
blunder or over-rush of speed. At the sight of this united band 
of enemies, the confused rebel crowd hesitated and shook. With 
an ill-directed, futile volley they began to break away ; and the 
next moment, a shrieking mass of fugitives, they were flying before 
the sabers of our men. The rebel battery of four guns was left 
with but two men near it, and with their eyes fixed upon it our 
officers pressed upon the fugitives. When within a hundred yards 
of the guns, and while looking over the hill, Lucas could see yet 
another brigade coming in the distance to reinforce the broken 
enemy ; an ejeculation from Hobensack caused him to turn his eye 
56 



442 



NEW jersey and the rebellion. 



to his own rear. There was the main body of the force that had 
broken the right wing, coming in line of battle full upon their rear. 
" Fours left about wheel," was the instant order. " Boys, there's a 
good many of them, but we must cut through. Charge ! " and 
obliquely against their line rushed down the Jersey troopers. 
Enthusiasm and desperation supplied the place of numbers, and 
cutting their way out, the little band opened a path towards the 
section of our battery. Three times was the guidon of Company 
E taken by the enemy. Twice it was re- taken by our men, and the 
third time, when all seemed desperate, a little troop of the First 
Pennsylvania cut through the enemy and brought off the flag in 
safetjr. Once the rebels who hung upon the rear attempted to 
charge our retiring men ; but the wheel of the rear division sufficed 
to check their assault, and the left wing of the New Jersey reached 
Clark's two guns, annoyed only by the revolvers of the rebels. 

Under cover of the fire of the artillery, and assisted by the 
charge of the Pennsylvanians, Hart had succeeded in bringing off 
the remnant of the right wing. He was the senior officer of that 
half of the regiment. Broderick was dying in the enemy's hands. 
Shelmire lay dead across the body of a rebel. Sawyer and Hyde 
Crocker were prisoners. Lieutenant Brooks was disabled by a 
saber stroke on his right arm. "Wyndham himself had just received 
a bullet in his leg. Men and horses had been fighting for over 
three hours, and were now utterly exhausted. Duffle was in line 
of battle two miles and a half in the rear, but there was no sup- 
port upon the field. Kilpatrick's Brigade, which had charged on 
the right and rear of the New Jersey, had beaten the rebels oppo- 
site it, the First Maine bearing off a battle-flag; but it was now 
formed on the flank some distance from the field, to cover the New 
Jersey from being entirely cut off. The enemy was, indeed, terribly 
demoralized, and the charge of a dozen of our men again and 
again routed a hundred of the rebels ; but now there were not a 
dozen horses that could charge, not a man who could shout above 
a whisper. The guns were across a ditch which rendered their 
removal very difficult, and it was their fire which kept the rebels 
from crossing the hills to charge against us. So with a desperate 



< / 

XHk Sim, ENTH EEGIME1 ?,T-(FIEST CAVALRY). 443 

hope that Duffle mighi <xml£ up after 8,11, the worn-out troopers 
stood by the gallant cannoneers of the Sixth New York Indepen- 
dent Battery — New Yorkers by commission but Jerseymen of 
Kahway in their origin. 

Presently the apprehended moment came, and the last reserves of 
the rebels, fresh and strong, poured down on three sides upon 
the exhausted little knot of New Jersey troopers. While the 
cavalry fought hand to hand across the guns, the artillerymen con- 
tinued steadily serving their pieces and delivering their fire at the 
enemy upon the hill. At length, from mere exhaustion, Hart, 
Hobensack and Beekman, with their comrades, were forced back a 
little way from the guns ; and while they were forming the men 
afresh the rebels rode again upon the cannoneers. As one of the 
gunners was ramming home a charge, a rebel officer cut him down 
with three successive saber strokes; then springing from his horse, 
he wheeled the piece towards our troopers, not fifty yards away. 
Hobensack turned to Hart, stretched out his hand and said : " We 
must shut our eves and take it ; good-by ;" and clasping each 
other's hands they waited for their death. The roar of the piece 
thundered out, and the smoke wrapped them in its folds, but the 
charge flew harmlessly over their heads. The piece had been ele- 
vated against the hill, and the rebels had not thought of changnno; 
its angle. They were so savage at the harmlessness of the dis- 
charge that they actually advanced half way towards our men ; but 
beyond that they dared not come ; and the New Jersey regiment 
marched calmly off the field without an effort being made to pursue 
them. No other comment can be needed to exhibit the impression 
made by them upon the rebels. If there had been five hundred 
fresh men upon the field, they might have swept the whole rebel 
force into the Rappahannock .River. 

It would be a mere repetition of the same thing with respect to 
every officer and man to speak of instances of gallantry. There 
was scarcely an officer present with the regiment who did not 
acquire distinction ; and the enlisted men who have been mentioned 
were not exceptions to the average behavior, but happened to be 
connected with particular crises of the combat. Thus when it is 



444 



NEW JERSEY Azfo THE REBELLION. 



recorded that Sergeant Craig killed toar 1 ^ the enemy in single 
fight, it is not pretended that others did not do as much ; but his 
actions happened to come under the observation of commanders 
who reported it; and when it is stated that Captains Lucas and 
Malsbury, with Lieutenants Beekman and Hobensack, charged 
once with eleven men into a crowd of the enemy from which they 
emerged with only three, the historian does not desire to intimate 
that they were more closely engaged than others of the officers. 
When the records do not do justice to all it is no reason why some 
names should not be mentioned with the credit they deserve. It is 
enough to say in illustration of the severity of the engagement, 
that out of thirty-nine horses in the second squadron twenty-seven 
were left on the field ; and that of two hundred and eighty officers 
and men in the regiment, six officers and over fifty men were killed, 
wounded and missing. Of the three senior officers on the field, 
Wynclham received a ball in his leg which unfitted him for months 
for active service ; and Broderick and Shelmire never came off the 
field alive. As is frequently the case in cavalry combats, but 
little quarter was asked or given. Men fought as long as they 
could and then fell beneath the saber or the pistol, the loss of the 
enemy almost doubling that of the National troopers. 

Lieutenant-Qolonel Yirgil Broderick was in the prime of health, 
strength, intelligence and ambition, when at the age of thirty-five 
he fell at Brandy Station. A plain, practical education had devel- 
oped his naturally vigorous intellect, and without elaborate refine- 
ment of mental culture, had trained him in habits of thought and 
observation. Lacking somewhat in rigidity of discipline and tac- 
tical knowledge, he supplied their place in time of action by a con- 
'tagious enthusiasm and a quick perception of advantages ; and 
thus, though frequently deficient as a camp commander, he was 
never found wanting on the field. When he regarded a man as 
worthy of his confidence or affection, he bestowed on him a fullness 
of reliance corresponding to his own steadfastness of character; 
but when he had found any one false or weak, he was apt to with- 
draw too entirely his esteem and charity. This was his own 
judgment upon himself, and a fault which he often desired to cor- 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 445 

rect — his own efforts at self-improvement thus sometimes puzzling- 
others as to his consistency. 

Very different was the other field officer who fell on that day. 
A plain Pennsylvania farmer, with daughters married and full- 
grown sons, Major Stelmire had marched to the field at the head of 
a company of his neighbors. The fact that he was accepted as 
leader by men who had associated with him for years, is in itself 
a testimony that he had deserved and obtained their respect and 
confidence. From the very first, his standing in the regiment cor- 
responded to his position at home. The steadiness and integrity of 
his character, the sterling worth of the man, had supplied the place 
of that military bearing and knowledge which come slowly to 
those of middle age. What he learned became part of himself, 
and whatever he had to do was done well and thoroughly, though 
his regard for the substance made him often too regardless of the 
form. The weight of his personal character made him, in his 
company and in the regiment, the center and support of those who 
preferred the faithful and quiet performance of duty to the restless 
ambition after distinction. His religion was of a character akin 
to his other traits : it was a part of his daily life, rather than some- 
thing outside of or above it. Faithful to his God as to his country, 
it is by his deeds — not by any remembered words — that his fidelity 
is assured. His death was as unostentatious as his life. ~No one 
beyond his immediate command marked him in the action, and no 
one saw him when he fell. Heading his battalion bravely he pene- 
trated the ranks of the enemy. When the rebels closed around 
him he took no backward step. That he did his duty to the end, 
is only proved by the position of his corpse lying surrounded by the 
dead, across the body of a foe. 5 

5 The fallowing is Major Janeway's report of this battle, as made to the State au- 
thorities : 

"The regiment has been engaged in another very severe cavalry fight. On the 8th 
inst., the division broke camp at Warrenton Junction and marched to Kelley's Ford, 
where we bivouacked for the night. The nest day, (the 9th,) at five o'clock, a. m., 
we crossed the river and moved on Brandy Station. As is usual in times of danger 
we were in the advance. Meanwhile, General Buford was fighting hard opposite Rap- 
pahannock Station. The object of our movement was to turn the right flank of the 
rebels. Colonel Wyndham was in command of the Second Brigade — composed of the 



446 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



A detail of the splendid achievements of the cavalry of the 
Army of the Potomac during the latter days of June, belongs to a 
chronicle of wider scope than this ; for the First New Jersey Cavalry 
was called to take but a very subordinate share in the fighting, and 
was only under fire while covering the rear, when the corps was 
commanded to retire. 

VII — Gettysburg. 

On Saturday, the 27th of June, the Cavalry Corps, having per- 
formed the work assigned it, started on its march to join the other 
corps of the army on the field of Gettysburg. Crossing the Poto- 
mac at Edward's Ferry, the First Jersey took the road to Frederick, 
thence passing swiftly forward until, on the 2d of July, it de- 
First New Jersey, First Michigan and First Pennsylvania Cavalry— and the conimand 
of our regiment devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Broderick. Captain York, of Com- 
pany I, had the advance-guard, composed of Companies C and I — he moved his men so 
carefully that he captured every vidette on the road, so that the first intimation the 
enemy had of our being in their rear mis by seeing the head of our column debouch 
from the woods. 

" Colonel Wyndham moved his troops with such celerity that we were upon them 
almost before they were aware of our vicinity. The fight lasted four hours, and was 
a continual succession of the most brilliant charges ever made. Every officer acted 
with the utmost bravery and coolness, and it is impossible for men to behave better 
than did ours — they proved themselves well worthy of the State from which they 
came, and more cannot be said in their praise. 

"Lieutenant -Colonel Broderick and Major Shelmire were both wounded and taken 
prisoners while leading one of the numerous charges. Accounts of the nature of their 
capture are so conflicting, that I defer sending any statement regarding it till I learn 
something definite; but that they both behaved with the greatest daring and gallantry 
there can be no question. 

" Captain Sawyer, Company K, and Lieutenant B rocker, Company H, are also pris- 
oners, but not thought to be wounded. Captain Lucas, Company F, Captain Mauls- 
bury and Adjutant Kitchen, while in the thickest of the fight, had their horses shot 
under them ; that of Adjutant Kitchen fell dead, carrying him along with it. His 
escape seems almost miraculous. When the order was given to retire our regiment 
covered the rear. I am told that General Gregg expressed the greatest satisfaction at 
the conduct of the regiment. Towards the close of the engagement Colonel Wyndham 
received a bullet-wound in the calf ot the leg, but Ave are thankful to know that it will 
not prove dangerous ; he kept the field for some time after being hit, but was finally 
obliged to give up. He also paid the regiment the highest compliments for its steady 
and dashing charges. The fight was hand to hand throughout. We had in the engage- 
ment four field officers, fourteen line officers and two hundred and eighty-one enlisted 
men. Our loss in killed, wounded and missing is at present three field officers, two 
line officers and fifty-two enlisted men. This of itself speaks volumes for the bravery 
of our regiment. The morale of the regiment has been greatly benefitted by yester- 
day's work, and I am confident that the men will fight better now than ever. 

"Hugh H. Ja^way, Major Commanding." 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIE ST CAVALEY). 447 

bouched upon the field where battle had already been joined, going 
into position, dismounted, on the extreme right of our line. Dur- 
ing the afternoon, an assault was made upon its position, but was 
easily repulsed, and at night the cavalry brigade fell back upon the 
Baltimore pike to bivouac until the morrow. On the 3d, in the 
dispositions for the decisive battle, Gregg with his division, and 
Custer's Brigade of Kilpatrick's was entrusted with the defense of 
the right flank of our army ; and bravely was that important duty 
performed. As the battle opened, the First Jersey was advanced 
from the very rear, some two miles to the front, arriving just in 
time to see the dense column of the rebel cavalry pouring upon our 
flank. Leaping from their horses, forming line as they touched the 
ground, and starting at once into a run, in the very face of the 
enemy, the First Jersey dashed at the nearest cover, where, sup- 
ported only by a squadron of their own little regiment, they pre- 
pared to check the progress of the entire force arrayed against 
them. And they did it, and more, even driving back the assailing 
columns. Sent forward as a forlorn hope, to give time for the rest 
of the division to come up with unblown horses, this little band of 
one hundred and fifty men, by their undaunted bearing and their 
steady fire, staggered the troops that by a single charge could have 
ridden over them. Eef using to dismount in spite of the storm of 
bullets constantly whistling over our men, Jane way rode from end 
to end of his line of skirmishers, encouraging, warning and direct- 
ing its every portion— showing here as on many another field a 
coolness and bravery that made him a marked man among men. 
Advancing from point to point, heralding each charge by a cheer 
which shook the enemy worse than the bullets of their carbines, 
t for more than a hundred yards the First Jersey pushed their little 
line ; and at last, with ammunition exhausted, they still held their 
ground, facing the rebels with their revolvers. Then Jans way rode 
back to the reserve, and reported to Major Beaumont the condition 
of his men, requesting ammunition and reinforcement. At Major 
Beaumont's request, Colonel Mcintosh, commanding the brigade, 
ordered another regiment to take the place of the First Jersey. That 
regiment halted a hundred yards to the rear of the line where the 

I 



448 



NEW" JERSEY AfrD THE REBELLION. 



Jerseymeti were stationed, and would not advance any farther, 
while the latter resisted every effort to move them back. Presently, 
Colonel Mcintosh rode up to Major Beaumont, saying, "Major, 
where is your regiment?" "On the skirmish line, sir." "But I 
ordered them to be relieved." " The other regiment cannot be got 
to relieve them." " I will see about that," said the Colonel ; " re- 
call your men." " I have re-called them," replied the Major, " and 
they won't come." Even Colonel Mcintosh failed to get the reliev- 
ing regiment up through the tremendous fire to the position of the 
First Jersey ; old soldiers as they were, they could not calmly face 
it. At length, however, the Third Pennsylvania came upon the 
line, and the First Jersey was at liberty to retire from the action. 
But no ! They sought every method to avoid falling back. Bor- 
rowing ammunition from the Pennsylvanians, they kept their boldly- 
won position, and cheering like mad, defied the efforts of the enemy 
— only a handful retiring, casting reluctant looks behind as they 
went. And now the rebels essayed to charge and turn the position 
which they could not take in front, but each assault was repulsed, 
the fine old First Michigan Cavalry charging straight into their 
ranks and putting them ingloriously to flight. By this time, the 
grand attack of Longstreet had been made and repulsed, and all 
that remained was for the cavalry to sweep away the rebel horse 
from our flank. With charge after charge they were beaten from 
the ground — the Third Pennsylvania, making one magnificent dash 
upon a greatly-outnumbering body of the enemy. Newhall, the 
Adjutant- General of the brigade, and five officers of a single 
squadron, fell beneath the saber and the pistol, but the enemy was 
cut to pieces ; and with cheers of triumph, the cavalry of Gregg 
saw Stuart's battalions gallop in rout to the protection of their 
artillery. 

But the First New Jersey had work still to do. Guarding the line 
and picketing far to the front, they watched through the night 
upon the bloody ground, until the welcome light of the birthday 
of the nation permitted them to seek a brief season of repose. 

At five o'clock on the afternoon of the day, the cavalry was 
again in motion, following up the retreating columns of the enemy. 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 



449 



And now each day brought its skirmish, each march its batch of 
prisoners. On the 5th, in the mountain passes above Emmetts- 
burg, the First New Jersey was sharply and successfully engaged ; 
and again, on the 6th, it had another contest. Though again 
successful, it lost the services of an officer — Lieutenant Cox receiv- 
ing an ugly wound. Captain Boyd had been disabled at Gettys- 
burg, and small as it was, the regiment had scarcely enough officers 
left to perform the duty required. On the 14th, having been daily 
engaged in arduous duty, the regiment crossed the Potomac at 
Harper's Ferry, and finding the Twelfth Virginia Cavalry (rebel) 
in possession of the country beyond, the following day advanced 
against them, capturing their Colonel. A day or two after, the 
division advanced to Shepherdstown for the purpose of securing 
forage, and while there was attacked by the enemy, but the First 
New Jersey was not engaged, the First Pennsylvania carrying off 
the honors of the day. As the army moved forward again to the 
Eappahannock, the cavalry guarded the train of wagons, and 
when relieved of this duty, were employed in alternate scouting 
and picket-duty on both sides of the Eappahannock, in the neigh- 
borhood of Warrenton, until the middle of September, when it 
moved to the rear to guard the railroad, the First New Jersey 
being posted at Bristow Station. Here it remained until the 4th of 
October, when it was transferred to Hartwood Church near Fal- 
mouth. 

YIII — Sulphur Springs and Bristow Station. 

On the 10th of October, the cavalry division was ordered to 
move towards Kelley's Ford, and arriving there the following day, 
immediately crossed and pushed on towards Brandy Station. There 
it was learned that General Meade, having detected an attempt of 
Lee to steal along his flank and cut him off from Washington, was 
retreating ; and that while Buford held the rear, checking the oper- 
ations of the rebel cavalry, Gregg was to take the ground around 
Warrenton, White Sulphur Springs, and guard the flank especially 
threatened by the enemy. The Second Brigade was accordingly 
placed in the vicinity of Jefferson, on the south side of the river, 
57 



450 



NETV JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



while the First picketted and scouted around the town of Warren- 
ton itself — the First New Jersey, now numbering three hundred 
and sixty effective men, being allowed to remain in reserve, at rest, 
with the exception of one squadron. Early on the afternoon of 
the 12th, the enemy appeared in strong force in front of the Second 
Brigade, which soon became hotly engaged, but was unable to 
prevent the advance of Ewell's Corps marching around its left 
flank, thus cutting it off from the river. The situation thus grow- 
ing critical, the First Brigade was hurriedly ordered up — the First 
New Jersey instantly moving to the scene of action, accompanied 
by one section of Martin's horse artillery. At this moment it was 
discovered that the command was very short of serviceable ammu- 
nition, late severe rains having rendered useless the supply received, 
but from the stock of other regiments enough was hastily procured 
to supply two squadrons with ten rounds apiece, and with this 
scant supply the regiment dashed forward to the front. As he 
approached the Springs, Janeway detached Captain Hart with the 
first squadron, as an advance guard, with orders to diverge to the 
right as he approached the river. As, in obedience to these direc- 
tions, he emerged from the woods above the Springs, he was sud- 
denly attacked by the rebel forces who had crossed the bridge and 
were advancing rapidly up the road. Promptly taking position in 
the woods a little higher up the river, Hart checked the attempted 
movement of the enemy in that direction, at the same time rescuing 
a number of stragglers who had been cut off and were endeavoring 
to escape. Informed that this brave officer had thus occupied the 
position directed, Janeway at once ordered Major Lucas to take for- 
ward the fourth squadron as skirmishers, meanwhile forming, under 
his own eye the other squadrons under cover of the wood. Almost 
before Lucas could form his men, the rebels came charging into the 
wood, but delivering fire as well as the circumstances permitted, he 
charged them in turn, driving them over half a mile, completely 
into the shelter of the trees and buildings around the Springs, 
when, deploying his skirmishers, he deliberately fell back within 
supporting distance of the regiment. Emboldened by this move- 
ment, the rebels again charged forth from their cover, to be met 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT— (FIKST CAVALRY). 451 



boldly as before, Janeway sending in the fifth squadron under 
Kinsley, Craig and Hughes, before whom the enemy again retired, 
closely pressed by our troopers. Meanwhile, Captain Gray had 
been dispatched with the third squadron to the extreme right to 
hold the ground between Hart and the river. Still the fight con- 
tinued, and the situation every moment grew more critical. Cap- 
tain Malsbury, who had been sent on picket with the sixth squad- 
ron, was still absent, and Janeway was thus left with only the 
second squadron as a reserve, while the whole of Ewell's Corps of 
infantry was before him. At this time, Colonel Taylor, command- 
ing the brigade, hesitating to compel a single regiment to continue 
such an unequal fight, sent a message to Janeway, directing him to 
fall back slowly ; but the Major replied, that " to fall back would ex- 
pose our weakness and ensure our destruction by the overwhelming 
force of the enemy," and asked permission to hold his ground until 
dark, which, being granted, he once more addressed himself to the 
arduous task before him. It was, indeed, a difficult work, and the 
hour one of great anxiety. 'Major Lucas had already sent word 
that the enemy was deploying against him a formidable line of 
infantry; that the rebel cavalry was strengthening every minute ; 
that many of his men had exhausted their ammunition, and that 
the next attack would certainly force him back. Yet, Janeway 
had but a single squadron left, the advance of which would leave 
him bare of all support. But, fortunately, at this moment, Mals- 
bury appeared, forming his squadron as he came. Then, just as 
the rebel fire grew more rapid and intense, Janeway led Bobbins' 
squadron into and through the woods, meeting the rebel charge } 
while Lucas, under cover of their advance withdrew those of his 
men who had expended their ammunition, and began to form them 
on the flank of Malsbury. 

Now, as the day waned, the fighting grew fiercer than before. 
Scarcely had Malsbury taken the place of Bobbins, when Hick, 
the junior Captain of the squadron, received a ball in his leg, which 
forced him to leave the field, and the missiles of the enemy, pene- 
trating the thin wood which screened the reserve, fell around them 
even more thickly than they did in the front. In the early twi- 



452 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



light, the enemy succeeded at last in getting a force around upon 
the flank, and, turning the right of Captain Gray, drove him and 
his men, fighting as they went, across a ravine, back to the point 
where Lucas was rallying his men. Thus through the trees upon 
this flank a cross-fire was now opened, and not without effect — 
Lucas falling dead with a ball in his brain. But the work of death 
was not yet done. Gray, taking the place of Lucas, his Lieute- 
nants, Cornell and Roclgers, with such men as had been rallied and 
supplied with a round or two of ball, dashed into the wood to the 
assistance of the little force still struggling there. Though Eodgers 
was soon wounded, and McKinstry, Lane, Craig, Cause, Dye and 
Hughes had their horses shot beneath them, still they all staunchly 
stood their ground with Janeway, Bobbins and the rest. Until the 
last gleam of light had faded from the sky, the stubborn Jerseymen 
held the wood against the enemy, and even then, after every car- 
tridge for carbine and revolver had been expended, and when the 
rebels had slowly crept up upon the flank until they were firing on 
them from the rear, Bobbins and Lieutenant Cause could only, by 
reiterated orders, persuade the second squadron to abandon the 
position which they had so long held. 

Promptly upon our withdrawal, the rebels made an effort to 
occupy the Wood and to debouch through it into the road to pursue 
our men ; but the reserve which Janeway had persisted in retaining 
unbroken, in spite of every apparent crisis, now justified the wisdom 
of his action. Galled for hours by a fire which it had been unable 
to return, it now opened upon the advancing enemy with such 
vindictive energy as to force him back behind the cover, incapable 
of another movement to the front. 6 Falling back to the height 
beyond, Malsbury again drew up his men, prepared to resist any 
attempt of the rebels ; but the column moved off the field without 

e " It was now after sunset, and our skirmishers had been for a long time warmly- 
engaged with the skirmishers of the rebel infantry. Perceiving that there was serious 
danger to be apprehended upon my flanks, I slowly fell back into the woods, followed 
by the rebels. Still contesting the ground, it was not until darkness had thoroughly 
set in that I withdrew from the woods, and allowed the enemy to enter them. They 
made an attempt to advance beyond them, but the steady fire of Captain Malsbury' s 
squadron, though composed largely of recruits, completely frustrated their attempt." 
Major Janeway'' s Report. 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 



453 



molestation, and he fell into his place in the rear without firing 
another shot. For half an hour after the retreat, the ground was 
left unoccupied by the enemy, and even then, he advanced against 
the deserted position with skirmishers deployed and a long line of 
battle formed. In an hour from that time, the whole of Ewell's 
Corps was camped upon the field of battle, having been detained 
by the First New Jersey until it was too late to close upon the 
flanks of the Union army. 

The First New Jersey came out of this remarkable contest with 
the loss, wonderfully small under the circumstances, of four officers 
and thirty men ; but seven officers and one hundred and thirty 
men had their horses killed and wounded, so that the casualties 
amounted to nearly one-half of the force engaged. The only 
prisoner lost was Lieutenant Kinsley, who was missing by accident. 7 

Ee-joining the brigade the regiment proceeded to Fayetteville, 
in the vicinity of which it encamped for the night. The next day 
it was ordered to accompany the division train, which it did,' 
escorting it towards Catlett's Station. On the 14th, orders were 
received to re-join the division at Auburn, and the command at 
once started for that place. Shortly after passing the headquarters 
of the army, it ran into the pickets of a rebel brigade, driving them 
into the advance of the Second Corps, by whom they were cap- 

' The following is an extract from Major Janeway's report : 

" Captain Hick, of Company L, was wounded in the thigh almost immediately on 
reaching the scene of action. Lieutenant Rodgers, of Company C, while gallantly 
fighting in the front, received a hall through his arm. Lieutenant Kinsley, of Com- 
pany F, commanding Company H, was shot in his shoulder and completely disabled, 
as the fight was concluding, and in the darkness his fall was unnoticed. Lieutenants 
McKinstry (Adjutant), Jamison, Lane, Craig, Hughes and Dye, had their horses shot 
under them. The valuable services rendered by the squadron commanders have been 
mentioned in the body of the report, and every officer in the regiment so gallantly 
performed his duty that it is impossible to single out any for special commendation. 
Chaplain H. R. Pyne rendered me great assistance by his cool and gallant bearing, and 
by aiding to re-form men who had fallen back as their ammunition was exhausted. I 
cannot speak too highly of the steadiness and enthusiasm of the enlisted men, among 
whom I have yet to learn of an instance of misbehavior or a case of faltering." 

Major Janeway's report has the following endorsement : 

" This report having been referred to me, I take great pleasure in bringing to your 
notice the gallantry of both officers and men of this command. The conduct of Major 
Hugh H. Janeway upon three several occasions was commendable in the highest de- 
gree, and reflected great credit upon himself and the regiment. 

"John W. Kestee, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding." 



454 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



tured. Waiting until that corps bad passed, the regiment proceeded 
to re-join the brigade, being ordered to form part of the rear-guard 
of the army, still in retreat before the enemy. As the brigade fell 
slowly back, Janeway was directed to remain with the First Jersey 
to hold a hill from which the column might otherwise be annoyed 
by artillery. Taking command in person of the line of skirmish- 
ers, the Major strengthened it by seven companies of his own regi- 
ment, turning over the command of the rest to Captain Gray, and 
then proceeded to make the best possible disposition of the sixteen 
companies placed at his disposal. The enemy, however, beyond 
throwing a few shells, made no assault, and the force was finally 
withdrawn, proceeding towards Bristow Station, where Heath's 
Division of Hill's Corps, having succeeded in marching around us, 
had fallen upon the Second Corps. Hurrying his men into posi- 
tion, Janeway held the rebel advance until night, when he pro- 
ceeded to Brentsville and thence marched with the train to Fairfax 
Station, where the men were permitted to rest until the 19th. 
Then, the army having again taken up its advance in pursuit of 
the now retiring enemy, the cavalry resumed its marched on the 
21st, re-occupying the camps which had been left ten days before 
the fight at Sulphur Springs. Here Lieutenant-Colonel Kester was 
relieved from duty on the staff of General Gregg, and for the first 
time assumed command of the regiment which had long been 
expecting him. 

From this time forward until late in November, the regiment was 
employed in picket-duty, once escorting a body of prisoners to 
Washington ; but being called upon to do no more arduous service — 
much to the satisfaction, probably, of the battle-beaten and ex- 
hausted troopers. 

IX — ACKOSS THE EAPIDAN. 

On the 26th of November, General Meade having determined 
upon a movement across the Eapidan, Gregg's Division of cavalry 
surprised the rebel pickets at Ely's Ford, and throwing itself across 
the river, took position on our extreme left, halting for the night 
on a narrow bye-road through the Wilderness, leading across from 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT— (FIRST CAVALRY). 455 



Culpepper turnpike to the main road from Fredericksburg to 
Kichmond. Sykes' infantry column being on the right, the First 
Jersey was placed on picket to connect with his line, but the fol- 
lowing morning was advanced to the front, emerging upon the 
plank-road from Fredericksburg to Orange Court House. The 
country traversed was intersected by but very few roads, and was 
entirely impracticable except in the woods themselves, thus com- 
pelling the troops to move in narrow columns, and delaying the 
promptness of necessary evolutions. After some difficulty, how- 
ever, the column reached a position near Hope Church, but here 
they found a body of rebel cavalry who disputed their advance. 
All around this position stretched a wilderness of woods, under 
cover of which the enemy had posted his infantry, who soon 
advanced upon our skirmishers. The fire growing gradually 
sharper, the First Jersey was promptly dismounted, and with the 
First Pennsylvania on its left, plunged into the thicket. Then 
with a cheer that rolled all along the line, the men dashed straight 
against the enemy, causing his skirmishers to fall back with a loss 
of forty prisoners, including several officers. But the gallant 
troopers did not pause with this handsome success. With succes- 
sive rushes, the line advanced fall three-quarters of a mile, the 
bullets flying so fiercely that between the charges the men had to 
lie close to the ground. At last came a period of desperate strug- 
gle. Though every man hugged the earth as closely as he could, 
in the short period during which the contest lasted, twenty-seven 
officers and men were either killed or so wounded as to disable 
them. Jamison was shot through the heart, Gray had his hand 
shattered, Lane was almost stunned, and Hobensack was struck 
so violently by a piece of shell that for some minutes he was crazed. 
All the while the artillery was in full play, the rebels firing at our 
guns, and our missiles plunging into their line of battle. At last, 
after a vigorous rally on the part of the enemy, our men raised a 
cheer that rang far away over the field ; and with one tremendous 
rush, they swept skirmish-line, battledine and all before them for a 
quarter of a mile, when, the Fifth Corps having come up and 
deployed, the fighting cavalrymen were withdrawn without loss. 



456 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Few conflicts of the war were more desperate than this ; and the 
men of the First Jersey never fought with grander courage or more 
abounding faith in themselves. The loss of the regiment was more 
severe than that of any other engaged ; and in Lieutenant Jamison 
it gave to the country one of the most zealous and efficient officers 
in the service. 8 

The next afternoon, leaving part of the brigade on duty at 
Parker's Store, the First Jersey with the rest crossed by a difficult 
road to the Wilderness Tavern upon the other plank road to Cul- 
pepper, but the enemy moving against the force at that point, the 
regiment on the following day returned to the menaced point, but 
without becoming engaged, the rebels having been driven off before 
their arrival. On the 1st of December, our army having again 
commenced a retrograde movement, the cavalry followed in the 
rear, and crossing the Eapidan and Eappahannock, some days after 

8 The following is the official report of this engagement, as made to the Governor of 
the State : 

u I have the honor to submit to your notice the part which the First New Jersey 
Cavalry took in the action of Friday, November 27, 1863, in the Wilderness, near 
Mountain Run, south of the Rapidan. The position assigned us that day was in the 
rear of the First Brigade, the advance of which engaged the enemy's cavalry near Hope 
Church, driving him towards Orange Court House; and when near Mountain Run 
the enemy withdrew his cavalry and advanced a division of infantry, which brought 
our advance to a check. I was then ordered forward with the regiment. As I moved 
on to the field, the lines began to waver under a vigorous shelling and a hail of rifle- 
balls from the enemy's infantry. I was ordered to take in my regiment and hold the 
ground. I dismounted the whole regiment and pressed forward with a cheer that 
sounded above the din of battle, and I was just in time, as I met fragments of broken 
regiments falling back ; as we passed them they took up the cheer and followed. We 
then charged the enemy's infantry, driving him half a mile and capturing thirty-one 
prisoners, and holding the ground until relieved by the Fifth Corps of infantry. 

"I cannot speak too highly of the gallantry of both officers and men of the com- 
mand. They did honor to their State and country. It is almost impossible for me to 
speak of individual acts of gallantry, as all acted with such bravery as to call forth the 
admiration of all who saw them. Captain Robbins, Company G, and Sergeants Mich- 
enor and Scott, Company A, were particularly noticed for their activity in securing and 
bringing off the field a number of prisoners. Great credit is due to Major Janeway, 
Captain Hart and Captain Gray, for the steady manner in which they handled their 
battalions, and all honor is due to the brave but unfortunate Jamison, who lived and 
died a soldier, and his brave comrades who fell upon that field, nobly contesting for 
their country's honor. 

" My Adjutant and other members of my staff acted with intrepid zeal, and were of 
the utmost importance to me, and I trust that the doings of the regiment may meet 
your approval. 

"The following is a list of casualties : Killed 9 ; wounded 18. 

"John W. Kester, Lieutenant- Colonel Commanding New Jersey Cavalry." 



\ 



THE SIXTEENTH EEGDIENT — (FISST CAVALEY). 457 



went into winter-quarters on familiar ground at Warrenton. Dur- 
ing the winter months, 9 the men were comfortably housed, but were 
not left in idleness. In addition to arduous picket-duty, many 
were employed in scouting, 10 and all were kept in some way em- 
ployed, until spring at last opened, and Grant prepared to strike 
his ponderous blows against the tottering fabric of the rebellion. 

X — The Battles of the Wilderness. 

At two o'clock on the morning of the 4th of May, 1864, after a 
night of marching and open bivouac, the First Jersey, leading the 
column of Gregg's Division, crossed the Eapiclan at Ely's Ford, 
capturing a portion of the rebel pickets, and taking position, 
beyond Chancellorsville, on the road leading to Fredericksburg and 
Todd's Tavern, to which place it moved early on the 5th. Here, 
about noon, the Third Cavalry Division having been attacked by 
the enemy • and given way, General Gregg drew up the First 
Eegiment and ordered a squadron to be sent in to cover the retiring 
column and repel the enemy. Captain Hart was, accordingly, at 

9 On the 21st of January, 1864, Lieutenant-Colonel Kester issued the following: 

[Regimental Order, Wo. 1.] 

"Headquarters First New Jersey Cavalrt, T 
January 21, 1864. J 

" Officers and Soldiers of this Regiment : 

" The Lieutenant-Colonel commanding takes this opportunity to thank you in the 
name of our country for your undaunted courage, impetuous bravery and patient en- 
durance shown upon so many bloody fields and under circumstances that try men's 
souls. 

"The commanding officer of the regiment may well feel just cause for being proud 
of a command who have never ceased to reflect luster upon our arms, and who through 
the many conflicts in which you have been engaged, have always taken a conspicuous 
part and called forth the thanks and gratitude of your commanding officers. 

"He also thanks the regiment, and more especially those who have re-enlisted, for 
their patriotic zeal and firm determination to serve in the army until this unholy rebel- 
lion be crushed, when those who survive will look back upon their course with satis- 
faction and pride, and will have won laurels that will ensure them the homage of a 
grateful country to heroes who have taken part in a hundred fiercely-contested fields, 
nobly fighting in the defense of their country's honor; and also the thanks of the com- 
manding officer is due to Lieutenant Hobensack for the prompt manner in which he 
gave chase and re-captured men captured by guerrillas on the 16th instant. 

" By Order, John W. Kester, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding. 

"C. McKixstrt, Adjutant." 

10 One of the exploits of the winter is thus detailed in an official report of Lieutenant - 
Colonel Kester to Governor Parker : 

" I have the honor to report that on the 17th instant, (February, 1861,) I was ordered 

58 



458 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



once advanced, and soon came upon the enemy, rushing down upon 
the fugitives and startlingly near to our position. Without a mo- 
ment's hesitation. Hart charged into the advancing column, and 
then, breaking it in pieces, pushed on through the woods towards 
the main body of the rebels, only halting as the supporting column 
of the latter came into view. Then, being joined by Colonel Kester 
heading the regiment, the troopers once more advanced, the enemy 
again giving ground before the impetuous attack. Still advancing, 
the assailants presently came upon a line of mounted men, who, 
rushing out with a cheer, compelled Kester to halt, then turn and 
rapidly retire, followed by the charging enemy, until Captain 
Malsbury, throwing his squadron into line by the side of the road, 
met the charge by a close volley from his carbines. At the same 
moment the retreating column rallying, once more dashed against 
the foe ; but now the main body of the latter was moved rapidly 
up, and at length Kester gave way, falling slowly back until the 
supports were reached. Then, once more, his skirmishers wheeled 
with one accord, and with a wild cheer the whole body made a 

to take three hundred and fifty men, (comprising one hundred and fifty of the First 
New Jersey Cavalry, under command of Captain Hart, and two hundred men of the 
First Pennsylvania, First Massachusetts and Third Pennsylvania,) and attempt the cap- 
ture of Mosby's guerrillas. We started from Warrenton at ten o'clock on the even- 
ing of the 18th instant, and marched rapidly, it "being very cold, to Salem. At that 
point, I detached fifty men to meet me at Paris and at Piedmont. I sent Captain Har* 
with one hundred and fifty First New Jersey to pass through Piedmont Valley and 
join me at Paris in Ashby's Gap, and with one hundred and fifty men I started for Mark- 
ham Station, in Manassas Gap. The party of fifty men reached Paris without capturing 
any guerrillas. The party under Captain Hart passed through Piedmont Valley to Paris 
capturing fifteen guerrillas and a large number of horses, arms and equipments. The 
party with myself passed through Manassas Gap to Markham, and from that point cross- 
ing the mountains to Paris, in Ashby's Gap. We captured thirteen [guerrillas and a 
large number of horses, arms and equipments, and some medical stores. It was 
Welve o'clock before I reached Paris, at which place I halted one hour to feed. At one 
o'clock I started to return. In the meantime the guerrillas had collected to the number 
of nearly one hundred, and attempted to capture my rear-guard, which was under the 
command of Captain Hart. The enemy charged several times, but was repulsed with 
loss. The casualties on our side were, Captain Hart wounded, and two horses killed. 
Captain Hart was wounded at Upperville, and traveled with the column to Warrenton 
without complaint, a distance of twenty-six miles. The distance marched by us was 
seventy-four miles in twenty-two hours. Great credit is due to Capt, Hart; also to 
Lieutenant Lame, Dye and Cause." 

Major-General Pleasanton, in a General Order, dated February 20th, " commends the 
zeal and activity displayed by Lieutenant-Colonel Kester, and the officers and men of 
his command, in the late scout, in which twenty-eight of Mosby's guerrillas, and fifty 
arms, horses, &c., were captured." 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 459 

simultaneous and resistless charge. Without a halt or check they 
swept on over the ground once occupied, over the rude barricade, 
behind which had been planted the artillery now in rapid retreat, 
through woods and over fields, until at last the rebels hurried across 
the Po and made the line of that river their defense. The ground 
was ours, and the position saved. Then, the grand work being 
fully accomplished, Captain Hart inquired for the Regimental Sur- 
geon, and it was learned that a bullet had passed through his thigh 
early in the engagement. Fearing that he might not be permitted 
to share in the glory of the fight, if the fact that he was hurt 
should be known, he had with shut lips remained in the saddle, 
doing his duty to the last, and now only, when the day was won, 
sought relief for his injuries. The entire loss of the regiment in 
this brilliant affair was six men killed, and two officers and forty- 
one men wounded. 

During the following day, the First New Jersey was not en- 
gaged, but on the 7th, the whole of the rebel cavalry having been 
thrown across the Po, the hostile forces became fiercely engaged — 
Hobensack having the honor of receiving the first attack of the 
enemy. Graining, however, an important position, he succeeded 
in holding it until relieved by the First Pennsylvania, when, all 
the available forces uniting in a charge of the Sixth Ohio, which 
had also come up, the rebels were swept clear out of a line of 
breastworks which they had expended a clay and night in con- 
structing, and that part of the field was our own. Meanwhile, to 
the right of this front, the First and Second Cavalry Divisions 
were meeting the massed forces of the enemy ; but the latter were 
no match for these veteran soldiers, and here, too, the field was 
won, the enemy losing some five hundred wounded, while the 
number of killed was correspondingly large. After this disastrous 
failure, he did not care to renew the contest, and the Union cavalry 
had done its last fighting in the Wilderness. 

XI — Sheridan's Raid to Richmond. 

On the 9th of May, separating temporarily from the Army of 
the Potomac, the whole cavalry corps moved south in the direction 



460 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



of Eichmond, the First New Jersey having the rear of the column. 
Lee, supposing that the force consisted of but a couple of brigades 
on a marauding expedition, had detached a corresponding body to 
cut off the retreat ; and while Stuart, with a large force of cavalry, 
tried to gain our front, this body, under Wickham and Lennox, 
attempted to strike our rear, their skirmishers exchanging flying 
shots with our line of flankers, but not venturing an attack until 
towards evening. This, however, was repulsed, as was also an 
assault upon Captain Eobbins, who had been sent out to picket a 
cross-road, though Lennox continued to annoy the column until 
silenced by our artillery. It was by this time very dark, and the 
rest of the corps going into camp, the First New Jersey and First 
Massachusetts barricaded the road, after which they also sought a 
hurried rest. Early on the morrow, the rebels again assaulted our 
line, but were held in check by the First New Jersey, and the 
whole force crossed the North Anna. Thence, the First Division 
advanced towards Hanover Junction, while the Second moved 
directly to the South Anna, which it crossed unmolested and halted 
for the night, starting the next morning to perform its share in the 
work of destruction. General Davies, with the First Brigade, 
pushed across to Ashland Station and Court House, where, while 
the First Massachusetts, after destroying the public buildings and 
storehouses, fought hotly with the enemy, the rest of the brigade 
occupied themselves with the destruction of miles of railroad. 
Then, hurrying back by narrow and tortuous, woodland roads, the 
command came out upon the Mountain turnpike, where it re- 
joined the corps. From this time forward, the First New Jersey, 
while participating otherwise in ail the fatigues and hardships of 
this memorable " raid," was not engaged with the enemy. Ee-join- 
ing the army on the 25th, it encamped in its rear, and for one night 
slept soundly under the friendly shelter of its own tents. 

XI — Turning Lee's Eight. 
But its season of repose was brief. On the 26th it was moved down 
to the Pamunkey on a reconnoissance, and during the early hours 
of the following morning crossed at Hanover Town, with the First 



THE SIXTEENTH EEGIMENT — (FIKST CAVALEY). 461 

and Second Cavalry Divisions, supported by a part of the Sixth 
Corps — advancing upon Lee's right wing. On the 28th, having ad- 
vanced several miles on the direct road to Richmond, Gregg took 
up a position near Hawes' Shop, to cover the crossing and move- 
ments of our infantry. Here, during the day, he was fiercely 
attacked by the enemy, and the First Jersey once more became 
engaged. One company being sent on each flank, mounted, Captain 
Bobbins with four companies, dismounted, moved forward and 
occupied a position on the right of the road, opening a rapid fire 
from their carbines on the line of the enemy which was forming 
for attack. The remainder of the regiment was moved to the left 
of the road, and having been dismounted, was ordered to the sup- 
port of the First Pennsylvania, which was hotly engaged. Eobbins, 
as usual, moved with a rush to the assault, and soon cleared his 
immediate front of the rebels, chasing them across the open ground 
beyond the wood in which they had taken cover. In this field 
there was a double ditch, lined by fencing, with another of the 
same character facing it, only forty or fifty paces distant. As 
Captain Beekman, heading his men, sprang across the first fence, 
at charging speed, they were met by a desperate volley from the 
second line of the rebels lying in the other cover. Instinctively, 
as they saw the flash, the men threw themselves upon the ground, 
and now Beekman, rolling into the ditch, called his troops there 
beside him. From the two covers there was kept up a tremendous 
fire — our men sometimes charging towards the hostile ditch, but in 
each case falling back, and the fight going on, both parties holding 
their own, but neither gaining ground upon the other. Meanwhile, 
Captain Eobbins, on the right of the road, was being sorely pressed. 
Major Jane way was sent with two squadrons to his relief and the 
fight re-doubled in intensity. The ammunition of the men giving 
out, a supply was brought from the rear and distributed along the 
line itself by the officers, several of whom fell while engaged in 
the service. Captain Beekman was shot through both hands as he 
stretched them forth full of ammunition. Lieutenant Bell'is was 
almost at the same moment mortally wounded, as was also Lieu- 
tenant Stewart. Captain Eobbins was wounded severely in the 



462 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



shoulder, Lieutenant Shaw severely in the head, Lieutenant Wyn- 
koop fearfully in the foot. Lieutenant Bowne was the only officer 
of the first battalion on the field who was untouched, and he had 
several narrow escapes. Major Janeway also had a narrow escape, 
a ball passing so close to his forehead as to redden the skin. As 
Lieutenant Brooks was manceuvering the fifth squadron under 
fire, a ball fired close at hand struck him near his belt clasp, 
slightly penetrating the skin in two places, and, doubling him 
up, sent him rolling headlong for thirty feet across the road. As 
he recovered steadiness, .he saw his whole squadron hurrying to 
pick him up, and, in the excitement, losing all sensation of pain,* 
he ordered them again forward, and walked after them half-way to 
the front. There, he was obliged to drop upon the ground, and 
was carried from the field. Lieutenant Craig also, of the. same 
squadron, was badly bruised by some missile that struck him in 
the breast, but, though suffering severely from the blow, did not 
leave the field. Still the men bravely held their own. And now, 
Custer coming up with his Michigan Brigade, charged down the 
road — the whole body of the First Jersey skirmishers simultaneous- 
ly springing from their cover and dashing upon the enemy, sweep- 
ing him from the field and pursuing him until the whole mass 
had melted into disordered rout. 

Meanwhile the fighting on the left of the road had been of the 
severest character. Malsbury received a mortal wound ; Dye was 
killed instantly ; Cox was hit in the back, but remained the only 
officer with the squadron till, towards the close of the action, he 
received a wound which disabled him. The total loss of the nine 
companies of the First New Jersey engaged, in killed and wounded 
was sixty -four, eleven being officers. The total loss of the division 
was two hundred and five. 

The effort to check our advance had been vain. By the time 
that the cavalry engagement was ended, Grant had joined Sheridan 
on the field, and Meade was moving upon Old Church and Shady 
Grove. The flank movement had proved an entire success. 

For a day Gregg's Division was at rest. Then it was moved for- 
ward to picket Warren's left near Shady Grove, being afterwards 



TH$ SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 468 

withdrawn to the left and rear, whence, on the 1st of June, it 
moved around the rebel right, marching to Bottom Bridge, and 
there picketing up and down the Chickahominy at every ford and 
crossing. On the 6th, being relieved by the Third Division, the 
rest of the cavalry marched to the rear, pausing at Newcastle, on the 
Pamunkey, whence, on the morrow, it again started on a perilous 
adventure. 

XII— Another "Baid." 

On the 7th of June, the First and Second Cavalry Divisions, 
leaving Newcastle, pushed rapidly towards Trevillian's Station, nine 
miles from Gordonsville, where, on the evening of the 10th, the 
enemy was attacked with great violence and driven out with seri- 
ous loss — General Custer, meanwhile, with his command, defeating 
the rebels at Louisa Court House, and capturing a supply and 
ammunition train, together with fifteen hundred horses. The rebel 
Hampton, however, soon after succeeded in recovering this prize, 
surrounding Custer on all sides, but the gallant Michigan men hero- 
ically fought their way out, a fortunate diversion in another direc- 
tion — by distracting the rebel attention — materially assisting their 
escape. The First New Jersey had not been engaged in the action, 
but were sent to scout and picket a road leading off to our right 
around the enemy's position. Kester having advanced his main 
body as far as he thought advisable, well around to the left flank of 
Hampton, sent forward Major Janeway with the third squadron to 
examine the country more particularly in front. That officer, dis- 
persing the rebel pickets, arranged his men for an advance in pur- 
suit, and still pushing on, soon came upon a section of artillery 
supported by the Fifth Georgia Cavalry mounted, and the Ninth 
South Carolina dismounted. At once charging upon the line, the 
whole mounted force of the rebels broke and ran. The guns, how- 
ever, were still served, and the Carolinians covering themselves by 
some houses and fences, opened with small arms upon our troopers. 
Had there been no obstructions, or had there been another battalion 
to follow up the charge, the guns and the dismounted men could 
have been taken ; but as it was, the Major saw that further advance 



464 



NEW JERSEY AND TfiE REBELLION. 



would be useless, and withdrew his men undisturbed by any pur- 
suit. Lieutenant Craig was wounded in the ankle, Sergeant Cook, 
of Company K, was killed, Michael Gallagher, of the same company, 
was too severely wounded to be carried off, though he was afterwards 
recovered. With these, and two other casualties, this force of a 
hundred men had engaged two regiments and a section of artillery, 
and had so surprised the rebels in front, that Custer got through 
without further fighting, and the whole rebel line withdrew from 
its position. 

On the 13th, having accomplished its object in the destruction 
of the railway and other property, the cavalry withdrew from the 
Station, and proceeded to White House, whence it guarded the 
passage of a wagon train to and across the James Eiver, the First 
New Jersey being employed in picketing the rear, and afterwards 
in covering the retiring train to Charles City Court House. On the 
27th of June, the most of the wagons having been transported 
across the river, the First Brigade of Gregg was transferred to the 
neighborhood of FortPowhattan, where it enjoyed two days release 
from duty, after three weeks of incessant and harassing service. 

XIII — Operations around Petersburg. 
On the evening of the 29th of June, leaving. FortPowhattan, the 
Cavalry Division —the First New Jersey being again in the advance 
— moved rapidly southward, ordered to afford relief to Wilson, who 
had been severely handled at Eeam's Station, and was endeavoring 
to re-join our army. Reaching Lee's Mills on the extreme left of 
our lines on the following day, the command bivouacked for the 
night, when, having picked up a number of Wilson's men, it fell 
back, moving into a camp on the road between City Point and 
the station of the dismounted cavalry, in which neighborhood it 
remained, except when on picket, until the 26th of July. On the 
evening of that clay, the First and Second Cavalry Divisions, with 
the Second Corps of infantry, moved secretly and rapidly across the 
river at Deep Bottom — before morning surprising the command of 
the rebel General Pickett, and capturing four twenty-pound Parrott 
guns. On the 28th, the cavalry and a portion of the infantry, 



THE SIXTEENTH KEGIMlM — (FIEST CAVALRY). 465 



moving in flank and rear, advanced towards the Charles City road 
above Malvern Hill. Here, as Gregg moved around the enemy's 
left, threatening the flank and rear, his flankers were briskly 
attacked by rebel infantry skirmishers, who, however, were soon 
driven back. But the enemy speedily returning to the attack, a 
sharp fight ensued, in which the First New Jersey participated — 
the assailants again being repulsed with serious loss, but carrying 
with them one of our guns. During the evening the Second Divi- 
sion fell back to Strawberry Plains, whence, after various manceu- 
vers, it was pushed on to its old ground at Lee's Mills, where 
the rebels during our advance had established a picket-post. 
Having destroyed the narrow bridge across the mill-dam, their posi- 
tion was one of considerable strength, but there was no hesitation 
in its assault. Zvloving through the swampy ground below, a dis- 
mounted force of the First Massachusetts, with the third battalion 
of the First Jersey, pushed around the rebel right flank, while the 
Tenth Xew York skirmished in their front. Under cover of the 
artillery, the Second Pennsylvania prepared to charge across the 
mill-clam, while the First Jersey mounted was held ready to charge 
as soon as plank could be laid upon the bridge. At length, ail 
being ready, simultaneously the Pennsylvanians charged in front, 
and the Massachusetts with the third Jersey battalion in the flank 
of the enemy, forcing them to run at full soeecl into the wood, 
abandoning their blankets and provisions. As those of them who 
had reached their horses started off at rapid pace, the First Jersey 
came thundering over the bridge, and dashed after them at a charge. 
The movement was splendidly executed, but the rebels did not 
wait for its importance. As the regiment went over and through 
their barricades, the horses breasting the fence rails and crashing 
among the trees, the enemy was seen in full gallop beyond them. 
After a tremendous race, in which a few prisoners were captured, 
the regiment returned, and the ground was held by an improved 
line of pickets. 11 

11 The following is the official report of the actions of the First New Jersey during 
the campaign which terminated with this engagement : 

" On the 4th of May last, when the army crossed the Rapidan River on its march 

59 



466 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



The 12th of August found the First Jersey again On the march 
for the north side of the James, where, "being joined by the Second 
Corps, it advanced over the ground deserted the preceding fort- 
night. During the advance, there was considerable skirmishing 
between our own and the rebel cavalry, during which the First 

through the Wilderness, the honor of leading the advance across at Ely's Ford was 
conferred on this regiment by General Gregg, which resulted in an unimportant skir- 
mish and a dash after the rebel pickets, who fled on our approach towards Chancellors- 
ville. Nothing occurred worthy of note until next day; at noon, we were ordered to 
move towards Orange Court House. When we arrived at a village called Todd's 
Tavern, we met the Third Cavalry Division, commanded by General Wilson, rapid- 
ly retreating before the enemy's cavalry in a very disordered state. General Davies' 
Brigade was immediately thrown forward, and having rapidly moved half a mile, we 
met the advance of the enemy's cavalry pressing forward on the rear of General Wil- 
son ; Captain Hart, with the first squadron, was ordered to charge, which he did with 
such impetuosity that the enemy in turn was routed, and the gallant first squadron 
pressed him back on his main body, until they in turn were met by the charge of a 
rebel regiment, which again turned the tide of battle. At this critical juncture I has- 
tened to his support with three squadrons of my regiment, (the remaining two having 
been sent on the flanks ;) hastily forming these squadrons in line of battle, the whole 
line moved forward and gave the enemy such a sharp volley, followed by rapid firing at 
will, that he desisted from his charge, and endeavored to keep back the advancing line 
of my regiment, but without success — forward we moved, as steady as on a parade, the 
rebels endeavoring to check us by showers of canister, but with no avail, when they 
hastily limbered their guns and fell back just in time to prevent their capture. In this 
manner we drove the enemy two miles, through the thick forest of the Wilderness, 
and halted only when we received positive orders from General Davies, we then being 
far on the flank of the enemy's infantry. We held the position until dark, when we 
were relieved by another regiment, who picketted the ground we had won. In this 
little affair the regiment lost six men killed, two officers and forty-one men wounded. 
The next day my regiment was not engaged. On the 7th, the cavalry corps was hotly 
engaged, a part of the regiment being engaged on the left, but nothing of note tran- 
spired. On the 9th of May, when the cavalry turned the right of the rebel army on the 
"Sheridan Raid," my regiment had the rear of the column, and was engaged with the 
rebel cavalry during the latter part of the day. Captain Robbins had been sent with his 
squadron on a road running at right angles with our line of march to protect the flanks 
as the column passed, and the enemy charged a brigade of their troops on the rear- 
guard, driving it up on the rear of the column completely by the road on which this 
squadron was placed, and effectually cutting it off from the main body. As soon as 
Captain Robbins became aware of his situation he moved across the country towards 
the road on which the main column was fighting, and was just in time to charge his 
whole squadron through the ranks of the rebels as they were endeavoring to rally after 
the repulse received from the charge they made on our rear -guard. This spirited 
charge made them more cautious, and night coming on they hovered on our rear. My 
regiment being in the extreme rear, remained on picket until day-break next morning, 
when the rebels again assaulted our line, but were held in check until we were relieved 
and across the North Anna River. We then took our place in the advance of the 
column and continued our line of march. Next day we were sent to Ashland, my 
regiment being engaged in tearing up the railroad did not come in contact with the 
enemy. Nothing occurred during the remainder of the raid worthy of note, my regi- 
ment fully participating in the fatigue and hardships of that celebrated movement. 
On the 25th of May, we again re-joined the army, and on the 28th, the enemy fiercely 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT— .(FIRST CAVALRY). 



467 



Jersey bad one or two men killed, and several wounded — Lieutenant- 
Colonel Janeway lost a finger while using a pocket-handkerchief. 
The desired position, however, was taken and held, several lines of 
rebel earthworks being rendered useless. On the following morn- 
ing, the Second Cavalry Brigade attacked and routed the rebel cav* 

attacked our pickets at Hawes' Shop, on the Richmond road, and my regiment was 
ordered to their support. One company having been sent on each flank, mounted, 
Captain Robbins, with Companies A, B, G and I, dismounted, moved forward and occu- 
pied a position on the right of the road, and opened a rapid fire from their carbines 
on the line of the enemy which was forming for an attack. The remainder of the 
regiment was moved to the left of the road, and having been dismounted, was ordered 
to the support of the First Pennsylvania Cavalry, which was hotly engaged on the left 
of the road. Captain Robbins being hard pressed, I ordered Major Janeway to take 
Captain Brooks' squadron (Companies H and N) to his support, and to assume com- 
mand of that part of the line. The enemy directed his fire at this part of the line, 
and the severest cavalry fighting of the war raged for two hours in my front. The 
enemy was a new brigade from South Carolina, armed with Enfield rifle's, and was very 
formidable. At this juncture, General Custer charged down the road with three regi- 
ments, and my men charged the whole line in their front, drove the enemy from his 
line, and pursued him so rapidly for a mile and a half that he left his dead and 
severely wounded on the field. The regiment in this engagement lost two officers 
killed and nine wounded, nine men killed and forty-four wounded. The enemy left 
one hundred and eighty dead on our front line. During the movement across the 
Pamunkey River, our duties were confined to picketing and an occasional skirmish, 
until the 7th of June, when the cavalry corps went to Trevillian's Station, nine miles 
from Gordonsville. At this place, while picketing the country on the right of the 
command, Major Janeway. with the third battalion, made a very dashing charge on the 
enemy's rear, which was managed so cleverly that it excited the admiration of all who 
saw it. On the 13th of June, the cavalry left Trevillian's Station to return to the 
army, which was then crossing the James River. My regiment was assigned the im- 
portant duty of rear-guard, and we skirmished with the enemy until that night, with 
no serious loss. On arriving at White House, we found the enemy endeavoring to 
capture a train of a thousand wagons, which had been left at that point, but after an 
unimportant skirmish the enemy allowed us to conduct it safely to the James River, 
the enemy being particularly engaged at St. Mary's Church. With a trifling loss we 
crossed the James River on the 29th of June, having suffered greatly from fatigue and 
scarcity of provisions. Nothing occurred to vary the usual round of duties until the 
recent movement at Deep Bottom, on the north side of the James River, in which 
the regiment participated, and making a forced march arrived at Lee's Mills on the 
extreme left of the army next day. Captain Brooks conducted a flank movement, 
which dislodged the rebels from their position, and Captain Hick, with six companies f 
made a dashing mounted charge, driving the rebels three miles, who fled precipitately, 
leaving their personal effects strewn along the road. I cannot speak too highly of the 
conduct of the officers and men of my regiment, and I am happy to state that the 
recruits received last winter have imbibed the spirit of the veterans, and this regiment 
will ever be an organization which will uphold the pride and honor of the State of New 
Jersey. 

" The following is a list of the casualties among commissioned officers of the First 
New Jersey Cavalry since May 4, 1864 : Killed 2 ; wounded 13. 
"I have the honor to be, very respectfully, 

" Your obedient servant, 

"John W. Kestek, Colonel Commanding." 



468 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



airy under General Chambliss, striking them near the junction of 
the Quaker Eoad and that to Charles City Court House, and pur- 
suing the broken column through White Oak Swamp to within 
a few miles of Eichmond, picking up many prisoners ; and then 
returning and taking position near the Swamp. During the next 
few days, the First Jersey was not engaged, but on the 18th, it 
acted as a support to some of our guns which were attacked with 
great violence by the enemy, enabling the cannoneers not only to 
repel the assault but to drive the rebels from the whole field. On 
the 19th, Warren having seized the Weldon Eailroad, the cavalry 
re-crossed the river and hurried to his assistance, reaching his posi- 
tion on the 20th. Here on the 21st, while Gregg's First Brigade 
protected the engineers in their work, his Second aided in repelling 
an attack on the extreme left of Warren's line, and thus perma- 
nently securing the line of the railroad. But the First Jersey did 
not escape without loss — Phillips, of Company F, and one or two 
other gallant troopers, whose term of service had just expired, but 
who insisted upon taking part in the fight, falling either dead or 
severely wounded in the front of the line on that last day of mili- 
tary duty. During the engagement of the 23d, near Beam's Sta- 
tion, the regiment was on picket, but on the 24th, when the Second 
Corps was driven from the works it had erected in front of War- 
ren's- position, the cavalry again became engaged, covering the 
withdrawal of the infantry. 

With this engagement the First Cavalry terminated the period 
of its original enlistment. On the 1st of September, the men 
whose term of service had expired, embarked at City Point for 
home, reaching Trenton a week later, but leaving the regiment as 
an organization still in the field, its honors being duly inherited by 
the hundreds of re-enlisted men and supported by its numerous 
recruits. During the three years now expired it had lost six offi- 
cers and twenty-nine enlisted men killed, and eighteen officers and 
seventy -six enlisted men wounded. 

On the 29th of September, the First Jersey was once more put 
in motion. Breaking camp at Prince George Court House, it 
marched to the Jerusalem plank road, and at daylight on the 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 



469 



morrow moved to the extreme left of the army, (Warren's Corps,) 
where it united, meeting the picket-line. Soon after the regiment 
was ordered to advance to the junction of the Eeam's Station and 
Dinwiddie Court House roads, and to hold this position while a 
battalion was sent at a charge into Keanrs Station to drive in the 
rebel pickets. This being done. Major Beaumont, commanding, 
was directed to hold the two roads, and bring on a fight if possible, 
General Gregg thinking the position a good one for an engagement. 
Beaumont, accordingly, advanced to the junction, and sent Captain 
Hart with two squadrons to charge through the Station. With, a 
shout, the men dashed to the assault, driving the enemy, almost 
twice their number, from the works about the Station and three 
miles beyond, capturing a number of prisoners and several horses. 
Having accomplished this handsome feat, Hart, under orders, re- 
tired, and Hobensack at once established a picket-line with the 
second battalion on the Station road. While this was going on, 
Beaumont had thrown a picket-line across the junction, and sent 
Captain Hick with two squadrons up the road to Dinwiddie Court 
House, where, rinding the rebels in about equal force, that gallant 
officer charged them vigorously, driving them from their position 
and capturing several prisoners. Eeturning, he established a strong 
picket-line on this road, and though, repeatedly attacked, bravely 
held his position, as did also Captain Hobensack, who was simi- 
larly attacked. The enemy not advancing in formidable force the 
regiment remained on picket until the morning of the 30th, when, 
being relieved, it re-joined the brigade, but did not for some time 
become engaged, although under fire during a part of the day. 
At dark, however, it was again put in motion, being ordered by 
General Davies. commanding the brigade, to advance along the 
left of the Fifth Corps to the Armstrong House, and thence a mile 
to the right, and communicate with Parke's (Ninth) Corps at the 
Pegram House. The night being intensely dark and the road a 
strange one, with the enemy known to be on the left flank and in 
front, the advance was made with great caution, the men occasion- 
ally lighting a candle to discover their bearings, until at length 
the Armstrong House was reached. As the command rode slowly 



470 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



up a hill in front of the house, in utter silence, those in advance 
suddenly detected a clattering of sabers, mingled with words of 
command. "Who goes there?" rang out sharply on the air. 
" Butler's South Carolina Brigade," was the startling reply. " Who 
are you?" "First New Jersey Cavalry, charge!" was the only 
reply, as, with a yell, the regiment dashed through the thick dark- 
ness upon the invisible foe. One sharp volley was given, and then 
the rapid and continuous clatter of hoofs on the gravel road in 
front, gave notice that, even in that blind charge, the First Jersey 
had won the field. One prisoner only was taken — Captain Butler, 
brother of General Butler, of the rebel army. The regiment was 
now collected and a line formed, and the enemy being found to be 
on each flank, as well as in front, General Davies ordered a return 
as far as Davis' House on the Yaughn road to Petersburg, where , 
General Gregg had his headquarters, and here the command lay in 
bivouac for the remainder of the night. 

At daylight on the 1st of October, in a drizzling rain, the bri- 
gade started for the Hawks' House, j ust in front of the left of the 
Ninth Corps. Before that point, however, was reached, it was 
learned that Hampton's (rebel) Cavalry had occupied the Davis' 
House, and the command was ordered to return, which it did, 
reaching and occupying the farm about the house, from which the 
rebels had retired, shortlv after noon. Disposition was then imme- 
diately made to meet any emergency, the Sixth Ohio being thrown 
out dismounted, with the First Massachusetts on the right also dis- 
mounted — the First New Jersey being held in reserve. The wis- 
dom of thus holding the best troops in hand for the critical exigency 
was soon apparent. The Ohio and Massachusetts regiments were 
suddenly attacked with great fury by Danovin and Mahone's 
■ Brigades, dismounted, and rapidly driven in. Notwithstanding a 
stubborn resistance on the part of the Massachusetts men, the line 
soon broke and ran, rallying only in rear of the First Jersey. And 
now an ominous silence for a moment ensued. Then suddenly the 
dense woods in front of our position became alive with rebels, 
who rushed forth on a double-quick, shouting and firing as they 
advanced. Still the Jersey boys stood cool and calm, though ex- 



THE SIXTEENTH EEGIMENT— (FIEST CAVALEY). 471 

posed to a fire from the whole rebel line, as well as a yet more 
terrible fire from six guns which had now been brought up to 
within three hundred yards of our position. The spiteful buzz of 
bullets, the shriek of solid shot and shell, and the fierce, rushing 
whine of canister, all combined to affright the waiting line ; but 
with the colors planted in the center, the brave men stood unshaken, 
and without firing a shot, until, with the enemy only twenty -four 
paces in front, Beaumont gave the order to open. Then, what a 
sheet of flame burst all along the line ! Veterans of some of the 
bloodiest fights of the war unite in declaring that the rapidity and 
vigor of the fire which then flashed to and fro had never been sur- 
passed ; but however this may be, it is certain that it had its effect. 
Thrice the enemy returned to the assault, and as often was bloodily 
t repulsed by the Jerseymen, assisted by the First Massachusetts, 
which had rallied on their right during the combat. At length, 
ceasing firing altogether, the rebels left the front, apparently beaten, 
whereupon a charge was immediately ordered, and the men dashed 
eagerly forward. In the rush, Sergeant Johnson, of Company G, 
was the first man to cross the enemy's works ; the color-guard 
closely followed, and the regiment with a wild shout dashed into 
the woods and charged full two hundred yards in advance of our 
most advanced position, being then re-called to repel an attack on 
the left flank ; where Young's Brigade of Georgia Cavalry were 
offering menace. "While these events were occurring, our left flank 
was picketted by Lieutenant Hughes with Company C, which, dur- 
ing the last assault of the enemy in front, had become hotly en- 
gaged. Hughes, however, soon found that he was surrounded, but 
not by any means dismayed, he at once ordered a charge and suc- 
ceeded in cutting his way out and re-joining his regiment in time 
to give notice of the flank attack. "While surrounded. Sergeant 
"Watts, of Company C, seeing a group of men dressed apparently 
like our own, rode up to one who proved to be General Young, and 
with some excitement, asked, "How in thunder are we going to 
get out of here?" The General, who had mistaken the charge of 
Hughes for the advance of a mounted brigade, and had delayed his 
own attack upon our flank long enough to enable Beaumont to 



472 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



regain his works — seemed to be quite as much puzzled as Watts ; 
at any rate, he altogether failed to improve his opportunity to cap- 
ture the surrounded troopers. Indeed, private Miles Downey, in 
the movement through the rebel lines, seized upon Captain Jones, 
one of the aids of General Young, and brought him in a prisoner 
without receiving a scratch. This achievement of Company C 
closed the conflict, and remaining on the field during the night and 
following day, the regiment on the 3d returned to its camp on the 
Jerusalem plank road. 12 Its losses amounted to four killed, seven 
wounded and one missing. 

XIV — Cutting the Enemy's Communications. 

Early in December, the cavalry was again called to perform 
important service. 13 The enemy being known to be in receipt of 
large supplies by way of the Weldon Eailroad to Stony Creek, 
whence they were wagoned to Petersburg, the Fifth Corps, with 
the Third Division of the Second Corps and Gregg's Cavalry, were 
detailed to operate upon and destroy the railroad as far as Hicks- 
ford. Accordingly, at daylight on the morning of December 7th, 

12 Major Beaumont in his official report of this affair, says : 

" Great credit is due to Lieutenant Hughes and Company C, as their gallant on- 
slaught upon General Young's rear doubtless saved us the day. We ascertained after 
the fight, from the enemy's pickets, that General Young, when Company C charged, 
sent word to General Hampton that he had been surrounded and would probably be 
captured. To Captains Hart, Hobensack and Hick, commanding battalions, 1 cannot 
give too much praise. I owe the coolness and firmness of my men to their gallant 
example. 

" Sergeant Clancy, Company C, killed General Danovin within ten yards of our lines, 
as he led his brigade in the first assault, and no doubt his death assisted in a great 
measure to demoralize the enemy. 

"I cannot refrain from mentioning Captain Walter R. Robbins and Lieutenant 
Brown. Though they were detached from the regiment at the time upon General 
Davies' staff, they cheered our men by their presence in the thickest of the fight, and 
Lieutenant Brown at a critical moment seized the colors, and himself bore them through 
a storm of bullets. In our repulse of the attack of General Young, Lieutenant Shaw 
and Sergeant-Major Dalzel rendered me efficient service in transmitting my orders and 
seeing them carried out. 

" In this fight the regiment fully sustained their previous reputation for gallantry, 
and added new lustre to the reputation of New Jersey troops." 

13 The following report to Governor Parker details the performance of the regiment 
in the expedition to Stony Creek, which preceded the movement now to be described : 

"I have the honor to report, that on the morning of the 1st instant, the First New 
Jersey Cavalry moved with the rest of the division towards Stony Creek Station, on 



THE SIXTEENTH .REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 



478 



the column started south on the Jerusalem plank road, the cav- 
alry in advance, and crossing the Nottoway River bivouacked for 
the night — the cavalry division encamping near Sussex Court 
House. At four o'clock on the following morning, the column 
moved towards Jarrett's Station, on the Weldon Railroad, some 
twenty-eight miles from Petersburg — the First New Jersey having 
the advance. Some two miles beyond Sussex Court House, the * 
extreme advance, composed of the first and third squadrons, com- 
manded by Captain Hughes, of Company C, met with some resist- 
ance, but without loss drove the enemy until ordered to halt for 
the night at Jarrett's. During the night, the railroad at that point 
was torn up by the infantry of Warren's command. On the 9th, 
the march was resumed at daylight, the First Cavalry Brigade 
having the advance, but not becoming engaged until it had crossed 
a small stream called Three Creeks, where the First Jersey was 
again assigned to the post of honor. The command had now 
reached a point near Hicksford, where the enemy was posted in some 
force, having a battery in position with strong works on both sides 
of the Meherrin River. The First Regiment having come into 
position, Captain Brooks, with the fifth squadron, (Companies K 
and H,) was directed to charge a force of the enemy who obstructed 
our advance, which he did with great gallantry. Although obliged 
to move on a narrow road, through a thick wood, he charged resist- 
lessly for a distance of a mile, when, suddenly coming upon an 
abattis, which was perfectly impassable for horses, he halted, and, 
under a heavy fire from the enemy's rifle pits, held his position 

the Weldon Railroad, which place the head of the column reached at about twelve 
o'clock, m., where a large quantity of stores were destroyed; two guns, and one 
hundred and eighty-five prisoners, and six wagons, were captured. 

" The Second Brigade being in the advance, this regiment was not engaged until the 
division commenced to retire, when we had the honor of covering the rear. The regi- 
ment was heavily pressed by the enemy, but the men and officers behaved with their 
accustomed gallantry and coolness. They were successfully repulsed in every attack. 
Our loss was small. Lieutenant Dalzel, commanding the extreme rear-guard, was 
wounded in the thigh, but was not obliged to relinquish his command. First Sergeant 
John Williams, of Company A, and Private W. Townley, of Company E, also received 
flesh wounds. 

"I neglected to state that at Duvall's Station the regiment was ordered to destroy 
a large quantity of railroad iron, and to burn a number of rebel workshops, which was 
accordingly done. 

"Hugh H. J anew ay, Colonel Commanding." 

60 



474 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



until the rest of the regiment came up. Colonel Janeway, obtain- 
ing permission to dismount his command, at once formed a heavy 
skirmish line on the edge of the woods, and then, with a cheer, 
in the face of a severe fire, clashed upon the rifle pits in front, 
speedily driving out the enemy in disorder and occupying the 
position. 14 That position, however, was one of great hazard, the 
men being exposed to the fire of guns served with murderous 
accuracy. But the brave troopers did not flinch, firmly holding 
the pits for three hours, suffering terribly from cold, and exposed 
to a heavy rain, which froze as it fell. 

Meanwhile, the work of destroying the railroad and other 
property made rapid progress, and the object of the expedition 
having been accomplished, on the 10th the command retired, reach- 
ing the position from which it started on the following da}'. Few 
"raids" of the war inflicted greater damage on the enemy than 
this. The casualties in the First New Jersey during the move- 
ment were comparatively small, amounting only to four killed, 
eleven wounded and four missing. Major Bobbins, who acted 
on the staff of the brigade commander, and was continually with, 
the advance, received a bullet in his hat, and Captain Craig, who 
participated in the charge of Captain Brooks, had his horse shot 
under him. Only one officer was injured, namely, Lieutenant 
Reed, who received a severe shell wound on the shoulder, from the 
effects of which he died before the regiment reached its camp. 
Lieutenant Reed was one of the most promising officers in the 
regiment, and his loss was universally regretted. 

u Colonel Janeway's report says of this charge and its result : 

"At the command "charge," every officer and man sprang forward with a wild 
cheer, each seeming to vie with the other in the effort to he the first to reach the rifle 
pits, from which the enemy was pouring a destructive fire. Almost in less time than 
it takes to write it, the rifle pits were ours, the rehels retreating in rapid disorder 
across the railroad bridge. The charge was made under the heaviest fire of artillery to 
which it has ever been my fortune to be exposed, and that from strong forts not five 
hundred yards distant from the line we took. As our superior thought it best not 
to advance further, the regiment was obliged to remain in the rifle pits for three hours 
of daylight still left us, exposed to the fire of guns served with the most murderous 
accuracy. Made to move about to keep the blood in circulation, although entirely 
unprotected from a heavy rain, which froze as it fell. During the whole period of my 
service with the regiment, I have never seen officers or men display greater gallantry 
or more soldierly endurance of hardships." 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 



475 



XV— The Final Campaign. 

At last, the hour struck when the First New Jersey was to move 
out for the last time against the columns of the enemy. As it had 
shared in the perils and trials of three years of deadly combat, so 
now it was to share in the glory of striking the final and decisive 
blow, from which the long-defiant rebellion could never recover. 
The story of that campaign, and of the services this regiment per- 
formed, is thus told in the report of the Major commanding : 

"On the morning of March 29th, the regiment broke camp near Petersburg, and in 
connection with the brigade, moved out on the Ream's Station and Dinwiddie Court 
House road, crossing Rowanty Creek at Malon's bridge. The cavalry arrived at and 
occupied Dinwiddie Court House that night. Colonel Janeway was ordered to move 
out on the Flatfoot road and hold it for the night, which he did. On the 30th, the 
brigade moved up on the Five Forks road to the support of General Merritt, but did 
not become engaged. On the morning of the 31st, Captain Craig, Company A, com- 
manding first squadron, who was picketing on the Mill road leading to Chamberlain's 
Creek, took a portion of his reserve and cleverly passed through the rebel cavalry 
vidette line, surprised and captured an infantry picket-reserve of the enemy, and 
brought them into our lines without any loss to his command. For this bold and 
skillful act Captain Craig is deserving of great praise. From these prisoners it was 
learned that the divisions of the rebel Generals Pickett and Bushrod Johnson were 
in our front. After receiving this information Colonel Janeway directed Major Hart 
to strengthen and extend the picket-line. Colonel Janeway then ordered me to move 
out with my battalion and make a reconnoissanee on the left, and ascertain if the enemy 
was moving around in that direction. In doing this I found the old Scott road leading 
across Chamberlain's Creek to be entirely open, thus giving the enemy a splendid oppor- 
tunity to move his troops between the brigades of General Davies and Smith. Feeling 
the importance of this road, I left Captain Hick with Companies K, M and L to cover 
it, while I pushed further to the left with Company H, Lieutenant Killy commanding ; 
communicated with General Smith and ascertained from him that the enemy were 
quiet in his front. I then returned to the old Scott road, and moved my battalion 
down to the ford on Chamberlain's Creek, dismounted, sent my horses to the rear, 
caused a breastwork of rails to be made, and communicated the importance of the road 
and what I was doing to Colonel Janeway. The Colonel came down and approved of 
the course I had taken, and ordered me to remain and hold the ford. About this time 
the enemy made a spirited attack on the lines of Generals Gregg and Smith and vainly 
endeavored to drive them from their position. Meanwhile they pushed two brigades 
of infantry down to the ford and engaged my command, which was holding it. The 
firing soon became sharp and vigorous. We had great advantage in position, being 
behind works and on much lower ground than the enemy, who was without any cover- 
ing and at easy range. Many of the enemy fell before our withering fire. Among the 
number was General Ransom. Seeing that we were not to be forced from our position 
in this manner, they passed one brigade to our right (which met Major Hart's battalion) 
and one to our left enveloped our flanks, and charged a third brigade in our front. The 
battalions, I am proud to say, remained at their post and kept up the firing until the 
enemy was within fifteen yards of them ; hopes of longer holding the ford could not 
be entertained. The order was then given to fall back, which was done first in a broken 
and confused line, but was quickly formed and placed in position to cover the left 
flank ol the Tenth New York Cavalry, which had been ordered to our support some 
time before. This regiment, after delivering two or three volleys went rapidly to the 
rear, leaving my battalion to cover their shameful retreat. The enemy was in strong 



476 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



force and moved rapidly against us, and my men could do nothing but keep up a run- 
ning fight until we passed through Colonel Janeway's line, who, with the first and 
second battalions and a Michigan regiment, was gallantly holding the enemy in check. 
Major Hart, with the first battalion, had been sent out to my support, but meeting the 
brigade of the enemy which had moved on my right, was unable to get to me. Major 
Hart fought his command as he always did, with signal courage, great skill and telling 
effect upon the enemy. It was his last fight. He was shot dead in his saddle. The 
bullet entered his right cheek and passed through the spinal column. Colonel Jane- 
way, with his own and a Michigan regiment, with detachments from other regiments, 
retired before the overwhelming force of the enemy to the road leading from Dinwid- 
dle Court House to Five Forks, where he connected his left with the remainder of the 
brigade. The casualties of this day were as follows: Major James H. Hart, killed; 
First Lieutenant and Acting Commissary-Sergeant, C. W. Camp, captured; three en- 
listed men killed, sis wounded and four captured. Early the next morning the enemy 
was pushed back, his force routed and many prisoners taken. On the 1st and 2d of 
April our brigade remained in camp near Dinwiddie Court House, guarding the trains 
of the corps. On the night of the 2d we moved from Dinwiddie Court House in rear 
of the train to the Claubourne road, in the vicinity of Hatcher's Run, bivouacked for 
a few hours, and then (on the morning of the 3d) pushed on. Crossing the Southside 
Railroad at Suthei'land Station, we marched that day to Wilson's plantation, on tfie 
Namozord road, where we encamped for the night. The line of march was resumed 
early on the next morning (the 4th) on a road running parallel to the one Lee was retreat- 
ing on. We arrived at J ettersville, on the south side of the railroad, about four o'clock, 
p. m. It was expected that the enemy would be found in force at this place. Noth- 
ing, however, was found and the cavalry was ordered to bivouac for the night. Per- 
suant to orders from brigade headquarters, Captain Craig, with Companies A and B, 
reported to General Davies, who instructed him to push down the Amelia Spring road 
and ascertain if any force of the enemy was there. Captain Craig obeyed his instruc- 
tions to the letter, returned and reported, having captured twenty-two infantry sol- 
diers, thirty-eight horses and a number of mules, all of which he brought into camp. 
From these prisoners it was learned that Lee, with his army, was at Amelia Court 
House. At three o'clock on the following morning, our brigade was moving towards 
that place. Arriving at Paines' Cross Roads, General Davies learned that the enemy's 
wagon train was but a short distance off. Pushing rapidly on, we soon struck the 
advance guard, consisting of one brigade of cavalry and one regiment of infantry and 
a battery of artillery. General Davies at once charged and routed this force, captured 
a large number of prisoners, five pieces of artillery, one hundred and eighty wagons and 
three hundred and forty horses and mules. The wagons were all burned. The prison- 
ers, artillery and animals were all brought off. In this charge five battle flags were 
captured by the following named officers and men of the regiment : Captain Samuel 
Craig, Company A ; First Sergeant George W. Stewart, Company E ; Private Lewis 
Locke, Company A ; and Private Christian Straele, Company I. 

"After the capture of the wagon train, &c, General Davies directed Colonel Jane- 
way to move up on a road to the left and hold it until he got well to the rear all cap- 
tured property, prisoners, &c. 'Through some mistake, no orders were received by 
Colonel Janeway to retire, but ascertaining that everything had re-crossed the stream, 
he wisely withdrew, but upon arriving at the bridge he found it in possession of the 
enemy. Captain Brooks, with Companies H and K, made an elegant charge and dri- 
ving the enemy from the bridge, held the road leading to it, while the remainder of 
the regiment crossed. Captain Hick, with Companies L and M, now formed the rear- 
guard. Arriving at Painesville, the regiment was ordered to remain there one halt 
hour and hold the roads while the captured property was being taken off. The enemy 
now began to show himself in large numbers in our front and on both flanks. I was 
directed by Colonel Janeway to take Company H, strengthen and assume command 
of the rear-guard. The enemy pressed us vigorously, making several charges, which 
were, with one exception, (the last,) handsomely repulsed. The enemy routed us in 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 



477 



his last charge and drove us hack' to a detachment of the regiment which had heen 
formed for our support. This detachment made a splendid charge and checked the 
enemy, -which enabled us to withdraw to where the remainder of the brigade was formed. 
In this charge, the gallant Captain Brooks, of Company K, was taken prisoner and 
sabered by General Geary after he had surrendered. A number of the men were also 
wounded. The enemy here displayed a much larger force than our own. They lapped 
both our flanks and engaged us sharply in our front, but the regiment, with brave, 
skillful Janeway in command, unflinchingly stood their ground and used their Spencer 
carbines with telling effect upon the enemy. It would be useless for me to particular- 
ize the actions of any officer or man — they all performed their duty in their usual man- 
ner as soldiers. The conduct of Surgeon TVilles was so different from that of medical 
officers generally, that I cannot pass it by without notice. He was in the thickest of 
the fight and was of great service to Colonel Janeway in conveying orders and rallying 
men from different regiments, taking them to the skirmish line, remaining there him- 
self and encouraging them on. We were finally relieved by the Second Brigade of our 
division, when we retired to a point near Amelia Springs, and remained at that place 
till two o'clock, p. m., when we were again ordered into action. Colonel Janeway was 
ordered by General Davies to support two other regiments in a charge. These regi- 
ments were repulsed in the charge and driven back to their support. Colonel Janeway 
immediately ordered a charge, in leading which our brave, gallant Colonel was shot 
through the head and died almost instantly. This cast a gloom over the whole regi- 
ment. His superior we never knew; a brave, skillful officer, a courteous gentleman, a 
true, earnest patriot — qualities which have endeared him to every officer and man of 
the regiment. 

"We held the line until after dark, when we were relieved and ordered back to 
Jettersville. The casualties of the day were as follows : Colonel Hugh H. Janeway, 
killed ; Captain Joseph Brooks, Company K, wounded and prisoner ; Second Lieute- 
nant James S. Metier, Company D, prisoner ; Second Lieutenant William Wilson s Com- 
pany G, prisoner; First Lieutenant and Adjutant James F. Clancy, wounded ; twenty- 
one prisoners. 

" We bivouacked at Jettersville that night, and moved out at ten o'clock, a. m., the 
following day. Generals Merritt and Custer had captured and burned a large number 
of wagons near Sailor's Creek, and were heavily engaged with the enemy when we 
came up. The cavalry corps was formed to charge the enemy — this regiment forming 
the connection on the extreme right of the Second Division with General Custer's 
Division (Third). In front of our regiment was a plain, open field, where the enemy 
had a good line of rifle pits. I received orders from General Davies to charge this line 
of works. I expected the whole line woidd charge at the same time, and moved on 
his line of works at once. The troops on my right, however, instead of charging the 
enemy, were being pushed back. The regiment acted splendidly, but it was impossible 
for us to make any impression on the enemy's line. General Custer' s division on my 
right, and a portion of our brigade on my left, was giving way. The fire from the 
enemy was terrible. Lieutenants Ford and Metier, and many of the men, were 
wounded ; horses were dropping fast. I was forced to retire, which I did by moving 
the regiment to the right, in order to place them under cover of a rising pi£ce of 
ground. Major-General Crooke and others complimented the regiment highly for the 
gallant manner in which they conducted themselves. I then received orders from 
General Davies to form the regiment in its original place in line. I understood after- 
wards that the order given the regiment to charge was rather premature. Some two 
hours later, a simultaneous charge was made by the Sixth Corps and the cavalry. This 
was probably the grandest cavalry charge of the war. General Ewell, with nearly all 
his corps, was captured, besides a large number of cannon. In this charge I suffered 
the temporary loss of Captain Hughes, Company C, commanding the second battalion. 
He fell from his horse, wounded through the head. Captain Hughes is a brave officer, 
and I could illy spare him. In going to the rear he discovered two pieces of artillery, 
which the enemy, unable to move oft, had secreted in the woods ; he collected some 



478 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



dismounted men, and with a team of mules brought them off. First Lieutenants 
Johnson, commanding Company M, and Carty, commanding Company L, charged and 
captured two light field pieces from the enemy. Captain Craig, as usual, had his horse 
shot. We encamped on the battle-field that night. The casualties of the day were as 
follows : Captain William Hughes, Company C, wounded and prisoner ; First Lieu- 
tenant Thomas H. Ford, Company D, wounded ; Second Lieutenant James Metier, 
Company D, wounded ; seven enlisted men wounded and two missing. 

" The line of march was taken up early on the morning of the 7th, and the enemy 
pushed rapidly to Farmsville and across the Appomattox River; here they made a 
stand, and enticed the Second Brigade of our division into a beautifully-laid trap, 
which resulted in their complete rout. This brigade came back in great confusion, 
and but for the timely order of General Davies would have swept a portion of this 
regiment along with them. The General, seeing the state of affairs, directed me, 
through Captain Lebo, of his staff, to move rapidly to the left "of the road, and there 
form and check the enemy, which order was executed to his entire satisfaction. The 
action of my regiment upon this occasion gave great confidence to the troops in the 
rear who were following us in the line of march. The brigade was formed in line, 
and the enemy held by us until dark, when we were relieved by the infantry. Lieu- 
tenants Watts and Fay were wounded during the day. That night we marched to 
and encamped at Prospect Station, on the Lynchburg Railroad. Tbe list of casualties 
of this day were as follows : Second Lieutenant Charles Watts, Company A, wounded ; 
Second Lieutenant Laurence Fay, Company F, wounded ; and four prisoners. On the 
8th, we marched to Appomattox Depot, on the Lynchburg Railroad. The regiment 
was not engaged that day. Four trains of cars, loaded with supplies for Lee's army, 
were captured at the depot. On the morning of the 9th, our hearts were gladdened 
by the intelligence that the enemy was now headed off, we being in possession of the 
road on which Lee was retreating, and that if we could hold this road until our infan- 
try came Lee and his army could not possibly escape. The bright smiling faces which 
could be seen in the regiment told plainly that for their share of the work we could 
depend upon them. General Davies was covering a road on the right of Lee's army. 
The remainder of our division was fighting on our right. The General learning that 
the enemy was driving them, ordered me through his very efficient Aid de Camp, 
Lieutenant Robert Henry, Company A, of this regiment, to find and engage the 
enemy's flank, favoring as much as possible the brigades of Gregg and Smith, 
who were being so vigorously pushed. 

"Captain Craig, who had the advance in this movement, reported a rebel cavalry 
brigade moving towards us in an oblique direction, and apparently coming from General 
Davies' front, and with intentions of cutting us off. I immediately sent Captain Beek- 
man, with the remainder of his battalion, Companies G and I, to strengthen Craig and 
throw out a strong skirmish line ; at the same time Captain Hick, commanding third 
battalion, was directed to move to the left and rear and remain there as a support. 
Taking Captain Brown, with his battalion, I rnanoeuvered until I succeeded in getting 
between the enemy and the remainder of the brigade. Captain Beekman at the same 
time changed direction to the left, keeping his skirmishers between Bowen and the 
enemy. Hick was then brought down to Bowen' s position. The ever ready Henry, ol 
General Davies' staff coming down, I requested him to inform the General what I was 
doing and what was opposing me ; leaving it he sent the Twenty-fourth New York Cav- 
alry down to report to me, and orders to fall slowly back and connect my skirmish line 
with that of the infantry on my right and rear. Ail this was performed with the loss 
of one man killed, Lemuel O. Smith, private, Company I. 

" The infantry relieving us, we were ordered still further to the left, when we again en- 
gaged the enemy, and for the last time. Captain Beekman, with the first battalion, was 
seat out on the skirmish line ; au irregular and harmless firing was kept up for some time ; 
finally, the skirmish line of the brigade was ordered to charge the enemy supported by 
the regiments ; the enemy was quickly driven in confusion from their position. This suc- 
cessful charge had hardly terminated before orders were received for hostilities to cease. 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMEXT— (FIRST CAVALRY). 



479 



An order was immediately sent by a " fiag-of-truce," from General Crooke to the Command- 
ing General of the rebel forces in front of our lines, informing him that General's Grant 
and Lee were having an interview, and arranging the terms of surrender of the Army of 
Northern Virginia to General Grant. In this last engagement I cannot speak in too high 
terms of Captains Beekman and Cause. Beekman so manceuver"ed a portion of his com- 
mand, as to destroy the left of the enemy's skirmish line, by driving it "pell-mell" into 
the road for Cause to make his last charge, and a gallant one it was. Second Lieutenant 
Darnstaedt, of Company I, we claim to be the last officer wounded in the combined armies 
operating against Lee's forces. Our cavalry division was the last to receive orders for a 
cessation of hostilities. The last flag of truce sent out was through our brigade lines. 
Lieutenant Darnstaedt received a painful but not dangerous wound in the head after the 
truce passed our lines. Hostilities ceased and the terms of surrender were agreed upon. 
We bivouacked that night on the battle-field, and our hearts were made glad by the return 
of Captain Brooks from captivity. On the morning of the 10th, while we were encamped 
at Prospect Station, we had the pleasure of receiving back our captured comrades, First 
Lieutenants Joseph Killy and C. W. Camp. These officers, before the surrender, man- 
aged to make their guard prisoners and escaped with them into our lines. We arrived at 
Petersburg on the 18th day of April. In this eventful campaign the regiment in every 
engagement conducted itself with conspicuous gallantry. The conduct of the officers in 
every instance was such as to elicit the praise of every one. Adjutant James T. Clancy 
throughout the whole campaign rendered me most efficient service. His conduct in the 
action of April oth, called forth the commendation of Major General Crooke, and several 
of his staff officers. On this day, while gallantly charging with a detachment of the reg- 
iment, lie received a painful saber wound in the hand. He declined to leave the field m 
this and subsequent battles. Great credit is due to Captain Hughes for our final success 
in the afternoon of April 5th. On the 6th of April, First Lieutenant Thomas H. Ford 
received a wound in the left breast by a glancing shot, prohibiting the use of his bridal - 
arm, and the wearing of a saber belt, but he remained with and took an active part in all 
the battles of the regiment. 

" The following non-commissioned officers and privates received " medals of honor" from 
the Secretary of War for gallantry in the campaign. First Sergeant George W. Stew- 
art, Company E; Sergeant Aaron B. Tompkins, Company G; Sergeant David Southard, 
Company C ; Color-Sergeant Charles Wilson ; Sergeant William Porter, Company H ; 
Sergeant Charles Titus, Company H ; Sergeant John Wilson, Company L; Corporal Wil- 
liam B. Hooper, Company L ; and Private Christian Straela, Company I. 

"In these "medals of honor," the soldier received a token which is of more value than 
any which could be given him ; they stamp the recipient a brave and faithful soldier, a 
name to be honored and revered. 

" Sergeant-Major William T. Allen and Sergeant Samuel Walton, Company A; Charles 
Krouselmire and John Teirney, Company B ; Sergeants William R. Bronson, C. Marshall 
and Chester Merith, of Company C; Sergeant John H. Warren, Company D ; Sergeant 
John Shields, William Russell and John Foggerty, Company E ; Sergeants Michael Wil- 
liams and Edward F. Wenner, Company G; Sergeants John Brockfank and William 
Hudson, Company H ; Corporal Phillips Klespies, Company H ; Sergeants G. W. McPeek, 
Aaron H. White, William H. Powell and William Booth ; Corporals Joseph Marsh and 
Francis Brown, Company K; Sergeant William Stout, Corporals John McKinney and 
James Brady, Company L ; Sergeants John Davis, James S. Fallman and Corporal Wil- 
liam B. Euston, Company M, are ail worthy of mention. They are well known in the 
regiment for their good conduct in this memorable campaign. We remained in camp 
near Petersburg until the morning of the 24th of April, when, in connection with the 
cavalry corps we took up a line of march to Danville, Virginia, to operate against the 
rebel General Johnson's army. After a march of five days, we reached Boston Bridge 
Station, on the Richmond aud Danville Railroad, when we learned that Johnson had 
surrendered his army to General Sherman. We encamped there for the night, and on the 
following morning commenced our return march for Petersburg, arriving there on the 3d 
day of May. The regiment was not engaged during this march. In this, as well as in 



480 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



the previous campaign, we are'indebted to Lieutenant Robert Henry, Company A of this 
regiment, and Aid-de-Camp to Brevet-Major-General Davies, for many good services 
he rendered the regiment. In all engagements of the regiment, when possible, he was 
sure to be with us, and with his courage and zeal won the admiration of both officers and 
men. On the moruing of May 10th, we broke camp and commenced our march for Alex- 
andria, via Richmond and the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. We arrived at Alexan- 
dria on the morning of the 16th of May. On the 21st we marched to Bladensburg, Mary- 
land. On the 22d, we had the pleasure of receiving our State Colors. On the 23d, we 
took part in the Grand Review. The regiment was complimented by many for the neat 
uniform dress aand soldierly appearance of its officers and meD, and its precision in 
march. 

"Walter R. Robbixs, Major Commanding Regiment." 

The campaigns of the First New Jersey Cavalry were ended, and 
in due time, quitting Washington, it proceeded to Trenton, where it 
was finally dissolved. Among all the cavalry regiments of the 
service, none acquired a wider celebrity than this, and in the story 
of the Nation's struggle, as it may be told in coming years, its 
deeds must be ever conspicuous and memorable. In its ranks 
fought some of the bravest and noblest soldiers of the war ; men 
whom no danger appalled, no suffering disheartened, no injustice 
or neglect swerved from the faithful performance of duty ; and 
their deeds, living after them, shall be a more precious heritage to 
coming generations than lands covered with harvests or gold piled 
to the skies. 

The following shows the officers of the regiment during the 
whole period of its service : 

COLONELS. 

Percy Wyndham, February 19, 1862; mustered out July 5, 1864. 

John W. Kester, July 6, 1864; mustered out expiration of service, September 26, 1864. 
Hugh H. Janeway, October 11, 1864. 

LIEUTENANT-COLONELS. 
Joseph Karge, February 19, 1862 ; resigned December 22, 1S62. 
Virgil Broderick, February 10, 1863; killed in action. 
John W. Kester, September 21, 1863 ; promoted Colonel July 6, 186L 
Hugh H. Janeway, July 6, 1864; promoted Colonel October 11, 1S64. 
Myron H. Beaumont, November 1 , 1864. 

MAJORS. 

Myron H. Beaumont, February 19, 1862; promoted Lieutenant-Colonel November 1, 
1864. 

Ivins D. Jones, February 19, 1862 ; resigned November 22, 1862. 

Alexander M. Cummings, February 20, 1862 ; resigned July 30, 1862. 

Virgil Broderick, September 28, 1862 ; promoted Lieutenant-Colonel February 10, 1863* 

Hugh H. Janeway, January 27, 1S63 ; promoted Lieutenant-Colonel July 6, 1S64. 

John Shelmire, February 10, 1863 ; died of wounds. 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 



481 



MAJORS— (Continued. ) 
John H. Lucas, August 12, 1863 ; killed at the Battle of Sulphur Springs, October 
12, 1863. 

Henry W. Sawyer, October 12, 1863. 
Robert N. Boyd, July 6, 1864; not mustered. 
James H. Hart, November 1, 1864. 
Waiter R. Robbins, November 1, 1S64. 

ADJUTANTS. 

Myer J. Asch, February 19, 1862 ; promoted Captain of Company H, March 24, 1862. 

Marcus L. W. Kitchen, October S, 1862; promoted Captain of Company A, Second New 
Jersey Cavalry, July 16, 1863. 

Charles H. McKinstry, October 28, 1863 ; mustered out at expiration of service, Sep- 
tember 26, 1864, 

James F. Clancy, December 24, 1S64. 

QUARTERMASTERS. 
Allen Dale, February 19, 1862; resigned August 17, 1862. 
Edwin R. Blaker, October 8, 1862; resigned December 31, 1S62. 
Algernon Walton, (Commissary,) October 8, 1S62; died September 14, 1SC3. 
W. W. James, April 1, 1863. 

Aaron P. Ivors, (Commissary,) September 26, 1S63 ; mustered out at expiration of 
service, September 26, 1864. 
Charles W. Camp, (Commissary,) October 17, 1864. 

SURGEONS. 

W. U. L. Phillips, February 19, 1S62 ; mustered out at expiration of service, Septem- 
ber 20, 1864. 
William S. Willes, February 10, 1S65. 

ASSISTANT-SURGEONS. 
Ferdinand V. Dayton, February 19, 1862; promoted Surgeon of the Second New 
Jersey Cavalry July 12, 1863. 
John W. Blackfan, March 16, 1S63 ; resigned December 10, 1863. 
Samuel Powell, October 2, 1863 ; died August 8, 1864. 
William S. Willes, April 4, 1864; promoted Surgeon February 10, 1865. 
Samuel Jones, September 23, 1864. 

CHAPLAIN. 

Henry R. Pyne, February 19, 1862 ; mustered out at expiration of service September 20, 
1864. 

CAPTAINS. 

COMPANY A. 

John Shelmire, Februar} T 19, 1862 ; promoted Major February 10, 1S63. 
James H. Hart, October S, 1S62 ; promoted Major November 1,1864. 
Samuel Craig, November 1, 1864. 

COMPANY B. 

Richard C. Lewis, February 19, 1862; resigned May 1, 1862. 
Horace W. Bristoe, May 3, 1862 ; resigned December 2, 1S63. 
Francis B. Allibone, December 8, 1863. 

COMPANY c. 

John L. Tash, February 19, 1S62; resigned August 2, 1862. 
William W. Gray, August 14, 1S62 ; resigned May 3, 1S64. 

William Wynkoop, June 13, 1S64; mustered out at expiration of service September 26, 
1864. 

William Hughes, September 23, 1864. 

61 



482 



new Jersey and the rebellion. 



CAPTAINS— (Continued. ) 

COMPANY D. 

Robert N. Boyd, February 19, 1862; mustered out at expiration of service September 
20, 1864. 

Jeremiah P. Brower, December 20, 1864. 

COMPANY E. 

John W. Kester, February 19, 1862; promoted Lieutenant-Colonel September 21, 1863. 
William Harper, October 3, 1863. 

COMPANY F. 

John H. Lucas, February 19, 1862; promoted Major August 12, 1863. 
P. Penn Gaskell, October 23, 1863 ; resigned February 3, 1864. 
John Hobensack, March 29, 1864. 

COMPANY G. 

Henry E. Clark, February 19, 1862; resigned March 1,1863. 

Walter R. Robbins, March 1, 1863 ; promoted Major November 1, 1864. 

Robert B. Cause, November 1, 1864. 

COMPANY H. 

William E. Morford, February 19, 1862; resigned March 24, 1862. 
Myer J. Asch, March 24, 1862. 

company I. 

Benjamin W. Jones, February 19, 1862 ; resigned October 3, 1862. 

P. Jones Yorke, October 3, 1862; promoted Major of the Second New Jersey Cavalry 
August 27, 1863. 

Garret V. Beekman, September 23, 1863. 

COMPANY K. 

Virgil Broderick, February 19, 1862 ; promoted Major August 28, 1862. 
Henry W. Sawyer, October 8, 1862 ; promoted Major October 12, 1863. 
Joseph Brooks, March 29, 1864 ; mustered out at expiration of service September 27, 
1864. 

COMPANY L. 

Hugh H. Janeway, February 19, 1862 ; promoted Major January 27, 1863. 

William H. Hick, April 1, 1S63 ; mustered out at expiration of service October 7, 1864. 

COMPANY M. 

Thomas R. Haines, February 19, 1862; killed in action June 6, 1862. 
Jacob R. Sackett, June 14, 1862 ; resigned September 21, 1862. 
James H. Hart, October 8. 1862 ; transferred to Company A, February 24, 1863. 
Moses M. Malsbury, February 24, 1863 ; died of wounds received at Hawes' Shop, June 
14,1864. _ 

John Kinsley, July 19, 1864; mustered out at expiration of service September 27,1864. 
George A. Bowne, November 1, 1864. 

FIRST LIEUTENANTS. 

COMPANY A. 

Jacob R. Sackett, February 19, 1862 ; promoted Captain of Company M, June 14, 1862. 
John Hobensack, October 21, 1862 ; transferred to Company E, February 24, 1863. 
William Wynkoop, October 21, 1S62; promoted Captain of Company C, June 13, 1S64. 
George A. Bowne, July 19, 1864; promoted Captain of Company M, November 1, 1864. 
Gilbert J. Johnson, November 1, 1864. 

COMPANY B. 

Allen Dale, February 19, 1862 ; resigned August 17, 1862. 
Harry Jones, February 19, 1862 ; dismissed. 
Richard Hamilton, January 3, 1863. 

COMPANY C. 

William W. Gray, February 19. 1862 ; promoted Captain of Company C, August 14, 1862. 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT— (PIEST CAVALRY). 



483 



FIRST LIEUTENANTS— (Continued.) 
"William Harper, May 4, 1862 ; promoted Captain of Company E, October S, 1863. 
Samuel C. Lame, January 7, 1864; mustered out at expiration of service October 7, 18C4 
Jeremiah P. Brower, November 1, 1864; promoted Captain of Company D, December 
20, 1864. 

COMPANY D. 

John Worsley, February 19, 1862 ; resigned April 7, 1862. 

Henry W. Sawyer, April 7, 1862 : promoted Captain of Company K, October 8, 1862. 
J. Penn Gaskell, October 8, 1862 ; promoted Captain of Company F, October 23, 1863. 
Edward H. Parry, January 7, 1864; mustered out at expiration of service October 5, 
1864. 

Thomas H. Ford, November 1, 186-1. 

COMPANY E. 

Harry Jones, February 19, 1862; transferred to Company M. 

Edwin R. Blaker, May 4, 1862 ; appointed Quartermaster October 8, 1862. 

William Wynkoop, October 21, 1862 ; transferred to Company A, February 24, 1S63. 

John Hobensack, October 21, 1862; promoted Captain of Company F, March 29, 1864. 

Robert B. Cause, March 29, 1864; promoted Captain of Company G, November 1, 1864. 

Edward Caskill, November 1, 1864. 

COMPANY P. 

Moses W. Maulsbury, February 19, 1862; promoted Captain of Company M, February 
24, 1863. 

John Kinsley, February 24, 1863; promoted Captain of Company M, July 19, 1864. 
William M. Shaw, July 19, 1864. 

COMPANY G. 

Walter R. Bobbins, April 20, 1862; promoted Captain March 1, 1863. 
Cortland Inglin, January 7, 1864. 

COMPANY H. 

William T. Inman, February 19, 1862 ; resigned April 14, 1862. 
James H. Hart, May 3, 1882 ; promoted Captain of Company M, October 8, 1862. 
Joseph Brooks, Octobers, 1862; promoted Captain of Company K, March 29, 1864. 
Samuel Craig, March 29, 1864; promoted Captaiu of Company A, November 1, 1864. 
Joseph Killy, November 1, 1864. 

COMPANY I. 

William W. Wurts, April 20, 1862 ; resigned May 28, 1863. 

Edward E. Jamison, June 12, 1863; killed at the Battle of Mountain Run, November 
27, 1863. 

Birdsall Cornell, January 7, 1864; mustered out at expiration of service September 26, 
1864. 

Frederick Schael, November 1, 1864. 

COMPANY K. 

C. B. Young, May 1, 1862; resigned May, 1862. 

William H. Hick, May 11, 1862; promoted Captain of Company L, April 1, 1863. 
William Hughes, January 7, 1864 ; promoted Captain of Company C, September 23, 1864. 
Daniel Mclntyre, November 1, 1864; not mustered. 

COMPANY L. 

Francis B. Allibone, March 25, 1862 ; promoted Captain of Company B, December 8, 1863. 
Voorhees Dye, January 7, 1864 ; killed at the Battle of Hawes' Shop May 28, 1864. 
Theodore Michenor, July 19, 1S64 ; not mustered. 
James Dalziel, December 20, 1864. 

COMPANY M. 

Horace W. Bristoe, February 19, 1862; promoted Captain of Company B, May 3, 1862. 
Harry Jones, February 19, 1862 ; transferred to Company B. 

Garret Y. Beekman, October 21, 1862; promoted Captain of Company I, September 23, 
1863. 



484: 



NEW JEESEY AND THE EEBELLION. 



FIEST LIEUTENANTS— (Continued.) 

Thomas Cox, January 7, 1864; discharged October 7, 1864. 
Carl Carty, December 20, 1864. 

SECOND LIEUTENANTS. 

COMPANY A. 

James H. Hart, February 19, 1862 ; promoted First Lieutenant of Compauy H, May 
3, 1862. 

William Wvnkoop, May 3, 1S62; promoted First Lieutenant of Company E, October 
21, 1862. 

Edward H. Parry, October 21, 1862 ; promoted First Lieutenant of Company D, Janu- 
ary 7, 1864. 

Theodore Michenor, January 7, 1864; discharged November 2, 1864. 
Eobert Henry, July 29, 1864. 

COMPANY B. 

Joseph Harris, February 19, 1862 ; deserted June 23, 1862. 

John Hobensack, June 23, 1862; promoted First Lieutenant of Company A, October 
21, 1862. 

Voorhees Dye, February 24, 1863; promoted First Lieutenant of Company L, Janu- 
ary 7, 1864. 

George A. Bowne, February 28, 1864 ; promoted First Lieutenant of Company A, 
July 19, 1864. 
Eobert Tuthill, July 19, 1864; not mustered. 

James Dalziel, September 23, 1864; promoted First Lieutenant of Company L, De- 
cember 20, 1864. 
John Williams, December 20, 1864. 

COMPANY C. 

William Harper, February 19, 1862 ; promoted First Lieutenant May 4, 1862. 
John H. Morris, May 4, 1862; resigned December 25, 1862. 
Isaac Eogers, February 24, 1863 ; resigned July 8, 1864. 
James M. Straddling, July 19, 1864 ; declined. 

Gilbert J. Johnson, September 23, 1864 ; promoted First Lieutenant of Company A, 
November 1, 1864. 
Louis Fohs, November 1, 1864. 

COMPANY D. 

Henry W. Sawyer, February 19, 1862 ; promoted First Lieutenant April 7, 1862. 
J. Penn Gaskell, April 7, 1862 ; promoted First Lieutenant October 8, 1862. 
Edward E. Jamison, October 8, 1862 ; promoted First Lieutenant of Company I, 
June 12, 1863. 

Samuel Craig, August 12, 1863; transferred to Company L, February 28, 1864. 
Thomas H. Ford, February 28, 1864 ; promoted First Lieutenant November 1, 1864. 
James Mettler, November 1, 1864. 

COMPANY E. 

Francis B. Allibone, February 19, 1862; promoted First Lieutenant Company L, 
March 25, 1862. 

Alexander Stewart, May 4, 1862; resigned December 10, 1862. .7; 
Samuel C. Lame, December 20, 1862 ; promoted Lieutenant-Colonel January 7, 186L 
Daniel Mclntyre, February 28, 1864; discharged December 6, 1864. 
Charles Watts, November 1, 1864. 

COMPANY F. 

Aaron S. Bobbins, February 19, 1862 ; resigned April 17, 1862. 
Jacob H. Hoffman, July 23, 1862 ; dismissed January 5, 1863. 

Cortland Inglin, February 24, 1863; promoted First Lieutenant of Company G, Jan- 
uary 7, 1864. 

William M. Shaw, February 28, 1864; promoted First Lieutenant July 19, 1864. 



THE SIXTEENTH REGIMENT — (FIRST CAVALRY). 485 



SECOND LIEUTENANTS— (Continued.) 
Aslier Wardell, July 19, 1864 ; not mustered. 

James F. Clancy, September 23, 1864; promoted Adjutant December 20, 1864. 
Lawrence Fay, December 20, 1864. 

COMPANY. G. 

Gerald Weston, April 30, 1862; resigned May 20, 1862. 
S. Richards Colwell, November 1, 1862 ; resigned April 2, 1863. 
Robert B. Cause, August 17, 1863; promoted First Lieutenant of Company E, March 
29, 1864. 

Alexander F. Stewart, March 29, 1864; died June 5, 1864, of wounds received at 
Hawes' Shop. 

Edward Gaskill, July 19, 1864; promoted First Lieutenant of Company E, Novem- 
ber 1, 1864. 

Joseph R. Reed, November 1, 1864; killed in action near Belfield Station, Virginia, 
December 10, 1864. 
William Wilson, January 30, 1865. 

COMPANY H. 

Henry Stull, April 5, 1862; resigned September 18, 1862. 

John Kinsley, October 21, 1862 ; promoted First Lieutenant of Company F, February 
24, 1863. 

Hyde Crocker, February 24, 1863. 

COMPANY I. 

Edwin R. Blaker, February 19, 18G2; promoted First Lieutenant of Company E, May 
4, 1861 

Cornelius VanReypen, May 4, 1862; resigned August 17, 1862. 

Birdsall Cornell, August 8, 1862 ; promoted First Lieutenant January 7, 1864. 

John W. Bellis, February 28, 1864 ; killed at the, battle of Hawes' Shop, May 28, 1864. 

Frederick Schall, July 19, 1864 ; promoted First Lieutenant November 1, 1864. 

Richard Damstradt, November 1, 1864. 

COMPANY K. 

William M. Hazen, February 19, 1862; resigned October 9, 1862. 
William Hughes, October 21, 1862 ; promoted First Lieutenant January 7, 1864. 
Joseph Kelly, February 28, 1864 ; promoted First Lieutenant of Company H, Novem- 
ber 1, 1864. 
Henry Werner, November 1, 1864. 

COMPANY L. 

Garret V. Beekman, February 19, 1862; promoted First Lieutenant of Company M, 
October 21, 1862. 

Charles H. McKinstry, November 29, 1862; promoted Adjutant October 28, 1863. 
Samuel Craig, August 12, 1863 ; promoted First Lieutenant of Company H, March 
29, 1864. 

A. L. McKinney, March 29, 1864 ; not mustered. 

Carl Carty, September 23, 1864; promoted First Lieutenant of Company M, Decem- 
ber 20, 1864. 

COMPANY M. 

Alanson Austin, February 19, 1862; killed in action August 9, 1862. 
Thomas Cox, October 21, 1862 ; promoted First Lieutenant January 7, 1864. 
Jeremiah Brower, February 28, 1864; promoted First Lieutenant of Company C, 
November 1, 1864. 
Samuel Wood, November 1, 1864. 



CHAPTER XV. 



THE TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 

On the 4th of August, 1862, President Lincoln ordered that a 
draft of three hundred thousand militia be immediately called into 
the service of the United States, to serve for nine months, unless 
sooner discharged. A few days subsequently, the quota of New 
Jersey was designated as ten thousand four hundred and seventy- 
eight, and the regulations for the draft were announced, providing 
that an enrollment be immediately made of all able-bodied* male 
citizens between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, and that 
the drawing be made on the 3d of September. The State authori- 
ties at once took the necessary steps to meet the requirements of 
this order, but a general desire being manifested by the people of 
the State to fill the quota by voluntary enlistment, it was an- 
nounced that volunteers in lieu of drafted men would be received 
up to the 1st of September, but that the draft would positively 
take place at the time appointed in any township which should not 
by that time have furnished the full number of men required. 
The result of this policy, and of the general disposition to escape 
the stigma of a draft, was gratifying in the extreme. Everywhere 
throughout the State, the utmost enthusiasm and energy were ex- 
hibited, not only by those liable to the conscription, but by citizens 
of all ages and classes. For several days previous to that fixed 
for the draft, men poured into camp by thousands, and by the eve- 
ning of the 2d of September, the five camps 1 contained ten thou- 

i The camps of rendezvous were established as follows : Rendezvous No. 1, at 
Trenton, Brigadier-General N. N. Halsted, Commandant; Rendezvous No. 2, at Beverly, 
Brigadier-General George M. Robeson, Commandant; Rendezvous No. 3, at Freehold, 
Brigadier-General Charles Haight, Commandant ; Rendezvous No. 4, at Newark, 
Brigadier-General Cornelius Van Vorst, Commandant; Rendezvous No. 5, at Flem- 
ington, Brigadier-General Alexander E. Donaldson, Commandant. 



THE TWENTY FIRST REGIMENT. 



487 



sand eight hundred volunteers. 2 On the morning of the 3d, the 
State authorities had the satisfaction of announcing to the Adju- 
tant-General of the United States that the quota of New Jersey 
was in camp, without a single drafted man. 3 As rapidly as possi- 
ble, after being received in camp, the men were organized into 
companies and regiments, clothed, uniformed, equipped and placed 
under instruction, and by the 10th of October all had left for the 
field. The numerical strength of the regiments, which were 
numbered from Twenty-first to Thirty-first inclusive, the date of 
muster, and the date of departure from the State, were as follows : 

Twenty-first Regiment— Colonel, Gillian Vao Houten. Mustered September 15, 1S62 
Officers, 38 ; enlisted men, 92S. Total, 966. Left the State September 24th. 

Twenty-second Regiment — Colonel, Cornelius Fornet. Mustered September 22, 1862 
Officers, 38 ; enlisted men, 899. Total, 937. Left the State September 29th. 

Twenty-third Regiment — Colonel, John S. Cox. Mustered September 13, 1862. Offi- 
cers, 39 ; enlisted men, 955. Total, 994. Left the State September 26th. 

Twcnty-fourtJi Regiment — Colonel, William B. Robertson. Mustered September 16, 
862. Officers, 39 ; enlisted men, 9-16. Total, 985. Lett the State September 29th. 

Twenty-fifth Regiment — Colonel, Andrew Derrom. Mustered September 29, 1862. 
Officers, 3S ; enlisted men, 946. Total, 9S4. Left the State October 10th. 

Twenty-sixth Regiment— Colonel, Andrew J. Morrison. Mustered September 18, 1862. 
Officers, 38 ; enlisted men, 920. Total, 953. Left the State September 26th. 

Twenty-seventh Regiment — Colonel, George W. Mindil. Mustered September 19, 1862- 
Officers, 3S ; .enlisted men, 973. Total, 1014. Left the State October 10th. 

Twenty-eighth Regiment— Colonel, Moses ST. Wisewell. Mustered September 15, 1862. 
Officers, 39 ; enlisted men, 881. Total, 920. Left the State October 2d. 

Twenty-ninth Regiment— Colonel, Edwin F. Applegate. Mustered September 20, 1862. 
Officers, 39 ; enlisted men, 910. Total, 949. Left the State September 28th. 

Thirtieth Regiment— Colonel, Alexander E. Donaldson. Mustered September 17, 
1S62. Officers, 39 ; enlisted men, 967. Total, 1008. Left the State September 30th. 

Thirty-first Regiment— Colonel, Alexander P. Berthoud. Mustered September 17, 
1862. Officers, 39 ; enlisted men, 962. Total, 1001. Left the State September 26th. 

It is the story of the services of these regiments, extending over 
the darkest period of the war, which we commence to recite. 

The Twenty -first Eegiment, as we have seen, was organized at 
Trenton, in August, 1862, and was composed of eight companies, 
(A, B, C, D, F, Gk I and K,) from Hudson County, and two, (E 
and H,) from Mercer County. The following were the names of 

2 This number was subsequently reduced, by medical examination, to ten thousand 
seven hundred and fourteen, being two hundred and thirty-six more than the number 
called for. 

3 At this time, no other State had its quota in camp, so that here again New Jersey 
led all her sisters. 



488 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



the field and staff officers : Colonel, Gillian Van'Houten, of Hudson 
City ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Isaac H. Mettler, of Jersey City ; Major, 
Hiram Yan Buskirk, of Bayonne ; Surgeon, James McNeil, of 
Hudson City; Assistant-Surgeon, William Janney, of Mercer 
County ; Adjutant, Andrew Yan Buskirk, of Bayonne ; Quarter- 
master, William Harper, Hudson City/ The regiment being- 
organized, armed and equipped, all which was accomplished in 
about ten days, it was mustered into the United States service on 
the 15th of September, and the next day took its departure for 
Washington. A day or too after its arrival, it was ordered to 
Frederick City, Maryland, and thence to the battle-ground of 
Antietam, where it joined the Army of the Potomac. Immediately 
upon reaching headquarters it was attached to the Third Brigade, 
Second Division, Sixth Corps, with which it served during 
its entire term of enlistment, sharing the privations and hardships, 
and participating in all the engagements in which that famous 
corps took part during the nine months following. 

A few days after joining the army, the regiment marched with 
its corps to intercept the rebel cavalry, then making a " raid" into 
Maryland and Pennsylvania. After marching as far as Hagers- 
town, however, it was found that the rebels had escaped into 
Virginia, and the march was not continued further. Kemaining 
about two weeks at Hagerstown, the command was then suddenly 
ordered, at midnight, to march in the direction of Dam No. 5, on 
the Potomac, to oppose another expected advance of the rebels 



4 The following is the original list of compaDy officers of this regiment: 
Company A — Captain, George H. Farrier; First Lieutenant, Alfred H. Brown; Second 
Lieutenant, Henry E. Farrier. Company i?— Captain, Thomas C. Kendall; First Lieute- 
nant, Theodore Wandle ; Second Lieutenant, Francis H. Bookstaver. Company C— Cap- 
tain, James W. Lowe; First Lieutenant, William D 4 W. C. Jones; Second Lieutenant, 
William H. Devoise. Company D — Captain, Jeffry W. Collins ; First Lieutenant, William 
H; Smith; Second Lieutenant, Samuel Ramsey. Company E — Captain, Joseph S. Mount; 
First Lieutenant, John W; Bowers ; Second Lieutenant, John B. Van Neste. Company F 
— Captain, James W. Van Keuren ; First Lieutenant, John Daniel Probst ; Second Lieu- 
tenant, Charles Leo Abey. Company G — Captain, Frank Tyler ; First Lieutenant, John 
Shame ; Second Lieutenant, Michael Shaffle. Company if— Captain, Foster W. Vankirk ; 
First Lieutenant, Richard J. Richards ; Second Lieutenant, James M. Weart. Company 
i^Captain, John Vreeland ; First Lieutenant, John F. Holden ; Second Lieutenant, John 
H. Garrison. Company .ST— Captain, Edgar A. Finney; First Lieutenant, Noble Grig- 
lietti ; Second Lieutenant, William Alberts. 



THE TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 



489 



into Maryland. Beaching Dam No. 5, it was stationed to guard 
that ford, and extending its lines some two miles along the river, 
held the position until the army moved into Virginia, in pursuit of 
Lee. 

The army having moved, orders were received by Colonel Van 
Houten to call in his regiment from the ford and join his brigade 
on the Williamsport road. Accordingly, the regiment was mus- 
tered as soon as possible, and moved out towards its destination. 
It being late in the afternoon when the order was received, 
darkness set in before the regiment overtook the main column ; 
and after marching at a rapid rate until midnight, without finding 
any trace of the brigade, the men being so much exhausted that 
it was impossible to keep them together, the Colonel ordered it 
into camp for the night. Early the next morning it was again put 
in motion to join the brigade, and after marching about an hour 
the junction was effected. Immediately upon joining the brigade, 
the Colonel was placed under arrest by the brigade commander, 
General Yinton, for not coming up during the night. This unjust 
and uncalled for act was vehemently condemned by both officers 
and men of the regiment, and the Colonel promptly demanded an 
investigation of the matter by court-martial, but after being held 
under arrest for a few days, he was finally released and ordered to 
the command of his regiment. This was very unsatisfactory to 
the Colonel, as it gave him no opportunity to vindicate himself 
from the imputation upon his efficiency ; but he had no remed}^. 
This arbitrary act of General Yinton caused an antipathy to spring 
up between the General and the officers and men of the regiment, 
which lasted a long time, and led to the regiment being sent out 
upon picket two or three times a week while on the march through 
Yirginia to Aquia Creek. Finally, the attention of Brevet Major- 
General A. P. Howe, the division commander, was called to the 
injustice, when a stop was at once put to it, and thenceforward the 
regiment was only called upon to perform its proper share of picket - 
duty. With the exception of this, nothing of interest occurred 
until the army arrived before Fredericksburg, on the evening of 
December 10th. Here this regiment, with one or two others, was 
62 



490 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



placed under the command of Colonel Alexander Shaler, as the 
advanced guard of the left Grand Division (Franklin's) of the 
army, with orders to advance to the Rappahannock and cover the 
laying of the pontoons for crossing the river. After some severe 
skirmishing, the pontoons were laid, and during the afternoon of 
the 11th it crossed with the brigade, with which it advanced upon 
the enemy, driving him back until possession was gained of the 
Bowling Green road, where line of battle was formed and our 
batteries placed in position, the regiment being assigned as a 
support to Wier's (Maryland) Battery. This trying position it held 
from the afternoon of the 11th until the morning of the 15th, 
during the whole of the hard-fought and desperate engagements. 
On the night of the 15th, it re-crossed the river with the rest of the 
army, and was ordered to cover the removal of the pontoons, being 
the first to reach the river, and the last to leave in this engagement. 
Although the regiment was under a severe cross-fire of the enemy's 
artillery, it had but six or eight men wounded. 

After this battle, the regiment went into camp with the rest of 
the corps, near White Oak Church, Stafford County, Virginia, 
Early in January, five hundred men, with the requisite number of 
line officers, under the command of the Major, were ordered to 
report to the Chief Engineer of the army for special duty, namely, 
the construction of a corduroy road for an approach to the Rappa- 
hannock River, about six miles below Fredericksburg. This was 
a dangerous work, the position being about one mile and a half 
below the picket-lines of our army, and within a few } 7 ards of the 
enemy's lines. The work had to be done at night, the men com- 
mencing soon after dark and quitting before daylight, but by 
vigorous efforts it was completed in three nights, when the men 
returned to camp. This work was intended as a blind to the rebels, 
and a cover to the movement which was made by Burnside against 
their lines a few days afterwards, known as the " mud march," 
which was participated in by this regiment, the march being one 
of great fatigue and hardship, with barren results. After this, 
the regiment returned to its old camp, near White Oak Church, 
where it remained until spring, engaged in drilling and other 



THE TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 



491 



duties. In the latter part of April, 1863, when the army, then 
under the command of General Hooker, was put in motion, the 
Twenty-first moved with its corps (the Sixth) to the Eappahannock 
River, where a crossing was effected at Franklin's crossing. On 
the evening of the 2d of May, the corps moved forward to attack 
the rebels, and during that night this regiment was engaged, sup- 
porting the skirmish line in driving the enemy to his entrench- 
ments. At daylight of the 3d, the enemy having discovered our 
position, opened fire with musketry and artillery, whereupon the 
regiment was ordered forward as skirmishers. Four companies 
were at once deployed and moved out, supported by the remaining 
companies of the regiment, and steadily drove the enemy to a 
point designated by the Commanding General. At about eleven 
o'clock, a charge was ordered along the whole line, which resulted 
in the capture of the line of rebel redoubts, seventeen pieces of 
artillery, and a number of prisoners. In this charge, the regiment 
took part, behaving gallantly, and receiving the commendations of 
its Commanding General for its soldierly action. Immediately on 
getting possession of the Heights of Fredericksburg, the troops 
were moved forward in the direction of Chancellorsville, where the 
main body of the army was then engaged. After advancing about 
four miles,- the First Division of the Sixth Corps came upon the 
enemy posted in a thick pine wood. Our troops attacked them at 
once, but were repulsed with severe loss in killed and wounded. 
The Twenty-first Regiment then moved forward with its brigade to 
their support, and after some desultory fighting until dark, was 
placed in line of battle, facing Chancellorsville. At break of day, 
on the following morning, (the 4th,) the enemy was found to be 
advancing upon our flank, having already taken possession of the 
Heights captured by our troops the day before, and flanking our 
position. Orders were at once given to face the line of battle from 
front to rear, so as to check the advance of the enemy in that 
direction — this duty devolving on the Third Brigade, to which 
this regiment was attached. The latter was ordered to hold the 
plank road, up which the enemy was rapidly advancing; and 
taking a commanding position, by a steady and well-directed fire 



492 



NEW JEESEY AND THE KEBELLION. 



it checked his farther advance, until the whole brigade was brought 
into proper position. Soon after, however, the enemy commenced 
to concentrate in strong force in front of the position held by the 
brigade, it being the extreme left of the line of battle of the Sixth 
Corps, but the position was firmly held. Little fighting was done 
through the day, except between the skirmish lines, but about five 
o'clock in the afternoon, the rebels advanced in four columns upon 
our lines ; and now commenced the severest conflict in which this 
regiment was ever engaged. General Thomas H. Neil, the brigade 
commander, riding up to Colonel Van Houten, ordered him to 
advance his regiment to meet the charge. This was quickly done, 
under a heavy fire of musketry and artillery. Advancing about 
one hundred yards, the regiment was ordered to halt and open fire, 
which, being steady and well-directed, twice repulsed the enemy. 
About this time, however, the Twentieth New York Regiment, 
(known as Max Weber's Regiment,) on the right, broke in confusion 
and fled to the rear — the regiment on the left simultaneously falling 
back in order under the heavy fire of the rebels on their front — 
thus exposing both flanks of the Twenty-first to a cross-fire of the 
enemy, now advancing in augmented force upon its front. The 
position of the regiment at this time was critical. The bravest 
troops could not long withstand this terrible cross-fire. Colonel 
Van Houten fell mortally wounded, and the regiment was losing 
heavily in both officers and men, and, accordingly, General Neill 
ordered it to fall back, which it did, after having maintained its 
ground in the face of a murderous fire for about three-quarters of 
an hour. In falling back, the regiment became somewhat con- 
fused, but (the Lieutenant-Colonel, for some unaccountable reason, 
having left the field in the morning,) the Major, upon whom the 
command now devolved, with the assistance of the Adjutant and 
remaining line officers, soon rallied the men, and continued the 
fight in good order until darkness ended the conflict. During the 
night, it re-crossed the river with the rest of the corps at Banks" 
Ford, about six miles above Fredericksburg. In this engagement 
the regiment lost heavily, in both officers and men, killed, wounded 
and prisoners. Most of the wounded, among whom were Colonel 



THE TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 



493 



Yan Houten, Captain Kendal], Captain Schaffle, Lieutenant Schaffle, 
and several other officers, fell into the enemy's hands. Colonel 
Yan Houten was carried to the rear, a distance of about half a 
mile, to a barn, where he became utterly exhausted, and it was 
found impossible to remove him further. Sergeant-Major George 
W. Fielder, of Jersey City, was left to attend to his wants, but 
during the night the enemy occupied the ground, preventing his 
rescue. He died the next morning, and was buried by the 
Sergeant-Major, who, stating the circumstances of his capture to 
General Barksdale, the rebel commander, was at once released on 
parole. The body of the - Colonel was recovered in a few days, 
under flag of truce, and. sent home to Hudson County under a 
proper guard, commanded by First Lieutenant William D. W. C. 
Jones, of Company C, a brave and efficient officer, and a bosom 
friend of the deceased. Colonel Yan Houten's death was a severe 
blow to the regiment, by whom he was warmly esteemed as a brave 
soldier and skillful commander. 

During the engagement, the headquarters wagon of General 
Pratt, commanding the Light Brigade of the army, having been 
abandoned by his men, this regiment secured his effects, among 
which were all of his valuable papers. They also secured several 
mules laden with ammunition, which, but for their intervention, 
would have fallen into the hands of the rebels. The men lost 
nearly all their clothing and blankets, having unslung knapsacks 
on going into the fight, and not being able to recover them when 
retreating/ 

The next day after crossing the river, the regiment was ordered 
to relieve the Twentieth Maine Regiment, guarding the telegraph 
lines from United States Ford (where the main portion of the 

5 A few days after this fight, several of the field officers of the brigade were relating 
to the brigade commander (General Thomas H. Neill,) the manoenvers of their re- 
spective regiments during the engagement ; after hearing them, the General replied, 
"I have been through the Mexican and Indian Wars, and in all the battles of the 
Army of the Potomac up to the present time, but I never before experienced so heavy 
an infantry fire as that directed against the Twenty-first New Jersey Regiment during 
the assault of the rebels upon my lines. I have no fault to find with any regiment of 
my brigade, but if I had commanded four or five regiments equally as tenacious in 
holding their ground as the Twenty-first, the enemy would never have broken my 
lines." 



494 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



army crossed) to Falmouth. This order was received at night, 
and was at once obeyed. The night was very dark, the rain 
coming down in torrents and continuing to do so for several hours — 
the regiment marching through mud and water, half knee-deep, 
drenched to the skin, but successfully accomplishing the task. 
Soon after performing this duty, the regiment returned to its old 
camping-ground, near White Oak Church, where the next three 
weeks were spent in drilling and guard duties. 6 

About the first of June, General Hooker discovering that Gen- 
eral Lee was moving his forces north towards Washington, the 
Sixth Corps was ordered to make a demonstration against his rear. 
Accordingly, early on the morning of June 3d, the corps moved 
towards the Rappahannock Eiver, and on the morning of the 4th 
reached Franklin's crossing. Here the enemy was found posted 
in a strong position behind breastworks. Arriving near the cross- 
ing, the Twenty-first, now under the command of Major Yan 
Buskirk, was ordered forward as skirmishers, the order being 
promptly complied with, and the line advanced to the bank. It 
was found impossible, however, to dislodge the enemy from h is 

e The following is the report of the brigade commander in reference to this action : 

" Headquarters Third Brigade, Second Division, ) 
Sixth Army Corps, May 7, 1863. ) 

"1 have the honor to report, for the information of the General commanding the 
division, that on the night of May 2d, I led my brigade across the pontoon bridge at 
Mansfield, on the Eappahannock, about two and a half miles below Fredericksburg, and 
posted two regiments, the Forty-ninth and Thirty-third New York, as pickets in front 
of the enemy. At twelve o'clock, midnight, my brigade was ordered to march along 
the Bowling Green road towards Fredericksburg. Whilst waiting to get the road the 
enemy attacked the left of my picket-line, held by the Forty-ninth New York. The 
Forty-ninth repulsed them and held their ground. On the morning of the 3d, Sunday, 
at about ten o'clock, a. m., I was ordered to form three regiments as the advance of a 
column of assault against the heights on Mary's Hill, back of Fredericksburg. I led 
the Thirty-third New York, Twenty-first New Jersey and Seventh Maine, preceded by 
the Seventy-seventh New York, who were acting as skirmishers, under a heavy fire of 
shot and shell. Before reaching the batteries on the hill, against which we were di- 
rected, I found they had already been taken by our troops on our right, and I directed 
the attack against the batteries on the hills to our left, along the Richmond road. Wc 
took in succession four distinct detached earthworks of strong profile. We captured 
three pieces of artillery, two long brass guns and one short howitzer, and one stand of 
colors belonging to the Eighteenth Mississippi Regiment, after which we marched to 
assist in repelling an attack of the enemy along the Chancellorsville road. 

" On the morning of the 4th of May, the enemy attempted to turn our rear, when I 
led four regiments of my brigade back towards Fredericksburg and checked him. I 
must not omit to mention, that on the morning of the 4th instant, a brigade of rebels 



THE TWENTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 



495 



strong position without the use of artillery ; whereupon four bat- 
teries were posted in the rear of the regiment, and having opened 
fire, soon silenced the guns of the enemy. Under cover of this 
united fire of musketry and artillery a body of men was thrown 
across the river in boats and carried the enemy's works at the point 
of the bayonet, capturing about two hundred and fifty prisoners. 
In this skirmish the regiment lost one man killed— shot through 
the head by the enemy's sharpshooters while on the skirmish line. 
He was a member of Company A, of Jersey City, and universally 
beloved by the members of his company. 

This ended the fighting of the Twenty-first. Soon after this 
action the regiment was ordered home to Trenton, its term of ser- 
vice having expired. Eeaching Trenton about the 15th of June, 
it was reviewed by Governor Parker, and handsomely entertained 
at a public dinner given by the citizens and presided over by the 
Mayor. Soon after the regiment was mustered out of service and 
the men returned to their homes. Many of them subsequently 
re-enlisted in other regiments and served during the war. Some of 
the companies, upon their return to the localities in which they 
were raised, were handsomely received by the people. Company C 

advanced to take an earthwork near the plank road, which was there occupied by our 
troops, when two companies of the Forty-ninth New York and one company of the 
Seventh Maine, supported by the Forty-ninth New York, in conjunction with two 
pieces of Lieutenant Martin's Battery, entirely routed the whole brigade; and the 
three companies of infantry afore-mentioned captured two hundred prisoners, and the 
colors of a rebel regiment, the Fifty-eighth Virginia. 

"On the evening of the 4th of May, about five o'clock, p. m., the whole of Long^ 
streets' rebel corps came up the Richmond road as reinforcements, attacked my right 
and front, massing large numbers of his infantry in the ravines which were held by their 
troops. After losing about one thousand men, I was obliged to retire, my regiments 
being unable to cope with the overpowering numbers of the enemy, and fearful, lest 
the position I then held would be captured by the enemy piercing our lines in the 
rear, between us and Bank's Ford. In the assault the Twentieth Regiment New 
York Volunteers, broke and went to the rear — I could not rally them. The other 
regiments stood their ground nobly under a murderous fire, and by their stubborn 
resistance at that time, I believe the Sixth Corps was enabled eventually to re-cross the 
Rappahannock at Banks' Ford in the night. Colonel Van Houten, Twenty-first New 
Jersey, was wounded on the field of battle, and I regret to say has died— a prisoner in 
the hands of the enemy — from wounds received in battle. 

"I cannot close my report without making full and sincere acknowledgments to the 
brave officers and men of the various regiments of my command, who encountered the 
enemy at these different battles. The horses of both my aides and my own were shot; 

' ' With great respect, 

"Thomas EL Neill." 



496 



NEW <LERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



was given a public reception and dinner, and the Major of the 
regiment, and officers and men of the company were the recipients 
of handsome gold and silver medals at the hands of the inhabi- 
tants of the towns of Bergen, Greenville and Bayonne, from which 
towns the company was recruited. 



CHAPTER XYI. 



THE TWENTY-SECOND REGIMENT. 

The Twenty-second Regiment, composed almost exclusively of 
volunteers from the county of Bergen, was mustered into service 
at Trenton on the 22d of September, 1862, 1 and left for Washing- 
ton seven days later, arriving safely after some detentions, and 
going into camp on East Capitol Hill. Remaining here for a few 
days, it was then moved to a point about ten miles north of George- 
town, where it was employed in various duties, agreeable and other- 
wise, such as drills, labor upon the fortifications then in course of 
construction, and the like. About the last of November, after 
being brigaded with the Twenty-ninth, Thirtieth and Thirty-first 
New Jersey, and One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania 
Regiments, it proceeded by way of Port Tobacco to Liverpool 
Point, whence it crossed, on December 5th, to A quia Creek, the 
march being one of great difficulty, and taxing the endurance of 

1 The original roster of the regiment was as follows : 

Colonel, Cornelius Fornet ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Alexander Douglass ; Major, Abra- 
ham G. Demarest ; Adjutant, John F. Satterthwait ; Quartermaster, Ural B. Titus ; 
Surgeon, Jacob Quick ; Assistant-Surgeons, Samuel H. Jones, John E. Cary; Chap- 
lain, Abraham G. Ryerson. Company A — Captain, Robert M. Berry; First Lieutenant, 
Jacob Post; Second Lieutenant, Jacob Lozier. Company B — Captain, Abraham Van 
Emburgh ; First Lieutenant, Jacob Z. Van Blarcom ; Second Lieutenant, E. Z. Van 
Emburgh. Company C— Captain, Samuel D. Demarest ; First Lieutenant, William J. 
Demarest ; Second Lieutenant, Joseph P. Vreeland. Company J) — Captain, John C. 
Westervelt, First Lieutenant, Walter H. Rumfey; Second Lieutenant, Nicholas Colig- 
non. Company i£— Captain, William Chippendale; First Lieutenant, William Drew> 
Second Lieutenant, John Gilham. Company J 7 — Captain, James M. Ayres ; First 
Lieutenant, Joab Titus ; Second Lieutenant, George W. Cubberly. Company O — Cap- 
tain, John H. Margerum ; First Lieutenant, Richard H. Ivory ; Second Lieutenant, 
William C. Vandewater. Company H— Captain, Daniel D. Blauvelt ; First Lieutenant, 
George Kingsland, Jr. ; Second Lieutenant, Gilbert D. Bogert. Company 7— Captain' 
Thomas H. Swenarter ; First Lieutenant, Joseph A. Blauvelt ; Second Lieutenant,' 
David C. Blauvelt. Company K— Captain, Richard C. Dey; First Lieutenant, James 
Christie ; Second Lieutenant, Albert Forbush. 

63 



498 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



the men to the utmost — their sufferings being increased upon their 
arrival by a cold and pitiless storm, which continued two days. 
The weather finally clearing, the regiment was placed on provost- 
duty, assisting to guard the line of the Fredericksburg Eailroad, 
and at one time aiding in transferring the dead and wounded from 
the cars as they came in from the bloody field of Fredericksburg, 
where Burnside had sought in vain to drive the eneir^ from his 
position. Early in January, 1863, the regiment was ordered to 
report to the Third Brigade, First Division, First Arm}- Corps, 
and accordingly proceeded to Belle Plain, where it remained for 
some j me. While here, Lieutenant-Colonel Douglass, who had 
been Acting Colonel, 2 resigned, and Abraham Demarest, of Cres- 
kill, was appointed 'to the command, Abram Van Emburgh being 
appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, and Samuel Demarest Major. During 
the winter, the regiment participated in the " Mud March," but 
was not otherwise actively employed, except in preparations for 
the spring campaign. At length, on the 28th of April, marching 
orders, which had been for some time anticipated, were received, 
and the regiment broke camp, crossing the Rappahannock on the 
following day (with the division) on the extreme left of our lines, 
some five miles below Fredericksburg, and taking position in 
reserve. Here it remained, without bringing on a serious engage- 
ment, though exposed at times to a vigorous fire, until the 2d of 
May, when it re-crossed the river. During the withdrawal, the rebel 
fire was kept up with great intensitj^, and two or three men of the 
regiment were wounded. The men now generally supposed, as 
their term of service had expired, that they were to turn their faces 
homeward, but in this they were disapppointed, the command being- 
ordered to hurry to the relief of the army still engaged in desperate 
fighting about Chancellorsville. Marching with all possible expe- 
dition, the regiment reached the position to which it was ordered 
early on the morning of the 3d ; but though the fighting was still 
in progress, it was not again called into action. The army soon 
after withdrawing, the Twenty-second returned to its old position, 

2 Cornelius Fornet, who had been elected Colonel, did not go out with the regiment, 
and it was consequently for sometime without a Colonel, greatly to its detriment. 



THE TWENTY-SECOND REGIMENT. 



499 



whence, a few clays subsequently, it proceeded to Centreville, and 
was released from service. Continuing its march to Washington, 
it departed thence by rail for Trenton, arriving there on the 22d of 
June, and a few days later being finally disbanded, having been 
nine months in the service. While its losses from the casualties of 
battle had been few, it had suffered largely from sickness and dis- 
ease, some fifty deaths in all occurring while it was in the field. 
That it did not achieve greater distinction was the result of circum- 
stances with which it had nothing to do ; and if its record is brief, 
it is at least worthy a place in the history of New Jersey's part in 
the war for the Union. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



THE TWENTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 

The Twenty-third Regiment was raised in the summer and fall 
of 1862, and was mustered into the Federal service at Beverly on 
the 13th of September — Company A, from the city and township 
of Burlington, being the first to reach the rendezvous, on the 
25th of August — Company B of Bordentown mustering the same 
evening. 1 Leaving Beverly September 24th, the regiment pro- 
ceeded to Washington, going into camp on East Capitol Hill, but 
in a few days after moving to Frederick City, Maryland. Here it 

1 " Owing to the scarcity of mustering officers and the large number of troops ready 
to muster, we were detained at the rendezvous from the 1st, when we were ready, until 
the 13th day of September, when Captain Royal of the regular army made his appear- 
ance. Yet during the period of this detention for muster, to the honor of the organi- 
zation be it recorded, not one case of desertion marred its fair fame, and during the 
ten months the regiment remained in service but four cases of desertion are recorded 
against it ; these men it afterward appeared, were misled by the bad counsel of some 
men of older organizations in the brigade, and who accompanied them in their mad 
flight from duty. The whole party, undergoing incredible hardships and exposure, 
were finally captured and in punishment sent to the Dry Tortugas." — Notes of an officer. 

The following were the original officers of the Twenty-third Regiment : 
Colonel, John S. Cox ; Lieutenant-Colonel, George C. Brown ; Major, Alfred Thomp- 
son; Adjutant, William G. Winans; Surgeon, William Cook; Assistant-Surgeons, 
David G. Hetzel, Robert W. Elmer. Company A — Captain, Francis W. Milner ; First 
Lieutenant, Charles Sibley ; Second Lieutenant, Edward Rigg. Company i?— Captain, 
Francis H. Higgins ; First Lieutenant, Samuel E. Brannin ; Second Lieutenant, Lewis 
Ay res. Company C— Captain, Samuel Carr; First Lieutenant, Henry C. Risdon; 
Second Lieutenant, George W. Severs. Company B — Captain, Reading Newbold ; First 
Lieutenant, David R. Newbold; Second Lieutenant, Charles EL Mclntyre. Company 
J?— Captain, Augustus Grober; First Lieutenant, Isaac Shinn ; Second Lieutenant, 
Alfred C. Seeds. Company F— Captain, Samuel R. Smith ; First Lieutenant, James S. 
Budd; Second Lieutenant, Elwood H. Kirkbride. Company O — Captain, Joseph R. 
Ridgway; First Lieutenant, Jacob Perkins; Second Lieutenant, William H. Stokes. 
Company IT— Captain, Henry A. McCabe; First Lieutenant, David S. Root; Second 
Lieutenant, James Carter. Company I— Captain, John I. Burnett ; First Lieutenant, 
Robert M. Ekins ; Second Lieutenant, William Frazer. Company K— Captain, William 
J. Parmentier ; First Lieutenant, Leonard H. Ashley ; Second Lieutenant, Samuel W. 
Downs. 



THE TWENTY-THIKD REGIMENT. 



501 



remained until the 8th of October, when it started for Bakersville 
to join the First Jersey Brigade, with which it was ever after iden 

SKETCH OF THE OFFICERS. 

Colonel John S. Cox, mustered September 13, 1802, as Colonel of the regiment 
saw no actual service. He resigned October 31st, and was succeeded by Lieutenant- 
Colonel Henry 0. Kyerson, of the Second New Jersey, of whom a sketch is elsewhere 
given. Originally Captain of Company B, then Major and Lieutenant-Colonel of the 
Second Regiment, he was sent to command the Twenty-third on its arrival at Cramp- 
ton's Pass on the 31st of October, 1862, and commissioned its Colonel on the 12th of 
the month following. He commanded at the first battle of Fredericksburg, being under 
fire with the regiment exactly one month after the date of his commission. On account 
of the short time the Twenty-third had to serve, he applied for e nd received command 
of the Tenth New Jersey. 

The vacancy caused by the transfer of Colonel Ryerson was filled by E. Burd 
Grubb, originally Second Lieutenant of Company C, then first Lieutenant of Company 
D, Third New Jersey. He served, not without distinction on the staff of General 
Taylor, being in all the engagements in the Peninsular campaign in which that officer 
participated. He was sent to the Twenty-third as Major on the 24th of November, 
1862, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Major Thompson, and was pro- 
moted to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy on December 26, 1862, on the resignation of Colonel 
Brown. Colonel Grubb was the most popular officer of the regiment ; while being a 
strict disciplinarian, almost bordering in some particulars on the martinet, he still 
managed to so ingratiate himself in the affections of his command that duty soon be- 
came with all a work of love. In both the battles in which the regiment bore a not 
undistinguished part, he showed conspicuous courage, not asking his men to face any 
clangers he was unwilling to share. It was due to him that the right of the regiment* 
when thrown into confusion by the terrible fire to which it was subjected, was rallied 
and led into the thickest of the combat at Fredericksburg. At Chancellors ville, always 
at the head of his regiment, mounted until his horse was shot from under him, then on 
foot, still animating the men and leading them on — himself the furthest in the front 
and the last to leave the field— seeming to bear a charmed life, he moved from point to 
point, calm and cool, the men nerved to daring by his example, until farther exertion 
no longer availed. His influence on the men of his regiment was unbounded, as will 
be fully shown in the history of the incident at White Oak Church, Virginia, on the 
5th of June, 1863. After the return of the regiment, and their final muster-out, 
the men came flocking back to Beverly, on account of a rumor that Colonel Grubb was 
raising the Thirty-fourth Regiment. He was appointed in command of Post No. 2, 
Beverly, and afterwards raised the Thirty-seventh New Jersey, served with it before 
Petersburg, and was rewarded by the commission of "Brigadier-General by Brevet" 
for gallant conduct. 

The vacancies caused by the promotions of Colonel Grubb were successively filled 
by Captain F. W. Milner, of Company A, these promotions being made by virtue of 
seniority, Captain Milner being the ranking officer of the line. This officer was unfor- 
tunately sick in the hospital at Washington during the battle of Chancellorsville. 

The vacancy in the field caused by the promotion of Major Milner, was filled by the 
appointment of Captain William J. Parmentier, of Company K, who received his com- 
mission shortly thereafter. This officer was of a genial temperament, and when off 
duty a leader in all the hilarity with which the tedious hours of camp life were enliv- 
ened. He acted with great coolness under fire, and made a good reputation, especially 
at Chancellorsvill-;. His company was much exposed at Fredericksburg, and lost more 
heavily than any other in that action. 

On the 22d of November, 1862, Adjutant Winans tendered his resignation, and Lieu- 
tenant Jacob Perkins, of Company G, was selected to fill his place. He did not remain 
a great while in the service, and was succeeded by First Lieutenant Samuel W. Downs, 



502 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



tified. Eemaining at Bakersville until the 30th, the regiment 
marched with the brigade in the direction of Crampton's Pass. 

tlien of Company G — originally of Company K. This officer secured the good feeling 
of all the officers of the regiment by his unfailing courtesy aud good humor. He pos- 
sessed a good share of courage, and did not falter in his duty at Fredericksburg where 
his company was the most exposed. While at Chancellorsville he received honorable 
mention in dispatches for gallant conduct. He was afterwards a Captain in the Thirty- 
seventh — in which regiment he bore as good a reputation as he made in the Twenty- 
third. 

The Quartermaster, Abel H. Nichols, was a good officer, and afterwards served in 
the same capacity iu the Thirty-fourth New Jersey, with equal satisfaction to those 
with whom he came in contact. 

Surgeon William Cook resigned early iu October, 18G2, and sometime thereafter his 
place was filled by the selection of Doctor Luther C. Bowlby, Assistant-Surgeon of the 
Fourth New Jersey. This proved fortunate for the regiment, for though young he 
showed much medical and executive ability, and added thereto an industry iu the dis- 
charge of his duties seldom equalled by an army Surgeon. His assistants, Doctors 
Hetzel and Elmer, were both above the average of regimental medical staffs, and to 
this is doubtless attributable the fact that so few comparatively died— although sub- 
jected to very great exposure. Doctor Hetzel afterwards filled a similar position in 
the Thirty-fourth, where he gave general satisfaction to those who were unfortunate 
enough to need the exercise of his professional skill. 

In closing the reference of the field and staff, mention should be made of the Sergeant- 
Major, John S. McKee, This officer was the most genial spirit of the regiment, and a 
universal favorite. He was brave and fearless, and behaved well in the two engage- 
ments in which the regiment fought, after one of which he received a well-earned pro- 
motion as Second Lieutenant of Company C — afterwards being made the First Lieute- 
nant ot the same company. His promotion was followed by the appointment of 
Samuel Browne, Jr., as Sergeant-Major, who was also soon afterwards made Second 
Lieutenant of Company C. This officer behaved well at Chancellorsville, leading and 
rallying his company. 

After the promotion of Captain Milner, Lieutenant Paul R. Hambrick was selected 
to command Company A. He came from the same company of the First New Jersey, 
and was the best company clerk in either regiment. He led his men with courage at 
Chancellorsville, and was severely wounded in the onset by buck and ball in the abdo- 
men, from which he never fully recovered. He served afterwards iu the Veteran Re- 
serve Corps, and for some time was Provost Marshal of the District of Columbia. 

Captain Higgins, of Company B, resigned some time in December, 1862, and was suc- 
ceeded by Samuel E. Brannin, the First Lieutenant of the company. On his resigna- 
tion being accepted he was succeeded by Edward E. Kirkbride who succeeded Brannin 
as First Lieutenant — and who was selected to fill the vacancy in the Captaincy. 

Captain Samuel Carr being severely wounded in the foot at Fredericksburg, resigned 
on account of the disability, and was succeeded by George W. Severs, at first Second, 
and afterwards First Lieutenant of the company. 

Captain Reading Newbold, of Company D, was slightly wounded at Chancellorsville, 
but re-joined the regiment in time to be mustered out at Beverly. 

Captain Augustus Grobler, of Company E, resigned sometime in January 1862, and was 
succeeded by Harry A. Coursen, a good officer. Captain Coursen came from the Seventh 
New Jersey, in which regiment he was a First Lieutenant. Captain Grobler afterwards 
went out as Second Lieutenant of Company C, Thirty-fourth New Jersey, was ap- 
pointed First of Company H, and held several commands of Post-Quartermaster while 
present with his regiment in Alabama. 

Captain Samuel B. Smith was slightly wounded at Chancellorsville — re-joining the 
regiment at Beverly, New Jersey. 



THE TWENTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 



Here the Colonel (Cox,) was relieved from command, and Lieute- 
nant-Colonel H. 0. Kyerson, of the Second, was placed in charge 

Captain Joseph R. Ridgway was a brave and gallant officer, and lost his life at Fred- 
ericksburg December 13, 1863, just as his military life was commencing. He was 
wounded by a Minie ball which struck him above the temple, and probably killed him 
instantly. He was succeeded by Henry C. Risdon of Company C. 

Captain Henry A. McCabe resigned immediately after the battle of Fredericksburg. 
The vacancy caused by his resignation was finally filled by Forrester L. Taylor, who 
was originally a private of Company A, and was the only instance of so rapid promo- 
tion to be found in the history of the regiment. He was appointed Second Sergeant of 
his company September 13, 1862, First Sergeant November 19th, Second Lieutenant 
of Company G, for services at Fredericksburg, December 13th, First Lieutenant of 
Company D, February 14, 1863, and Captain of Company H, for services at Chancellors- 
ville — in which action he was mentioned in dispatcbes for gallant conduct, and has since 
been awarded the rank of Major, by brevet, United States Volunteers. This officer after- 
wards was appointed Adjutant on Colonel Grubb's Staff at Post No. 2, Beverly, in 
August 1863, and was mustered in as Captain of Company H, Thirty-fourth New Jer- 
sey Volunteers, serving in that organization until February, 1865. 

Captain Burnett of Company I, retained the command of his company until it was 
mustered out of the service. 

Captain Parmentier being promoted to the Majority was succeeded by Lieutenant L. 
H. Ashley, and the vacancy was filled by First Sergeant George TV. Arbuckle, who after, 
wards was commissioned in the Third Cavalry. 

First Lieutenant Charles Sibley of Company A — and who justly merited promotion 
to the Captaincy of his company upon the removal of Captain Milner to the field — was 
one of the most brave and gallant officers in the regiment. His coolness was well dis- 
played at Fredericksburg where he well earned the promotion denied him. His cool- 
ness and bravery were equally displayed at Chancellorsville where he laid his life on 
the altar of his country — the country he loved with his whole heart. He was originally 
a private of Company B, of the old Fourth (three months') Regiment. 

First Lieutenant David R. Newbold of Company D, was taken sick in camp at White 
Oak Church, Virginia, after the return of the regiment from Fredericksburg, and soon 
afterwards his death was reported, the vacancy being filled by Second Lieutenant Tay- 
lor, of Company G. 

First Lieutenant Isaac Shinn of Company D, resigned on account of disability, and 
was succeeded by Second Lieutenant Samuel L. Wright, of Company C. 

First Lieutenant James S. Budd, of Company F, though not a superior officer, was a 
brave and honorable man, who was always prepared to do his duty as he understood it. 
He behaved well at Fredericksburg, in which action he was severely wounded in the 
foot. He also behaved with distinguished bravery at Chancellorsville, in which action 
he lost his life, at the head of his men. He was greatly liked as a man, and was very 
quiet and unpretending in his manners. 

Second Lieutenant Edward Rigg, of Company A, was promoted to be First Lieute- 
nant of Company G in the latter part of November 1862, the vacancy in Company A 
being filled by the appointment of Howard H. Goldsmith, a private of Company B, 
Third New Jersey, then on duty as clerk at Brigade Headquarters. He did not join 
the regiment, but was appointed on the staff of General Torbert, and continued on 
duty at Brigade Headquarters. He was afterwards promoted to First Lieutenancy in 
the Tenth New Jersey, still filling the position of Staff Officer. 

On the resignation of Charles H. Mclntyre, Second Lieutenant of Company D, the 
vacancy was filled by the appointment of Sydney H. McCarter, a Sergeant of Company 
B, Second New Jersey. This young officer lost his life and gained an enviable reputa- 
tion for bravery and daring at Chancellorsville. He was killed while leading his com- 
pany, after his Captain had been wounded slightly and left the field. 



504: 



ETEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



of the regiment. While halting here, and during the week follow- 
ing, the regiment was weakened by sickness and other causes. 
Eesuming the march on November 1st, the command two days 
after crossed the Potomac, and pushing forward, on the 9th en- 
camped near 'New Baltimore, having during the march suffered 
greatly from exposure. Here the regiment remained for some time, 
and was for the most part quite comfortable. While here Major 
Thompson and Adjutant Winans left the regiment — Lieutenant 
Perkins, of Company Gr, being promoted to the place of the latter. 
General Burnside having assumed command of the army, the 
brigade on the 16th broke camp and proceeded to Catlett's Station, 
thence moving to Stafford Court House, where it remained a fort- 
night, drilling actively in preparation for the struggle which was 
felt to be imminent. While here, Lieutenant E. Burd Grubb 
was commissioned Major and joined the regiment, moving with it 
on the 3d of December in the direction of Falmouth. As the corn- 
Second Lieutenant Richard J. Wilson, of Company H, was appointed from Company 
B, Second New Jersey, in which regiment he had attracted the attention of his command- 
ing officer, then Lieutenant-Colonel Ryerson. He was a quiet, unostentatious, steady 
officer, and behaved with more than ordinary bravery at Chancellorsville, in which 
action he was wounded three times, twice before he attempted to leave the field. The third 
time he was struck, he had his leg broken just above the ankle, and was found by his 
comrades and carried off the field during the retreat. His company sustained heavier 
loss than any other in the regiment in this action. He received honorable mention in 
dispatches for gallant conduct, and though he never fully recovered from his wounds, 
afterwards served in the Veteran Reserve Corps. 

Second Lieutenant Edward L. Dobbins, of Company I, appointed from Quartermaster- 
Sergeant, and filled that position until the regiment was mustered out. He was appointed 
to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Second Lieutenant William Frazer. 

Promotions from the Enlisted Men. 

Private F. L. Taylor, of Company A, to be Major by brevet in United States Vo'ur.teers. 

Private Samuel Browne, Jr., of Company A, to be First Lieutenant. 

Sergeants George W. Arbuckle, of Company H, Edward L. Dobbins, of Comnany 1. 
William Holernan, of Company I, Benjamin R. Haines, of Company E, Charles H. 
Southwick, of Company B, Michael F. Smith, of Company B, William ft. Stckes, of 
Company G, to be Second Lieutenants. 

Sergeants John F. McKee, of Company A, Samuel L. Wright, of Company C, to 
be First Lieutenants. 

Promotions from other Regiments. 
Private H. H. Goldsmith, Company B, Third Regiment, to be Second Lieutenant. 
Corporal R. J. Wilson, Company B, Second Regiment, to be Second Lieutenant. 
Sergeant S. H. McCarter, Company B, Second Regiment, to be Second Lieutenant. 
Second Lieutenant E. Burd Grubb, Company C, Third Regiment, to be Colonel. 
Lieutenant H. A. Coursen, Company I, Seventh Regiment, to be Captain. 
First Lieutenant P. R. Hambrick, Company A, First Regiment, to be Captain. 
Captain Henry 0. Ryerson, Company B, Second Regiment, to be Colonel. 



THE TWENTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 



505 



mand approached, on the 10th, the banks of the Eappahannock, 
the booming of cannon announced the proximity of the enemy, 
and soon the order came to halt and prepare for action. It was 
not, however, until the morning of the 12th, that the regiment 
crossed the river below Fredericksburg, and, forming on the plain, 
in front of the enemy, moved forward to assail his position. Ad- 
vancing in good order, and bravely surmounting the obstacles in 
its way, the regiment, as it became exposed to the fire of the 
rebels, was ordered to seek shelter, but this could not easily be 
obtained, and accordingly, some two hours later, the position was 
changed, the men finally finding protection for the night in a deep 
ravine. 2 On the morning of the 13th, after climbing the sides of 
the protecting bluff, and re-forming on the open plain, the regi- 
ment was advanced with the brigade, taking position in a corn- 
field, where it remained until three o'clock in the afternoon, 
exposed to the fire of the enemy's batteries, but fortunately 
escaping loss. Towards evening, under orders of General Brooks, 
the regiment again changed position, with a view of supporting 
the line already in action, and the left wing soon became engaged. 
The battle at other parts of the field had now raged furiously for 
hours. General Bayard had fallen ; Colonel Hatch, of the Fourth 
Eegiment, had been killed ; the Fifteenth Kegiment had suffered 
heavy loss, and the wounded in large numbers drifted back from 
the field ; the Fourth and Fifteenth were being driven — the enemy 
pressing confidently forward. The six companies of the Twenty- 
third advancing, lost heavily at every step ; but still the right 
wing was inactive. Where were the officers ? Supine, listless, or 
worse, they left the men to huddle helplessly together, until Major 
(afterwards Colonel) Grubb, appearing upon the scene, rallied and 
led them forward to meet the enemy. The latter, however, was 

2 " Before the desired shelter was reached a piece of shell took effect in the arm of a 
member of Company A, inflicting a serious wound from which he never fully recov- 
ered. In this little affair we had an instance of the coolness of Colonel Ryerson. 
While seated on his horse a solid shot that had nearly spent its force, passed in a line 
with him, so close that his life was saved only by his throwing himself flat on his 
horse's neck, and fell with a dull thump in the bluff behind him. He reached down 
from his saddle without dismounting, recovered his cap, and then sat composedly in 
his saddle awaiting further orders."— Nates of an offi-cer. 

64 



506 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



prepared for the movement, and at once poured a withering fire 
into the ranks of the Jersey men. Presently, as the fight deepened 
in intensity and spirit, a battery moved up to the left of the line, 
and opening fire with grape, swept great gaps in the ranks, at first 
staggering, and then compelling the precipitate withdrawal of the 
regiment to the original line. The enemy still keeping up his 
cannonade, the command marched back in the dusk of the evening 
to its old position in the corn-field, where it remained until relieved 
on the following day. The total loss of the regiment, in this 
engagement, was three officers and fifty-seven men killed and 
wounded. Among the killed was Captain Joseph R. Ridgway, of 
Company Gr, and among the wounded Captain Samuel Carr, of 
Company C, and Lieutenant James S. Budd, of Company F. The 
regiment was highly commended for its steadiness in action, and 
the elan with which it advanced, under a heavy fire, to the position 
assigned it. In fact, it gave proof in this engagement that its 
materiel was as good as that of any of the regiments with which 
it was associated, and from that day forward the Twenty-third 
was admitted into the fullest confidence of the alread} T battle- 
beaten men of the First Brigade. Two promotions from the 
ranks date from this action, namely, Sergeant-Major John F. 
McKee to be Second Lieutenant of Company C, and First Sergeant 
Forrester L. Taylor, the junior First Sergeant of the regiment, to 
be Second Lieutenant of Company Gr. 

The regiment slept soundly on the field of battle, until relieved, 
as already stated, on the following morning, when the men were 
relieved in platoons, and fell back to the shelter of the bluff, where 
the line was re-formed and marched to the old place of bivouac. 
Here the command remained until the night of the 15th, when, 
with the brigade, it re-crossed the river, and on the 16th encamped 
out of reach of the rebel fire — on the 20th reaching White Oak 
Church, and going into winter-quarters. 

The winter passed without any event of interest, beyond a 
participation in the " Mud March." The hardships of this 
famous march occasioned the loss of a number of men in this, as 
in other regiments, and its effect in other respects was for a time 



THE TWENTY-THIRD EEGIMEXT. 



507 



most depressing. 3 But with, the accession of General Hooker 10 
the supreme command, and the introduction of needed reforms in 
the sanitary and commissary departments of the army, confidence 
was gradually restored, and with the dawn of spring, the Grand 
Army of the Potomac was again prepared, if not eager, for active 
operations. Hooker, no less eager to grapple with the foe, late in 
April ordered a forward movement, and the Twenty-third, with the 
rest of the brigade, at once moved out from its camp — on the 29th 
crossing the Eappahannock, 4 three miles below Fredericksburg, 
and taking position in the line of rifle-pits. Here it remained until 
the morning of the 3d of May, when, the remainder of the corps 
haying crossed, and Sedgwick being urged to advance to the relief 
of Hooker at Chancellorsville, the whole force advanced to the 
assault of the Heights held by the enemy. Moving up to the 
front, the men of the Twenty-third at first lay down on the ground, 
the artillery playing over their heads, but in a short time, led by 
the Colonel, moved by the left flank to the extreme left of the 
position, where they were stationed as a support to the Fifteenth 
Eegiment, which was ordered to deploy as skirmishers on the 
extreme front. Here, says one who participated in the engagement, 
the men at once became exposed to a shower of missiles, and all 

3 " This expedition that terminated so inglorionsly occasion ed us the loss of a great 
many men. Our scanty hospital accommodations were tried to the utmost, and num- 
bers of the sick were forwarded to Washington, while many of our dead were con- 
signed to the earth. So numerous became the deaths that cracker-boxes, our only 
lumber, could not be emptied fast enough to furnish the thin shells to enclose these 
poor wrecks of humanity. The severity of the weather added much to the sufferings 
of those forwarded to Washington, several of whom had the misfortune to have added 
frozen limbs to their already almost unbearable physical suffering. The awful state of 
the roads, I doubt not, jolted out the last nickering of life from the disease-stricken 
frame of many a poor fellow that careful nursing and comforts of a home would have 
saved from the stern clutches of death." — Notes of mi officer. 

* "Upon reaching our old crossing place and without waiting as before to establish 
bridges, the gallant One Hundred and Nineteenth Pennsylvania was thrown into 
boats, and under cover of Hexamer's Battery (those stern old Jersey guns, that were 
always ready to speak to the enemy,) made a landing in the face of a severe fire of the 
enemy, charged up the steep banks, captured all in the rifle-pits and made easy work 
for the rest of us. We were hastily crowded into boats and rowed across, debarking 
and forming into line; then climbing the precipitous bluff before us, we were again 
face to face with the enemy. Here we lay for several days, each army watching the 
other with unceasing vigilance ; but with the exception of the frequent crack of the 
rifle on the skirmish line and the occasional whistle of a shell from some anxious bat- 
tery on the Heights beyond, all was quiet."— Notes of n officer. 



508 



NEW JEESEY AND THE KEBELLION. 



the horrors of desperate battle were revealed to view. Soon the 
terrible fire of the enemy began to take effect in the ranks — 
Captain Severs, of Company C, being badly wounded, and a 
number of the men more or less seriously injured. On the right, 
the storming party was seen steadily advancing up the Heights ; 
and soon, breaking into a run, the whole line swept over the 
works, and turning the guns upon the flying rebels, commanded 
Fredericksburg and the Heights. The enemy thus driven from 
his position, the Twenty-third, with the brigade, was ordered to 
advance, and moving rapidly through Fredericksburg, proceeded 
some three miles along the plank road in the direction of Chan- 
cellorsville, steadily pushing the enemy before them until Salem 
Church was reached. A few rods behind this building, the main 
body of the rebels were preparing to make a stand — the church 
itself being converted into a sort of fortress and pierced with loop- 
holes. " Here," writes an officer of the Twentj'-third, ' : our skir- 
mishers found it impossible to advance, and a charge being again 
ordered, we passed over the skirmish line, climbed a fence, and 
threw ourselves into the woods beyond and — a perfect hell of bul- 
lets. Here, owing to the confusion of crossing the fence, and the 
prevailing noise, a misapprehension of orders occurred, causing 
some deLoy, but General Brooks, apprised of the circumstance, 
promptly set us right, and at the command ' charge,' the regiment 
pressed forward with cheers, up to the very walls cf the church 
from which our men had been picked off with unerring aim. The 
One Hundred and Sixteenth New York was on our left, with the 
Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania on its flank. The charge was soon 
checked, but the fight continued, the rebels meeting us with un- 
yielding front, and answering our cheers with yells of defiance. 
The carnage was dreadful, our men falling rapidly. At length the 
extreme left began to give way and Zouave uniforms to mingle 
with our line. Still, however, other portions of the line continued 
to fight on, General Bartlett, covered with a gorgeous uniform which 
offered a shining mark for rebel bullets, spurring his horse up to 
the extreme front, and cheering us on as he passed to the front 
where the gallant Upton was holding his men steadily to their 



THE TWENTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 



509 



work. Bat it was all in vain. Flesh and blood could not stand 
the storm of bullets ; the gallant New Yorkers were gradually 
forced back, and we were soon inextricably mingled in one con- 
fused mass of fugitives over whom it was impossible to exert any 
control whatever. The officers used their utmost exertions to rally 
the men, threatening and exhorting, but both were alike unavailing ; 
those willing to make a stand were borne back by the current, and 
for nearly a quarter of a mile the rout was headlong and complete. 
Then a rally was made without reference to regimental formation, 
a line was formed, and a stand made, but only to be again broken. 
A second time, half a mile from the battle-field, the line was formed, 
and, after a sharp struggle, was finally held, the rebels falling back. 
It was now nearly dark ; the officers were busily engaged in re- 
forming the regiments; pickets were soon thrown out and regi- 
ments detailed to hold the line, the remainder meanwhile retiring 
still further to seek needed repose. 

" On the following morning, the 4th, we fell back, with batteries 
in line of battle and infantry in support, ready for the coming 
fight. All day we lay here, our part of the line not being attacked 
until late in the afternoon, when a fierce assault was made, with 
which, however, we had nothing to do. In this assault, the enemy 
suffered terribly from our guns, his line seeming to melt away 
before their discharges until nothing was left. Just before dark, 
one company from each regiment was ordered to be deployed as 
skirmishers and thrown out one hundred yards in advance of the 
line. This detail was intended to be sacrificed, if necessary, to the 
safety of the corps, for, just after dark, orders to begin the retreat 
were given. The Twenty-third was among the regiments honored 
with this detail as rear-guard. After the rest of the corps had 
proceeded the required distance, we saw the artillery which had 
been stationed with us, limber up and go to the rear at a round 
trot, disappearing presently from view. At length, our orders 
came, and at a double-quick we moved from the field. Once we 
were halted, deployed, and preparations made for a combat in the 
dark, but the rebels gave up the pursuit, being probably fearful of 
an ambuscade, when our headlong retreat was resumed and con- 



510 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



tinued until we arrived in the vicinity of United States Ford. 
Here the enemy came up with us, and during the remainder of the 
night maintained a desultory fire, but without any serious effect. 
So exhausted were the men on their arrival at the Ford that they 
threw themselves on the ground without shelter or blankets, and 
were almost immediately asleep. 

" Just at dawn, on the 5th, we crossed the river, and about eight 
o'clock halted for rest, still in full view of the enemy, who soon 
opened fire, continuing it until noon — happily without inflicting 
any damage. Late in the afternoon, we received orders to return 
to the river bank, to prevent the capture or burning of the pontoon 
boats, which, though swung to our side, it was impossible to 
remove from the water, owing to the sharp pursuit of the enemy. 
Soon after taking position, rain began to fall, continuing during 
the entire night, and gradually increasing in volume until it 
seemed a very deluge. The men, of course, suffered the greatest 
discomfort, but with the morning the storm ceased, and a regiment 
appearing to relieve us, we marched to our starting point, whence, 
on the following day, we proceeded to White Oak Church, in the 
vicinity of which we encamped, and for a brief season were per- 
mitted to rest. 5 

" On the last day of May we went out for a final tour of picket- 
duty, returning to camp on the 3d of June. All thought was now 
turned homeward, and we were in hourly expectation of receiving 

5 The following is the official report of the regimental action in this movement : 
"I have the honor to report that my regiment left camp near White Oak Church at 
three o'clock, p. m., April 28th, and bivouacked upon the hank of the Rappahannock, 
which we crossed at daylight on the morning of the 29th. My regiment was deployed 
on the front at sunrise on the 29th, relieving the One Hundred and Twenty-first New r 
York. 

" On Thursday the regiment was relieved; nothing special occurred on Friday or 
Saturday. 

" On Sunday, the 3d of May, I was again ordered to the front, and had one officer 
and two men wounded from shells. About noon was ordered to follow the brigade, 
and marched through Fredericksburg and about three miles out upon the plank road, 
when I was again ordered to the front, to support the Second New Jersey Volun- 
teers, skirmishing. As soon as my regiment emerged from the woods, I was opened 
upon by a battery posted in the road, the second shot from which wounded an officer 
and killed a man. Under the immediate orders of General Brooks, I advanced, keep- 
ing but a few paces in the rear of the skirmishers, and came upon the enemy posted in 
a thick wood, and in a brick church. The nature of the ground was such that my line 



THE TWENTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 511 

orders to march for Washington. But hardly had we returned 
from picket, when it was rumored that we were again to be sent 
across the Eappahannock. At first this was deemed incredible 
but finally the inevitable £ three days' cooked rations' were pre- 
pared and orders came to march at daylight the following day. 
Then the mutterings of discontent broke into open violence, and 
threats of stacking arms were freely made. Early in the after- 
noon, the officers being assembled at Colonel Grubb's tent, he told 
us that the prospects of a mutiny had assumed such proportions 
that he could no longer refuse to take cognizance of it — that he 
expected firmness on the part of the officers, and that they would 
sustain him in the fullest manner in the discharge of his duty in 
the premises. He directed that when the assembly sounded, the 
men should be formed without arms and marched to the parade 
ground, there to be formed in hollow square, faced inwards, where- 
upon he would enter and address them. This was done, the men 
being for the most part sullen, some almost violent as they marched 
to the ground. Colonel Grubb entered and after alluding to the 
trouble, called their attention to the noble name the regiment had 
gained on hard-fought fields, said it was his duty to care for and 
keep untarnished this high reputation, and asked the men how they 
could meet their mothers, wives and sweethearts, when the hooting 
rabble should tell them they had twice been beaten by the enemy 
and the third time were afraid to meet them ? The appeal touched 

was somewhat broken upon entering the woods, nevertheless my men engaged the 
enemy with great spirit. 

"Together with Colonel Upton, of the One Hundred and Twenty-first New York) 
immediately upon my left, I made several efforts to drive the enemy from their posi- 
tion in and around the church, but (such was the severity of their fire) without suc- 
cess ; and several regiments upon my left giving way, 1 was compelled to fall back. 

"Upon emerging from the woods, the fire was exceedingly deadly, and some confu- 
sion ensued, but I succeeded in re-forming, in rear of a battery, some five hundred 
yards from the woods. My regiment was not actively engaged again, and the nest 
evening re-crossed the river at Banks' Ford. 

"My officers all behaved nobly, but I desire to mention as conspicuous for their 
coolness and gallantry, Major W. J. Parmentier and Adjutant Downs, also First Lieu- 
tenant F. L. Taylor, commanding Company H, who exhibited the most brilliant cour- 
age, leading his men several times to the front, under a most galling fire. Captain 
Fenton, Company B, who in the absence of the Color-Sergeantbore the national colors, 
also acted with the utmost coolness and courage. 

"E. Burd Grubb, Colonel Twenty-third New Jersey Volunteers.'' 



§12 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



the men. Cries were made, 'We will go'; ' We are not afraid 
' Three cheers for Colonel Grubb.' These were given with a will, but 
the Colonel ordered silence, telling them he did not appear therefor 
cheers or applause ; he came to remind the regiment of their duty, 
to inform them he had received orders to march to again meet the 
enemy ; and he hoped it would prove an occasion that would eter- 
nally efface past defeats and reflect new honors on the command. 
Finally, he declared that, having received his orders, the regiment, 
or such of them as refusing to obey the order might be left alive, 
would march at daylight of the coming morn. 

" The regiment did march, as the Colonel said, proceeding to the 
banks of the river, where it remained until the following da}', 
when it crossed, and under cover of the ensuing night threw up a 
breastwork extending along the entire front of our position, in 
front of the city and Heights of Fredericksburg. The enemy, 
immediately upon discovering us, opened fire, but without inflicting 
any loss. Each day still farther strengthened our works, and a 
couple of sandbag batteries for the mounting of some heavy guns 
were fast approaching completion, when, finally, orders came for 
our return to Beverly, to be mustered out. Accordingly, we re- 
crossed the Rappahannock, and marched directly to Falmouth, 
going thence by rail to Belle Plain Landing, and from that point 
by steamer to Washington. In due time, Beverly was reached, 
amid general acclamations, and the men separated on furlough, 
awaiting the completion of the preparations for muster-out." 

But the Twenty-third was to see further service before it was 
finally disbanded. Late in June the country was startled by the 
news of Lee's advance into Pennsylvania, and the supposed danger 
of Harrisburg, the Capital of the State. Then, a few days later, 
came the stirring proclamation of Governor Parker, appealing to 
the people and regiments not yet disbanded, or in process of forma- 
tion, to hasten to the aid of a sister State. When this appeal was 
issued, less than half of the members of the Twenty-third were in 
camp, but Colonel Grubb promptly ordered the " assembly," and 
asked all who would follow him to step two paces to the front. 
Not a man hesitated. Transportation was at once telegraphed for, 



THE TWENTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 



513 



but it was late in the day before it was furnished. In the dusk of 
the evening, the regiment landed at Walnut street wharf, in Phila- 
delphia, and preceded by a band, marched through the crowded 
streets, greeted at every step by peals of cheers, to the Harrisburg 
depot, whence, it being impossible to procure transportation, it 
proceeded to the corner of Twenty-seventh and Market streets, 
where it was quartered for the night. On the following morning, 
after some delay and a great deal of trouble, Colonel Grubb suc- 
ceeded in procuring a tram of coal-ears, in which the men were 
stowed as comfortably as possible, and so carried to Harrisburg, 
now supposed to be closely menaced by the rebels. Beaching the 
city, however, the men who had been so eager to get on, found no 
excitement whatever, much to their surprise. The Twenty-third 
was the first regimental organization to reach the city, but strangely 
enough, it was coolly rather than enthusiastically received by the 
people whom it had made such haste to defend. 6 Soon after arriv- 
ing, the regiment was taken out to the river front and set at work 
in throwing up rifle-pits to prevent the passage of the river, which 
at this time was very shallow. Here the men worked steadily, 
from the Colonel down, but before the labor was completed, orders 
were received directing the return of the regiment to Beverly, and 
accordingly, the command, without regret, quitted the inhospitable 
Capital. Eeaching Beverly, it remained until the 27th of June, 
when it was finally dissolved, and the men who had fought and 
suffered in its ranks, went their several ways. 

New Jersey may well be proud of the record of the gallant 
regiment whose services are here but imperfectly narrated. In 
every action in which it was called upon to take part it exhibited 
distinguished gallantry, and in its ranks, sadly thinned by the casu- 
alties of the field, were soldiers whose names deserve to be written 

G "We were very coolly treated, and if we wanted to purchase anything, were 
charged extra prices. Our men were refused canteens of water hy the citizens, and 
one person who did not conceal his secession proclivities came very near being ' torn 
out,' so exasperated were our troops at his undisguised sympathy with the rebels. It 
required all Colonel Grubb's influence to prevent violence. The fellow at last procured 
a flag, hung it out, promised to behave himself in future, and was finally let off, a pretty 
badly scared man, who took good care not to ventilate any niore disunion sentiments 
during the occupancy of the city by the Jersey Blues. ^ —Notes of an officer. 

65 



514 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



side by side with the best and noblest of the Republic. Many of 
the officers and men again, in other organizations, met the nation's 
foe and fought through the war, some attaining high and deserved 
promotion. The Thirty-seventh New Jersey was largely composed 
of members of the Twenty-third, and numbers would have joined 
the Thirty-fourth had Colonel Grubb accepted the command when 
it was tendered to him. The Fortieth also drew many of its mem- 
bers from the same noble organization. The Third Cavalry took 
many more, while numbers still re-enlisted in the older regiments, 
and earned fresh distinction on later fields. 



CHAP TEE XVIII. 



THE TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 

The Twenty-fourth Regiment was mustered into the United 
States service at Camp Oadwallader, Beverly, on the 16th of 
September, 1862. 1 Four companies of the regiment, B, F, G and 
H, were' from the county of Cumberland ; three, A, C and K, from 
Salem; one, (E,) and parts of D and I, from Gloucester, and the 
remaining men of the two latter companies from Camden. Of the 
members of Company B, about an equal number were enlisted 
from the city and township of Millville and the township of 
Maurice River. Of Company F, the city of Bridgeton furnished 
about thirty, the township of Greenwich fifteen, while the re- 

1 The original roster of the regiment was as follows : 

Colonel, William B. Robertson ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Franklin L. Knight ; Major, Joel 

A. Fithian ; Adjutant, Thomas F. G. Cooper ; Quartermaster, Samuel R. Fithian ; 
Surgeon, William S. Newell; Assistant Surgeons, Alban Williams, Thomas G. 
Rowand; Chaplain, William C. Stockton. Company A — Captain, Howard Bassett ; 
First Lieutenant, Milton Wright ; Second Lieutenant, William N. Hancock. Company 
B— Captain, George E. Dunlap ; First Lieutenant, James Smith ; Second Lieutenant, 

B. Reed Brown. Company C — Captain, John T. Garwood; First Lieutenant, Thomas 
Simpkins; Second Lieutenant, Jonathan E. Moore. Company D — Captain, Aaron 
Ward; First Lieutenant, David W. Bartine; Second Lieutenant, George D. Brittain. 
Company 2?— Captain, Augustus Sailer ; First Lieutenant, Edward C. Cattell; Second 
Lieutenant, Charles W. Wilkins. Company F— Captain, Samuel Harris ; First Lieute- 
nant, Elijah Husted ; Second Lieutenant, William. B. Pepper. Company 6?— Captain, 
James R. Hoagland ; First Lieutenant, Charles M. Pease ; Second Lieutenant, Robert 
B. Potter. Company H— Captain, Henry NefF; First Lieutenant, Alexander Robeson ; 
Second Lieutenant, James J. Reeves. Company /—Captain, William C. Shinn ; First 
Lieutenant, John O. Crowell; Second Lieutenant, James S. Woodward. Company 
K — Captain, John S. Locke; First Lieutenant, Daniel Brown; Second Lieutenant, 
James P. Butler. 

It must be recorded to the credit of the county of Cumberland and more especially of 
the city of Bridgeton, that the promptness with which they responded to the call 
for volunteers was beyond all precedent. It is doubtful whether any company, outside 
of our large cities, was ever raised so rapidly as Company H, of Bridgeton. The 
Philadelphia Evening Bulletin made mention of this fact as follows : 

"Troops Raised Speedily. — The Evening Bulletin, of Monday, contained an item 
claiming peerlessness for the town of Lawrence, Massachusetts, for having raised a 



516 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



mainder, with the exception of one from Deerfield, were equally 
divided between Hopewell and Doune. Of Company Gr, not less 
than twenty were from Bridgeton, thirty from Deerfield, ten from 
Stoe Creek, while the rest hailed from Donne. Company H, 
officered exclusively by Bridgeton men, comprised about seventy - 
five from the city of Bridgeton, while the remainder were from 
Hopewell, Deerfield and Stoe Creek. In Companies A and C, 
there were a large number of men from the city of Salem ; the 
surrounding townships, however, were nearly all represented in 
them, and also in Company K. Company E comprised men 
principally from Woodbury, Paulsboro', and the upper townships 
of Gloucester. Company D had men from Camden, Gloucester 
City, and Glassboro', and Company I, mainly from Clayton town- 
ship, in Gloucester County, and several of the townships of Camden 
County. 

On the 28th of September, the regiment was equipped with 
Belgian rifles and other necessary accoutrements for service, and on 
Tuesday, the 30th, broke camp and departed for Washington, going 

company of one hundred and thirteen men in a day and a half. I beg leave to make 
the statement that Lawrence has been outdone by Bridgeton, New Jersey, a town of 
less than one-fourth the population of the very patriotic New England city. On Fri- 
day morning last, a recruiting station was opened for the formation of a new company, 
officered as follows : Henry Neff, Captain ; Alexander L. Robeson, First Lieutenant ; 
and James J. Reeves, Second Lieutenant. That day eighty men— many of them fine, 
stalwart fellows from the iron factories — enlisted under their banner, and by the nest 
evening their company numbered one hundred and ten men. While this was being 
done, two companies were rapidly filling up in the same town. It is a question 
whether Bridgeton can find its peer among all the towns of its size in the loyal 
North." 

Three of the members of this company were brothers, sons of Mrs. Elizabeth Ayars, 
a widow lady residing in Bridgeton, who had five sons and two sons-in-law in the 
Union army. 

In Company G there were five brothers, sons of Mrs. Martha Cobb, a widow, resi- 
ding in the township of Doune. 

For two weeks previous to the date of muster at Beverly, the several companies of 
the regiment found temporary quarters in unoccupied buildings in different portions 
of the town ; some in private houses, others in the Beverly Bank building and others 
still in an old brick factory near the railroad. During this time the commissioned 
officers were elected and the non-commissioned officers appointed, as above given. 
The headquarters of the commissioned officers of the regiment while at Beverly, were 
at the fine mansion in the westerly part of the village, kept as a military boarding- 
house by Mrs. Hardcastle. Here they received all the attention and care that this esti- 
mable lady and her kind-hearted daughters could bestow. During the month, several 
excursions were made to the regiment from different localities, bringing friends from 
home, and the season was one of great enjoyment. 



THE TWENTY-FOUKTH REGIMENT. 517 

by steamer to Philadelphia and thence by rail. Both at Philadel- 
phia and Baltimore, the men were handsomely entertained at the 
Union Eefreshment Booms. The regiment remained in Baltimore, 
without other resting-place than the brick pavements, from mid- 
night of the 80th until ten o'clock on the night of October 1st, 
when it proceeded to Washington, reaching that city on the morn- 
ing of the 2d, and going into camp on East Capitol Hill. Its en- 
campment at this place was named " Camp Ingham," in honor of 
an esteemed and patriotic citizen of Salem, Jonathan Ingham, 
Esq. Here the regiment was temporarily brigaded with the Twen- 
ty-second, Twenty-ninth and Thirty-first Xew Jersey Eegiments, 
under the charge of Brigadier General Abercrombie, and parti- 
cipated daily in regimental and brigade drills until the 14th, when 
it moved into Virginia, encamping near Chain Bridge, 2 whence, on 
the 18th, it was transferred to a more eligible position a few miles 
distant. Here the camp, known as " Camp Kearney," was located 
oa the summit of a hill, at the foot of which on the one side rum- 
bled the rapids of the Potomac 3 while on the other side run the 
Leesburg pike, winding its way through forests of chestnut, hick- 
ory and red oak. The regiment was here brigaded with the 
Twenty-eighth New Jersey and One Hundred and Twenty-eighth 
Pennsylvania Eegiments, under the Colonel of the former, acting 
Brigadier-Greneral Abercrombie having command of the division — 
the Twenty-fourth occupying the extreme right of the brigade on 
the Leesburg road. On the 20th, the first detail for picket was 
made, and on the 22d, a school of instruction for officers was insti- 
tuted by Lieutenant-Colonel Knight. Hp to this date the regiment 
had lost but two men by death, and in both cases sickness had 
been brought on by imprudence and self-neglect. The regiment 
remained at this point, doing picket and fatigue duty, including the 
digging of trenches at forts Ethan Allen and Marc\ r , until Satur- 
day, the 25th, when it again moved its camp to a point some two 
miles southward — naming the encampment, in honor of the county 
which furnished the largest number of troops in the regiment, 



2 This camp was named " Camp Nixon," in honor of Hon. John T. Nixon, of 
Bridgeton. 



518 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



" Camp Cumberland." On the 27th, the regiment was reviewed by 
Brigadier General Abercrombie, after which the command remained 
comparatively idle until General Burnside assumed command of 
the Army of the Potomac, when it, in common with all other regi- 
ments in the vicinity, received marching orders. Shelter tents 
were drawn, and with five days' rations, the regiment on the 1st of 
December set out for its destination. Lieutenant James J. Reeves, 
of Company H, was detached from the regiment to take charge of 
the camp, including the sick, having instructions to turn over the 
Sibley and other tents to the Quartermaster-General in Washington 
and to find transportation for the company books, cooking utensils 
and the necessary baggage of the officers. Passing through Wash- 
ington, the regiment crossed the east bank of the Potomac and 
encamped the first night in the woods, four miles from the Capital. 
On the 2d, after another march of fifteen miles, it encamped near 
Piscataway, Saint George's County, Maryland. On the 3d, the 
supply of rations failed, and after the regiment had halted for the 
night, foraging parties sallied out on an expedition, returning with 
a good supply of confiscated property with which to appease their 
hunger. On the 4th the brigade, led by the Twenty-fourth, passed 
through Port Tobacco and encamped in the woods two or three 
miles from the village ; the next day about noon, reaching Liverpool 
Point in the midst of a cold, dismal, drenching rain-storm. Here 
part of the troops found passage across Aquia Creek to the landing, 
in the steamer Saint Nicholas (the boat captured by Thomas, the 
"French Lady,") and part on canal boats. The storm now in- 
creased in violence and intensity ; rain was succeeded by snow and 
sleet ; but the men still struggled on, and at length cold, wet and 
hungry, encamped for the night, making themselves as comfortable 
as possible with no other bed than the slush and mud, and no bet- 
ter protection from the cold and storm than a single blanket and 
the half of a shelter tent above them. Sunday (the 8th,) passed 
with but little improvement in the situation. On Monday, the 
regiment marched some eight or ten miles, and on Tuesday, after a 
further march, encamped upon a high hill not over a mile from the 
village of Falmouth. Here it was permanently brigaded with the 



THE TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 



519 



Fourth and Eighth Ohio, Fourteenth Indiana, Seventh Virginia 
and Twenty-eighth New Jersey Kegiments under the charge of 
Brigadier-General Kimball, in French's Division, Couch's (Second) 
Corps. On Wednesday the arms were inspected, sixty rounds of 
cartridges supplied and three days' rations issued to each man. On 
Thursday morning at four o'clock, orders were received to strike 
tents, roll them up with blankets, leave knapsacks and stand in 
readiness to march at a moment's notice. Burnside was ready to 
strike. Long before day-break the booming of the heavy artillery 
from our batteries which had opened upon Fredericksburg signaled 
that the work had commenced, and without delay the brigade 
marched towards the point of assault — halting at length in a deep 
ravine, a mile from the city, where, listening to the noise of the 
combat as it grew louder and wilder, it remained until sunset. 
Then it was marched down to a plain opposite the city, but was 
soon, on account of the storm of shells, forced to fall back to the 
side of a hill in a strip of woods, where it encamped for the night. 
The next morning at sunrise, the enemy having evacuated the town, 
the brigade crossed the Eappahannock on the pontoon bridges at 
double-quick, marched into the main street, and there, stacking 
arms, spent the day and night awaiting orders. Early on Friday 
morning, the 12th, preparations for an assault were ordered, and 
the men being drawn up in line, were addressed by General Kim- 
ball. "Boys," he said, "we are the attacking brigade. I shall 
expect you to go ahead and open the right. Keep steady, aim low, 
and let every man do his duty. Eemember you are Jerseymen." 
The attack, however, was not then made, as anticipated, being for 
some reason postponed until the following day. In the evening, 
two companies, F and G, w T ere sent out as picket on the outskirts 
of the town, but were called in at eight o'clock on Saturday morn- 
ing, when preparations were at once made for the attack. The 
Fourth and Eighth Ohio were deployed as skirmishers to drive in 
the rebel pickets, when Kimball's Brigade, headed by the Twenty- 
fourth, marched in column at double-quick out of the streets of 
Fredericksburg into the fields in the rear of the city. Here another 
order was given to the men to relieve themselves of blankets and 



520 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



tents, which being done, and the brigade coming into position, the 
whole division charged at double-quick across a ditch and over a 
muddy corn-field against the rebel works, with a view of taking 
their batteries at the point of the bayonet. But the assault, though 
gallantly made, was a costly one ; from the rifle-pits in front came 
the murderously-aimed bullets of the sharpshooters, and from the 
stone walls the unceasing firing of the infantry, while from the 
heavy batteries, tier above tier, planted behind strong field-works 
on the top of the hill, a furious storm of shot, shell and shrapnel 
poured into the advancing ranks. One by one the brave boys of 
the Twenty-fourth, fell wounded and dead ; but still the line swept 
on, the men now loading and firing as they went, picking off here 
and there a rebel as he showed himself above the works. But in 
a contest so unequal, success was impossible, and bravely as the 
assailants pushed the assault, they could not carry the works. No 
troops, indeed, advanced nearer to the defences at that point — save 
the Irish regiments — than Kimball's Brigade, and for that they 
received the thanks and applause of the Commanding General ; but 
gallantry such as theirs deserved a more complete success than this. 
They did not, however, abandon the ground, but held it tenaciously 
until relieved. Even then, the men could not withdraw to the 
rear, being compelled to seek refuge in and about the neighboring 
buildings or lie down at full length upon the ground, still exposed 
to the deadly bullets or the burning fragments of bursting shells. 
Here the regiment remained, unable to soothe the wounded or com- 
fort the dying, until darkness curtained the scene of carnage. The 
loss of the regiment, which behaved admirably throughout, was 
severe, amounting in all to one hundred and sixty, as follows: 

Company A, 2 killed, 13 wounded; Company B, 3 killed* 15 wounded; Company C, 
16 wounded, 5 missing ; Company D, 3 killed, 12 wounded, 3 missing ; Company E, 
2 killed, 4 wounded, 7 missing ; Company F, 1 killed, 6 wounded, 5 missing ; Com^ 
pany G, 2 killed, 20 wounded, 3 missing ; Company H, 1 killed, 5 wounded, 2 missing ; 
Company I, 2 killed, 16 wounded, 1 missing ; Company K, 8 wounded, 3 missing. Of 
those reported as wounded a number subsequently died* while many of those reported 
missing have never been heard from. 

The instances of special gallantry in the regiment in this memora* 
ble engagement, were numerous^ but cannot) obviously) be men* 
tioned in detail here. Sergeant Henry S. Spaulding, Company B, 



DMe twenty-fourth regiment. 



521 



afterwards promoted to the Second Lieutenancy of Company I, 
received a musket ball in his shoulder ; Captain Aaron Ward, 
Company D, a ball through his left lung ; Second Lieutenant George 
D. Brittain, Company D, and Captain Samuel Harris, Company 
F, were shocked by explosions of shells ; Second Lieutenant Wil- 
liam Pepper, Company F, was wounded in leg and head ; Sergeant 
H. R. Pierson, Company G, afterwards promoted to Second Lieu- 
tenant, Company F, was wounded in the side ; Sergeant John 
Springer, Company B, afterwards Second Lieutenant of Company 
B, wounded in the hip ; Second Lieutenant James J, Reeves, Com- 
pany H, wounded in the left arm above the elbow ; and Captain Wil - 
liam C. Shinn, Company I, was wounded in the right eye, the sight 
of which is lost. Second Lieutenant R B. Potter, Company G, 
narrowly escaped — a ball having struck his watch, glanced off, 
and wadded itself in a glove in his pocket. First Lieutenant John 
0. Crowell, who had for several weeks acted as Adjutant of the 
regiment, early in the engagement received a severe wound in his 
arm, but brave to the last, still rallied forward his men until a fatal 
bullet prostrated him instantly to the ground. The regiment sus- 
tained a heavy loss in the death of this young and gallant Lieute- 
nant. Few men possessed in a greater degree the requisite qualifi- 
cations of a good soldier and popular officer. Energetic and 
prompt, cordial yet dignified, kind-hearted and complacent but 
always decided — he exhibited at the same time an unflinching 
patriotism that nothing could appal or turn from the path of duty. 
The officers of the regiment, at a meeting held soon after the battle, 
passed appropriate resolutions concerning his death, which w T ere 
duly published and forwarded to his afflicted family. 

The firing of the enemy ceased at nightfall, and not until then 
could any assistance be afforded the wounded or any attempt made 
to ascertain the number of the dead. And even then, though the 
night was spent in diligent search for friends supposed to be among 
the wounded or killed, many remained from whom no tidings could 
be obtained, and of whom it only could, be said that they were 
" missing." Among those who were thus recorded was Lieutenant 
Alexander L. Eobeson. Having the charge of his company in the 
66 



522 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION 



Captains absence, he bravely led them forward never to return. 
Though a faithful and often-repeated search was made for him, as 
long as such search could be allowed, no tidings were received, nor 
has any positive intelligence since been obtained concerning him. 
The members of his company loved him as a brother, and his men 
were equally dear to him. He looked faithfully after all their 
wants and sympathized with them unfailingly in ail their sufferings. 
He was especially endeared to his fellow officers, who esteemed him 
for his intelligence and excellent judgment, and loved him for his 
virtues and exemplary Christian character." 

On Monday following the engagement the regiment re-crossed the 
river, and returned to Camp Knight, with but few blankets and still 
fewer shelter tents, having lost nearly all in the engagement. The 
fatigue and exposure naturally occasioned much sickness, and on 
the 30th of December, the entire regiment reported for duty only 
thirteen officers and two hundred and seventy men. 

During the month of January, the regiment remained in camp, 
engaged in various routine duties — not participating in the "Mud 
March" projected and undertaken by General Burnside. On the 
20th of February it removed to a new and more comfortable camp, 
named "Camp Robertson" in honor of the Colonel, and for some 
weeks subsequently performed picket-duty along the Rappahan- 
nock opposite Fredericksburg, having headquarters at the Lacy 
House. This fine old mansion, whose owner was a Colonel in the 
Rebel Army, was also the headquarters of the United States Sani- 
tary Commission. Throughout the winter, the excellent ladies 
connected with this and the Christian Commission, prominent 
among whom was Mrs. Mary Harris, of Philadelphia, in addition 
to administering to the temporal wants of the cold and hungry 
soldiers, held daily evening prayer-meetings in a spacious room at 
the west end of the building, which were attended by crowds of 

3 A note from an officer of the regiment Bays : 

"Among the most indefatigable in looking after and administering to the wants of 
the sick and wounded of the regiment after the hattle was our faithful Chaplain, 
Rev. William C. Stockton. Nor can too much commendation he awarded to our 
Surgeon, Doctor W. S. Newell and his assistants, Doctors Williams and Rowand, and 
likewise to Doctor Jesse B. McBride, who was detached from Company F to act as 
Hospital-Steward, and who was engaged all clay Sunday in attending to the wounded." 



THE TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 



523 



soldiers from the humblest private to the Division and Corps Com- 
manders. More frequent in attendance than any other officer of 
rank was Major-General Howard, the Christian patriot and soldier. 

A limited number of visitors were now allowed in camp and 
furloughs for ten days granted with moderation. Boxes containing 
necessaries and luxuries from tome were daily received, much to 
the delight of the men. 4 On the 27th of February dress-paracle 
was resumed, and a few days after General Hooker reviewed his 
Grand Division. On the 10th of March, an attack being antici- 

4 The following- from the diary of a member of the regiment gives a glimpse of the 
daily life of the regiment during this period : 

"January 2d. Detail for picket-duty from our regiment two officers and thirty-one 
men. Stationed about two miles westward from camp. 

"January 6th. Major Fithian arrived in camp after a long absence in Washington, 
occasioned by sickness. Warm days and cold, frosty nights prove prejudicial to the 
health of the soldiers, and a large number continue to report daily on the sick list. 

"January 9th. Regiment was out on battalion drill for the first time since we left 
Camp Cumberland ; numbered about three hundred men. 

"Sunday, January 11th. Prayer-meeting held in the wagoner's tent, conducted by 
the Chaplain. 

" January 13th. Robert Du Bois, Esq., of Bridgeton, arrived in camp about mid- 
night, bringing with him two large boxes and a barrel containing articles for the regi- 
ment from the Ladies' Aid Society of Bridgeton, and many other things marked for 
private individuals. The following morning, 14th, the boxes were taken to the hos- 
pital tent and opened. Besides articles of clothing and delicacies for the sick, consist- 
ing of blankets, pillows, sheets, drawers, mittens, stockings, &c, cakes, crackers, 
jellies, preserves, pickles, canned fruits, meats, &c, for the hospital, there were many 
other valuable articles from friends at home, principally for the Cumberland County 
boys. Mr. Du Bois, also, out of the overflowing generosity of his heart, distributed 
among the boys a barrel of apples, besides a quantity of tobacco, cigars and other use- 
ful articles, for which and many other acts of kindness he received the merited name 
of 'the soldier's friend.' To the Ladies' Aid Society of Bridgeton, who at another 
time previous to' this forwarded a similar supply to our regiment, which were made 
use of in Washington, the especial thanks of the regiment are due. 

" January 16th. Orders received in camp to be in readiness to move the following 
morning. 

" January 17th. The marching orders proved to be orders to prepare for a grand 
review of the Second Army Corps by Major-General Burnside, which took place on the 
common near General Hancock's headquarters. 

"Sunday, January 18th. The funeral of private W. J. Richards, of Company F, 
took place this afternoon. He was buried with the usual military honors in a pleasant 
spot selected as the burial-ground of the regiment, on the top of the adjacent hill. 
The companies assembled at the hospital tent and slowly wound their way to the spot 
which was to be the last resting place of the departed soldier. A few appropriate 
remarks were made by Rev. Mr. Tallis, a minister visiting one of the camps in the 
neighborhood, and a prayer offered by our Chaplain. This was followed by the volley 
of musketry fired over the grave, when the companies were conducted back to their 
quarters. The deceased was personally unknown to me ; I can only record that he was 
a faithful soldier. 

" January 19th. Orders to move were repeated. Part of Franklin's and Hooker's 



524 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



pated, the regiment was placed under arms, but was not called into* 
action. On the 14th, the men were supplied with Springfield 

forces moved forward towards the river on the right of us, passing our encampment in 
the front and rear. 

"January 20th. Sergeant Rounds, of Company B, died in the regimental hospital, 
and was buried at night by the side of private Richards, of Company F. 

"January 21st. Dreary day. Roads almost impassable, yet thousands of troops 
have been passing beyond us from the front and rear all day. The pontoons arrived 
oh the road near our camp last night, but could go no further. The batteries also 
moved towards the river with great difficulty. Commenced raining in the afternoon 
and continues with vehemence. 

" January 23d. Rain continues. Roads in a terrible condition. Little hope of 
progressing with the vast army over the Rappahannock. The river has risen, and the 
troops are falling back. 

" January 23d. Cleared away beautifully about noon, hut alas ! what quantities of 
mud. The entire army fell back to its original position. The boys are singing ' Bum- 
side's army lies floundering in the mud,' to the tune of 'Glory Hallelujah.' The 
troops in the retreat scattered like sheep over the hills and valleys, and many poor 
fellows, weary from marching and exposure, and soaked through with rain, lagged 
behind their regiments, only to be overtaken and hurried on their march by Rush's 
troop of lancers. 

"Sunday, January 25 th. The sick in our hospital, thirty in number, were removed in 
ambulances to the general hospital, at Windmill Point, near Aquia Creek Landing. 
The funeral of Hugh White, of Company C, who died of typhoid pneumonia, took 
place to-day. 

" January 28th. General Burnside turned over the command of the army to General 
Hooker. Alexander Ryan, of Company H, died at Windmill Point Hospital, to which he 
was removed yesterday — an aggravated case of typhoid fever. 

" January 29th. Snow on the ground a foot in depth. A romantic wedding was cele- 
brated at an old house on our picket-line, between the Drum- Major of the Fifty- third 
Pennsylvania Regiment and a simple-minded, pretty young Southern girl, about 
seventeen. I have since learned — be it said to his everlasting shame and disgrace — that 
he is already married at home. Corporal James Elwell, of Company H, died at Wind, 
mill Point Hospital. He was a good officer, and faithful soldier and friend. 

' ' January 31st. Paymaster made his appearance in camp. Great rej oicing among the 
boys. Regiment received pay for two months, lacking a day. From the amount paid 
to Company H, the boys sent home over one thousand dollars. Company B, being 
next highest on the list, sent home nine hundred and fifty-five dollars. Colonel Cook, 
of Trenton, carried home the money for them. 

" February 3d. Order received that two out of every one hundred men reporting for 
duty should have a furlough for ten days, which created much joy throughout the 
regiment. 

" February 4th. Regiment resumed company and battalion drills. Last night was 
considered, without exception, the coldest of the campaign. 

" February 7th. The boys of the various companies visited the new camping ground, 
afterwards known as ' Camp Robertson,' bearing that name in honor of our excellent 
Colonel. 

" February 8th. Major General Couch, commanding our corps, visited the regiment. 
Came to examine the hospital and visit the sick. William Tinker, of C ompany B, was 
buried at our regimental burying-ground to-day. 

" February 10th. Colonel Robertson having been assigned to the command of the 
brigade, Major Fithian commanded the regiment. 

"February 12th. Order read on dress-parade, furnishing soft bread four times a 
week." 



THE TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 525 

•rifled muskets, and a week later the following promotions were 
announced: First Lieutenant Simpkins, of Company A, to be Cap- 
tain of the same company ; Second Lieutenant Hancock, of Com- 
pany A, to be First Lieutenant of Company I ; Sergeant-Major 
Thompson, to be Second Lieutenant of Company A ; Orderly- Ser- 
geant Barraclifr of Company F, to be Sergeant-Major. 5 

At length spring opened, and with it active service was resumed. 
On the 28th of April, the Twenty-fourth Eegiment, with the rest 
of the brigade, broke camp, and on the following day, crossed the 
Bappahannock at United States Ford, where it remained until the 
afternoon of the 30th, when, after a march of six hours, it halted 
in a corn-field near Chancellorsville. At this time, our army was 
rapidly concentrating at this point, and General Hooker already 
congratulated himself as having the enemy within his clutch, 
prematurely issuing an order in which he announced that " certain 
destruction" awaited the army of Lee. But while the combatants 
were marshaling their forces, and now and then coming in col- 
lision, the Twenty-fourth Eegiment remained inactive, Kimball's 
(now Carroll's) Brigade being held in reserve, and it was not until 
Sunday, the 3d of May, that the command became actually en- 
gaged. On that day, heavy firing commenced at an early hour 
ail along our lines, and for hours the Twenty-fourth was exposed 
to the incessant shelling of the enemy, who, having the advantage 
of our forces, approached its position nearer and nearer. At 

s About this time an order -was issued for the honorable discharge of Captain Gar- 
wood, of Company A. The following notes relates to a memorable incident of the 
regimental experience about this time : 

" Thursday, April 2d, was an eventful day in camp. Copies of the infamous 'Peace 
Resolutions,' passed by the New Jersey Legislature, haying been received and pretty 
generally read, the soldiers of the Twenty-fourth assembled in convention and unani- 
mously passed a series of resolutions severely condemning the action of the Legisla- 
ture. Speeches were made by Colonel W. B. Robertson, Chaplain Stockton, Surgeon 
W. S. Newell, Captain R. S. Thompson and Lieutenant W. E. Potter, of the Twelfth 
New Jersey, and Lieutenants C. W. Wilkins, D. W. Bartine and J. J. Reeves. This 
was one of the finest meetings ever held in the Army of the Potomac, &c. 

" Sunday, April 19th. Funeral services of Private Chamberlain, of Company 1, con- 

" Monday, 20th. Captain Sailer detailed to sit as a member, and Lieutenant Reeves 
as Judge Advocate, of Brigade Court-Martial. The charges preferred during this 
session were all against members of other regiments. Major Wilson, of the Twenty- 
eighth New Jersey, acted as President."— Notes of an officer. 



526 



NEW jersey and the rebellion. 



length, a flank movement being attempted by a part of Stonewall • 
Jackson's forces, Carroll's Brigade was ordered into a dense thicket 
to relieve another command which had been sent in to repulse the 
foe — the men being directed to lie down with muskets half-cocked, 
in readiness to fire as occasion might demand. The enemy, how- 
ever, being in superior force, and having a more accurate knowl- 
edge of the ground, suddenly assailed the brigade with great 
violence, both on the front and flank, compelling it, after firing but 
a few rounds, to retreat to the open ground, where it found pro- 
tection from further assault, our heavy guns opening vigorously 
upon the rebels, and preventing their advance. In this affair, 
Colonel Eobertson was in command of the regiment, and acted 
with great steadiness. Major Fithian, who had been detached 
from the regiment to act as aid to General French, manifested 
much gallantry, and received merited praise from the Commanding 
General. The loss in killed and wounded in the regiment was 
comparatively small. Lieutenant John Springer, of Compan}^ B, 
(but recently promoted,) received a severe wound in his right thigh, 
from the effects of which he died. Corporal John Chapman, of 
Company A, also received a ball in his thigh. Sergeant Heritage, 
of Company B, was killed. Captain James Smith, of the same 
company, received a ball in his left leg, Lieutenant James J. 
Keeves, of Company H, a ball in the lefc hand and wrist, and 
Sergeant Carll, of the same company, a ball in the right leg. The 
losses did not exceed fort}'', all told, in killed, wounded and missing. 

The withdrawal of the army having been determined upon, the 
Twenty-fourth, with the rest of the brigade, made its way back to 
the United States Ford, whence, having crossed on the 6th, it pro- 
ceeded to its old camp, where it continued to do picket-duty until 
ordered to Washington. Proceeding thence to Beverly, in due 
time the regiment was mustered out of service, and the men, as 
they were paid off, returned to their homes. At Bridgeton, Salem, 
Millville and elsewhere, public receptions were tendered to the 
home-coming companies; and so, amid the salutations and re- 
joicings of friends and kindred, the soldiers of the Twenty-fourth, 
having faithfully discharged their duty on every field to which 



THE TWENTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 



527 



they were called, dropped contentedly into the old paths, and 
occupied once more the places they had filled before their feet 
turned battle-ward. The losses of the command had been severe, 
but the dead had fallen in a holy cause, and from their ashes, and 
those of all our martyred ones, a rich crop of blessings shall yet 
spring up, enriching generations to come. 



CHAPTEK XIX. 



THE TWENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT. 

Among the nine months' regiments sent to the field from Xew 
Jersey, few performed more signal service, or made a finer record 
than the Twenty-fifth. The regiment, composed about equally of 
citizens of the northern and southern sections of the State, was 
fortunate in securing as its commander a man of thorough soldierly 
qualifications, combined with great energy and force of character, 
whose heart was in the work in which he was ensraared. an3 who, 
enjoying the entire confidence of his command, was able to make 
it, in the highest degree, useful and efficient. 1 The men, moreover, 
composing the regiment, were of the best class, whether as to intel- 
ligence or personal physique, and adapted themselves readily and 
cheerfully to all the requirements of the service. 

The Twenty-fifth left its camp at Beverly on the 10th. of Octo- 
ber, 1862, and arrived at Washington on the following day. Going 
into camp at Capitol Hill, it was assigned to the Second Brigade of 
Casey's Division, consisting of the Twenty-seventh New Jersey, 
Twelfth and Thirteenth Vermont and Twelfth Massachusetts Bat- 
tery — Colonel Derrom being placed in temporary command of the 

1 Colonel Andrew Derrom was appointed Chairman of the War Committee of Pater- 
son, entrusted with the raising of troops under the call of 1862, and through his 
exertions, supported by those of the Committee, the first quota of Passaic County 
was filled in fourteen days after it was announced. In the call for nine months' men, 
he raised the quota of the county, five hundred men, in two days, being obliged to 
refuse many who offered in excess of the number desired. He then, desiring to see 
the five companies properly placed, proceeded with them to Trenton, and succeeded 
in having them consolidated with five companies from the southern part of the State, 
then in camp at Beverly. The officers of the regiment thereupon unanimously elected 
him Colonel, and although his business — that of an architect and builder — needed his 
personal superintendence, he promptly accepted the position, joining the command on 
two days' notice, and addressing himself at once with vigor and enthusiasm to the 
work of promoting its discipline and efficiency. Fortunately, he had for many years 



THE TWEXTY-MFTH REGIMENT. 



529 



brigade. Early in November the regiment was dispatched to Fair- 
fax Seminary, Virginia, where it was for a short time engaged on 
picket-duty, but on the 30th of that month, receiving marching 
orders, proceeded to Aquia Creek, a distance of eighty miles. The 
conduct of the command during this march, which was one of great 
difficulty, a snow-storm prevailing during a part of the time, was 
admirable, eliciting the special commendation of the Colonel. 
Aquia Creek was reached on the 8th, the regiment crossing the 
Potomac in transports from Liverpool Point, and on the following 
day proceeding directly to Falmouth, where it was assigned to the 
First Brigade, Third Division, Ninth Army Corps. Here, though 
wearied by a long march, the regiment was at once called into 
active service. On the morning of the 11th, General Burnside, 
having completed his plans for a demonstration, opened his bat- 
teries upon Fredericksburg, under cover of which pontoons were 
thrown across the river, and our troops pushed over and occupied 
the town, the enemy slowly retiring to his works on the Heights. 
The Ninth Corps lying immediately opposite Fredericksburg, was 
particularly exposed to the enemy's fire, but crossed with great 
gallantry, the First Brigade of the Third Division being the second 
to occupy the place, one of its regiments crossing some time before 
the bridges were laid. The Twenty -fifth immediately upon reach- 
ing the south bank, threw out pickets along the streets, and so 
remained until the morning of the 13th, when the Ninth Corps 
went into action. The duty before this corps was arduous and dan- 
gerous, being to attack the enemy advantageously posted in the 
woods and hills lying back of Fredericksburg, and where he had 

enjoyed the benefit of tlie information and experience of his father, who was in the 
British service, and he was on this account peculiarly qualified, either as an organizer 
or disciplinarian, for the position to which he was chosen. During the whole period 
of service, he performed every duty laid upon him with marked efficiency and accept- 
ance, and returned from the field, at the expiration of the term of enlistment, only 
more esteemed by his men than when he first assumed command. As exhibiting the 
estimate in which he was held by his men, the following, from a Cape May paper, 
whose editor visited the regiment while it was lying at Suffolk, is here added : " The 
whole regiment is warmly attached to Colonel Derrom. TVe do not believe there is an 
officer in the service, in whom are combined, in a higher degree, the necessary quali- 
fications for his position, than the Colonel of the Twenty-fifth. He is brave and 
efficient, an excellent disciplinarian, and commands his men by commanding their 
respect and esteem." 

67 



530 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



constructed formidable earthworks which were defended by numer- 
ous batteries. The odds were fearful, but the brave troops of the 
Ninth pushed steadily forward, clearing their way to a plain at the 
foot of the first ridge. There the order was given to storm the 
enemy's works, and two divisions advanced to the perilous task, 
marching dauntlessly across the plain until within a dozen or 
twenty yards of the ridge. Then the rebel infantry, stationed 
behind a stone wall, opened a murderous fire. For a moment the 
head of the column was thrown into confusion, but rallying, it was 
reinforced, and again moved forward. But the attempt to dislodge 
the enemy was vain. From the moment the brave columns left 
the shelter of the ravine where they had formed for the assault 
until they reached the foot of the hill, the rebel artillery and infan- 
try poured a terrific concentrated fire "upon the advancing line ; 
and again it came to a halt, then broke and retired. But now, the 
situation growing desperate, Gretty's Division, including the Twenty- 
fifth, was ordered up, and charged directly upon the entrenchments — 
the Jersey men forming the center of the attacking force. Pushing 
steadily forward a distance of some eight hundred yards, over 
fences, ravines and swamps, the regiment, just at dusk, charged 
with a cheer to a plateau only fifty paces from the wall held by the 
enemy, exposed all the way to a murderous fire, but bravely press- 
ing on and holding their advanced position. But this was but for 
a little time. At length, the supports having fallen back, and the 
darkness rendering it impossible to manoeuver longer with safety 
— the enemy, moreover, having perfect command of the position — 
the regiment was reluctantly withdrawn, still, however, fighting 
gallantly, and pouring in volleys of musketry, as it fell back. By 
this time, other parts of the line had also been finally driven back, 
and the enemy having re-occupied his advanced position, the 
Twenty-fifth, with its division, bivouacked on the ground from 
which it had moved to the assault. The loss of the regiment in 
this battle was nine killed, fifty-eight wounded and eighteen miss- 
ing. The conduct of the men was excellent throughout, being 
much more steady, indeed, than that of some other regiments. 
The following congratulatory order, dated "Bivouac, streets of 



THE TWENTY-FIFTH KEGTMENT. 531 

Fredericksburg," was issued by the Colonel commanding on the day 
after the engagement : 

"I. The Colonel Commanding takes great pleasure in giving credit to the officers 
and men in general of this regiment, engaged in the action of yesterday. Their cool- 
ness, under the trying circumstances in which they were placed, stamps them as 
worthy comrades of the veterans of the army.. 

"II. The few who in the time of danger skulked from their duty to their country, 
will in cljiie time receive their reward. 

"III. The noble men whom we have lost (killed in action) we mourn for, and sym- 
pathize with their families in their affliction— while we hope that their and our loss 
will be the eternal gain of our late comrades. 

"IV. In congratulating all on the bold front the regiment displayed, and for our 
preservation from greater loss under the terrific fire of the enemy, it is proper that we 
should render thanks unto God for His merciful providence. 

"Andrew Deerom, Colonel Commanding." 

Going into camp after this sanguinary battle, at its old position 
near Falmouth, the regiment remained unemployed until early in 
February, when it was transferred with its division to Newport 
News, whence, on the 18th of March, it proceeded to Suffolk, and 
encamped but a short distance from the Dismal Swamp, near Fort 
Jericho, a work commanding the railroad running to Portsmouth. 
Here detachments of the command were employed in picket-duty 
and in other duties until early in April, when, the enemy (some 
thirty thousand strong) having crossed the Blackwater and taken 
a position in our front, the regiment was put into the entrenchments, 
a portion manning the completed works while others constructed 
new defences, built bridges, and opened and established necessary 
roads. The position of our army at this time was extremely criti- 
cal. Longstreet's object clearly was to cross the Nansemond, over- 
whelm the garrison, seize the roads to Norfolk, and cut off our 
supplies. His success in this movement would have placed both 
Norfolk and Portsmouth at his mercy ; and it became,, therefore, of 
the utmost consequence that our position on the Nansemond should 
be firmly and inflexibly held against all comers. Fortunately, 
General Peck was equal to the emergency. Fathoming the plans 
of the rebel commander, he, as we have seen, disposed his troops 
so as to command the Nansemond for a distance of eight miles. 
The banks of the river being of such a character that troops could 
not, without making long marches around ravines, creeks, and 
swamps, pass as reinforcements, General Getty, commanding the 



532 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Third Division, ordered the construction of a military road several 
miles long, including several bridges and long spaces of corduroy, 
following the general course of the river-bank. This work, at once 
arduous and important, was largely performed by the Twenty-fifth 
New Jersey, while the bridges were in almost every instance con- 
structed under the direction of Colonel Derrom. Two of these 
bridges — one over Broer's Creek, near Suffolk, and the other over 
Jericho Creek — were not only built but designed by that officer, and 
were constructed almost entirely without tools, the workmen using 
only wood axes, one augur and one small chisel. Each bridge was 
built in from five to ten hours, and though subjected to the severest 
tests, columns of troops, trains of loaded wagons, and the heaviest 
field ordnance and siege pieces repeatedly crossing over them, they 
stood unshaken. 2 

We have seen that upon Longstreet appearing in our front, our 
troops promptly constructed new defences, and in other ways 
strengthened their position. These defences were for several days 
vigorously assailed, but without appreciable effect. At length, on 
the 14th of April, our gunboats co-operating, our batteries on the 
"JSTansemond opened resistlessly on the enemy's position, bringing 
on a sharp engagement which resulted in the capture of several of 
the rebel guns and a number of prisoners. In this affair several 
companies of the Twenty-fifth were engaged as supports to our bat- 
teries, doing excellent service. On the 24th, another engagement 
occurred between an expeditionary force of our troops and the 
enemy, but the Twenty-fifth did not participate, being engaged in 
other duties. 

2 The "bridge over Broer's Creek — over seventy feet in length, and the foundation 
resting on a muddy bottom in ten feet of water — was thrown across in five hours, the 
whole structure, including the cutting down of the timber and the corduroying of 
the approaches through a thick wood, being completed in less than a day with a 
detail of sixty men. Colonel Derrom appears to have suggested this whole system of 
roads and bridges, by means of which, mainly, Longstreet was checkmated. A letter 
from General Getty to Colonel Derrom says : " More especially were your suggestions 
on the subject of military bridges of value. The bridges constructed by you, and 
after your own invention, over Broer's Creek, during the siege of Suffolk, in April 
last, were of the greatest importance. Thrown with great rapidity, and at a critical 
moment, by cutting off a detour of five miles, and thus bringing the troops on the 
Nansemcnd River into close and rapid communication with each other and with 
Suffolk, they contributed essentially to the successful termination of the siege." 



THE TWENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT. 



533 



During the last week in April the rebels moved a considerable 
body of troops in front of our lines, and constructing rifle-pits, 
seriously annoyed those of our troops who occupied the outposts. 
General Peck, accordingly, determined to attack the enemy, drive 
him from one portion of the front, and also to ascertain whether 
Longstreet had reinforced the rebels near Eichmond. To this end 
a reconnoissance in force was ordered, consisting of three brigades, 
embracing eleven regiments, (including the Twenty-fifth,) two bat- 
teries, and a detachment of mounted riflemen. To reach the route 
by which it was proposed to advance, it was necessary to cross the 
Nansemond Eiver, which had been formerly spanned by a bridge 
now partially destroyed. During the night previous to the move- 
ment, the bridge was temporarily repaired, and at nine o'clock on 
the morning of May 3d, the One Hundred and Third New York, 
the advance guard, crossed the river, closely followed by the 
Twenty -fifth New Jersey, Thirteenth New Hampshire and Eighty- 
ninth New York, the cavalry and artillery bringing up the rear — 
the Union forts and gunboats meanwhile shelling the woods towards 
which our troops must advance, and in which the enemy was 
posted. Immediately upon reaching the opposite side of the river 
the advancing regiments were met by a galling fire from the rebel 
sharpshooters, but, making no reply to this fire, the brigade pressed 
firmly forward to the summit of a hill leading from the river, 
where it formed in line of battle parallel to the woods — the One 
Hundred and Third New York and Twenty -fifth New Jersey tak- 
ing position to the right of the road, and the Eighty-ninth and 
Thirteenth New York on the left of it. Still the enemy poured in 
a steady fire, but the attacking column did not for a moment falter. 
Moving off at the word of command, they gradually pushed the 
enemy before them, driving him from his shelter, and at length 
obtaining position near the edge of the woods, where a continuous 
fire was kept up until one o'clock. At fhat hour, the Thirteenth 
New Hampshire' and Eighty-ninth New York charged on the rifle- 
pits in the undergrowth, and after a stubborn contest, drove the 
enemy in great confusion. Meanwhile, the Twenty-fifth was steadily 
advancing, and reinforcements coming up shortly after, the field 



534: 



NEW JEKSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



at all points was won, the enemy's first line of rifle-pits being at all 
points in our possession. The behavior of the men of the Twenty- 
fifth during the whole day was most admirable, and to their indom- 
itable gallantry was largely due the success of the expedition. The 
loss of the regiment was two killed and nine wounded. Among 
the former was Chaplain Butler who was mortally wounded while 
moving about the field in efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the 
wounded, 8 and who only four hours before had lifted his hands in 
prayer over the regiment as it marched to the field. 

Longstreet now abandoning the siege, about a week subsequent 
to this last engagement the Twenty-fifth Eegiment moved to a point 
near Norfolk, and not far from the Elizabeth River, where it con- 
structed a fort, which in compliment to the State, was named Fort 
New J ersey, by order of General Getty. This fort occupied some 
five acres of ground, with a parapet of two thousand and four 
hundred feet square, and was built under the superintendence of 
Lieutenant-Colonel Ayres. It stood throughout the war as a monu- 
ment of the industry and endurance of New Jersey troops, who, 
from first to last, proved themselves equal to every duty. 

This was the last work in which the Twenty -fifth was engaged. 
On the 4th of June, it was ordered to proceed to Portsmouth and 
take transportation for New Jerse}^, and four days later reached 
Camp Cadwallader, at Beverly, where on the 20th of June it. was 
mustered out of the service. Upon quitting the field, the regiment 
was complimented in a special order by General Getty, in the 
course of which he said : " Since the regiment joined this division 
last November, they have improved as soldiers with great rapidity ; 
from the most inexperienced they have become worthy to be ranked 
as veterans. Everything required of them has been performed 
cheerfully and well, and they return home with the proud con- 
sciousness of having done their duty." Colonel Derrom, on the 
muster-out of the regimajit, issued the following order : 

[" Regimental Order, No. 97.] 
"After an honorable term of military service, the officers and men of the Twenty- 

s Chaplain Butler was a man of the most exalted character and the veiy purest 
patriotism, and was universally beloved bj the men, in whose service he so bravely 
died. 



THE TWENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT. 



535 



fifth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers, are assembled to be mustered out of the 
service of the United States. During the time the regiment has been in the service, 
every duty, whether in training routine or in action, has been performed with cheer- 
fulness and alacrity. The conduct of the regiment has been most exemplary, both in 
a moral and military view. Let the good name of the regiment be ever held in 
remembrance by the officers and men, and in afterlife let us all lookback with pleasure 
upon the honorable connection each officer and man has had in building up and sus - 
taining this good name. Let us so act in all our future conduct that we may ever 
boast that we have been members of the Twenty-fifth New Jersey Volunteers. 

" We will, at the close of our service, offer up unto Almighty God our thanksgiving 
and praise for His infinite mercy and loving kindness unto us, in supporting, guiding 
and protecting us through many dangers and temptations, and bringing us safely back 
to our homes." 

While the casualties of the Twenty-fifth, as compared with those of 
many other regiments, were few, and its achievements were not 
celebrated, as were those of some other commands, in bulletins 
from the battle-field, its services were none the less important, and 
its labors none the less arduous and severe. No regiment ever 
performed, in the same period of time, more exhausting labors, and 
few have a brighter record of duty always cheerfully and faithfully 
done. During the siege of Suffolk, as has been seen, it was con- 
spicuous in the construction of breastworks, rifle-pits and military 
roads and bridges, as well as in the performance of arduous military 
duties, in supporting batteries, manning rifle-pits and doing picket- 
duty in the face of the enemy — while in the field its courage shone 
out lustrously in every contest in which it was engaged. Shrinking 
from no peril, halting at no obstacles, maintaining the honor of the 
nation's flag, it deserved the plaudits which welcomed it home, and 
followed those who had served in its ranks into the retirement of 
private life. 4 

* The following statistics furnish details as to the composition of the regiment, the 
localities in which it was raised, the names of officers and men, and their several occu- 
pations : 

Colonel, Andrew Derrom, architect and builder, Paterson, Passaic County. 
Lieutenant-Colonel, E. J. Ayres, grocer, Paterson, Passaic County. 
Major, J. Kelly Brown, nurseryman, Camden, Camden County. 
Adjutant,'Daniel B. Murphy, mechanic, Camden, Camden County. 
Quartermaster, James Inglis, Jr., stationer, Paterson, Passaic County, 
Surgeon, James Reiley, M. D., Morristown. 
First Assistant-Surgeon, Robert M. Bateman, M. D., Bridgeton, 
Second Assistant-Surgeon, Seffrine Daily, M. D.', Newark. 
Chaplain, Francis E. Butler, Presbyterian, Paterson, Passaic County. 
Sergeant-Major, Charles J. Field, tobacconist, Camden, Camden County. 
Quartermaster-Sergeant, John Murchamp, clerk, Camden, Camden County. 



586 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Commissary-Sergeant, J. R. Putnam, lawyer, Paterson, Passaic County. 
Hospital-Steward, D. McAuslan, clerk, Paterson, Passaic County. 
Ward-Master, George Gravelius, barber, Paterson, Passaic County. 
Drill-Sergeant, William McDonough, huckster, Camden, Camden County. 
Drum-Major, A. J. Williams, cigar-maker, West Milford. 
Colonel's Orderly, E. L. Townsend, farmer, Cape May. 

Company A. 

This company was raised in Paterson, Passaic County. Total strength, 101. Com- 
missioned Officers — Captain, John McKiernan, coppersmith ; First Lieutenant, Andrew 
Rogers, coppersmith ; Second Lieutenant, T. B. Richards, machinist. 

The occupations of the non-commissioned officers and privates were as follows : 
Bridge builder, 1; boiler makers, 6; blacksmiths, 4 ; baker, 1; bleachers, 2; carpenters, 
5; cotton spinners, 2; clerk, 1; coppersmith, 1; farmers, 14; mason, 1; machinists, 
15; moulders, 3; millwrights, 4 ; engineer, 1; mineral water men, 4; silkmaker, 1; shoe- 
makers, 5; sailor, 1 ; laborers, 24; pattern makers, 1 ; tin and sheet iron worker, 1. 

First Lieutenant Andrew Rogers, of this company, was promoted to Captain and 
transferred to Company F, same regiment, and Fourth Sergeant Samuel G. McKiernan 
was promoted First Lieutenant, to fill the vacancy. First Sergeant Gibson, reported 
wounded at Fredericksburg, was appointed Second Lieutenant. This company had 
five privates killed in the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862 — also nine 
wounded ; two men wounded at Suffolk, May 3, 1863. 

Compact B. 

This company was raised in the following places in Atlantic County : Egg Harbor, 
76 men ; Hamillton, 17 men ; Atlantic City, 4 men ; Mullica township, 2 men; Galloway 
township, 1 man, and 1 from Salem County. Total, 101. Commissioned Officers — 
Captain, Somers T. Champion, artist; First Lieutenant, Jethre V. Albertson, ship 
builder; Second Lieutenant, D. Somers Risley, ship builder. 

Non-commissioned Officers and Privates — Ambrotypist, 1 ; blacksmith, 1; carpenters, 4; 
farmers, 20 ; laborers, 25; moulder, 1; oystermen, 32 ; school teacher, 1 ; shoemaker, 1; 
watermen, 8 ; wheelright, 1 ; teamsters 3. 

The company had five men wounded and two men missing at the battle before 
Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. 

Company C. 

This company was raised in Paterson, Passaic County. Commissioned Officers— Cap. 
tain, Archibald Graham, machinist ; First Lieutenant, Columbus Force, machinist ; 
Second Lieutenant, R. Parmley, machinist. 

Noyi-commissioned Officers and Privates — Boilermakers, 7; butcher, 1; clerks, 3; car; 
penters, 9; engineers, 3; farmers, 15; laborers, 33; machinists, 13; masons, 2; sheet 
and iron workers, 2 ; silk worker, 1 ; moulders, 3; shoemakers, 2; tailor, 1; weaver, 1; 
wagon trimmer, 2. 

This company had 4 men wounded and 1 man killed at the battle of Fredericksburg, 
December 13, 1862. Also, 1 Sergeant killed at the battle of Suffolk, Virginia, May 3, 
1863. 

Compact D. 

This company was raised in Fairfield township, Cumberland county. Commissioned 
Officers — Captain, E. F. Garretson, ship captain ; First Lieutenant, Samuel Peacock, 
hotel keeper ; Second Lieutenant, Joseph Bateman, carpenter. 

Non-commissioned Officers and Privates — Artists, 1; clerks, 3; carpenters, 2 ; farmers, 
17; glass blowers, 3; masons, 2; watermen, 87 ; laborers, 30; shoemakers, 2; spar 
maker, 1 ; total, 101. 

This company had nine men wounded and two men killed at the battle of Freder- 
icksburg, December 13, 1862. 

Compact E. 

This company was raised in West Milford, Passaic County. Commissmied Officers— 



THE TWENTY-FIFTH EEGIMENT. 



537 



Captain, Alexander Holmes, machinist ; First Lieutenant, George P. Freeman, farmer ; 
Second Lieutenant, Charles M. Marsh, lawyer. 

Non-commissioned Officers and Privates — Artists, 5 ; boiler maker, 1 ; blacksmith, 3 ; 
butcher, 1 ; carpenter, 1 ; clerk, 1 ; engineer, 1 ; barber, 1 ; farmers, 26 ; merchant, 1 ; 
laborers, 32; lawyer, 1; machinists, 4; masons, 2; painter, 1; shoemakers, 2; sheet 
iron workers, 3 ; weavers, 2; total 91. 

This company had three men wounded and one man missing in action at the battle 
of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. 

Company F. 

This company was raised in Dennis and Lower townships, Cape May County. Coni- 
missioned Officers — Captain, David Blenkon, shoe dealer; First Lieutenant, Nicholas 
W. Godfrey, carpenter ; Second Lieutenant Henry Y. Willets, carpenter. 

Non-commissioned Officers and Privates — Artists, 2; carpenters, 8; clerks, 2; farmers, 
40; laborers, 33; shoemaker, 1; watermen, 8; seaman, 1; miller,!; printers, 2; 
total, 98. 

This company had five men wounded and one man missing (supposed killed) at the 
battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1882; also one corporal and one private 
wounded at Suffolk, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Company G. 

This company was raised in the following places : Upper Township, Cape May 
County, 39; Weymouth, Atlantic County, 22; Camden, Camden County, 25; Morris 
River, Cumberland County, 9. Commissioned Officers — Captain, Charles R. Powell, 
blacksmith ; First Lieutenant, EwingW. Tibbies, painter; Second Lieutenant, Nicholas 
Corson, school teacher. 

Non-commissioned Officers and Privates — Bricklayers, 2; blacksmith 1 ; carpenters, 2; 
clerks, 3; cigar maker, 1; sheet iron worker, 1; seamen, 2; watermen, 12; carriage 
trimmer, 1 ; dentist, 1 ; masons, 1 ; machinist, 1 ; moulder, 1 ; shoemaker, 1 ; school 
teacher, 1; farmers, 5; millwright 1; miller, 1; printer, 1; harness makers, 2; paint- 
ers, 2 ; laborers, 50 ; glass cutter, 1 ; glass blower, 1 ; total 98. 

This company had eight men wounded and one man missing (since died at Rich- 
mond) at the battle ot Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. Captain C. Force, wounded 
at the battle of Suffolk, May 3d, 1863. (Columbus Force, First Lieutenant Company 
C, promoted Captain of Company G.) 

Company H. 

This company was raised in Paterson, Passaic County. Commissioned Officers — 
Captain, Harvey Beyea, machinist ; First Lieutenant, Abraham Vanderbilt, carpenter ; 
Second Lieutenant, Cornelius Van Wagoner, merchant. 

Non-commissioned Officers and Privates— Artists, 3; carpenters, 13; box makers, 2; 
butchers, 3 ; belt maker, 1 ; bleacher, 1 ; barber, 1 ; clerks, 13 ; cooper, 1 ; copper, 
smith, 1 ; blacksmiths, 4 ; daguerrean, 1 ; engineer, 1 ; farmers, 5 ; gold beater, 1 ; 
lawyers, 2; laborers, 10; machinists, 8; millwrights, 2; moulder, 1 ; printers, 2; 
painters, 3; plumber, 1; shoemakers, 4; sawyer, 1; silk spinner, 1; sheet iron work- 
ers, 2; type makers, 2; tinkers, 2; sash and blind maker, 1; silver plater, 1; tin- 
smiths, 2; weaver, 1 ; warper, 1 ; total, 101. 

This company had two men wounded (one having died and the other discharged, by 
reason of their wounds,) at the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862; also 
two men wounded at the battle of Suffolk, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Company I. 

This company was raised in the following counties : Cape May County, 69 ; Atlantic 
County, 5 ; Cumberland County, 1 ; Camden County, 25. Commissioned Officers— Captain, 
P. A. Stevens, farmer ; First Lieutenant, J. F. Tomlin, farmer ; Second Lieutenant, Samuel 
E. Douglass, farmer. 

Non-commissioned Officers and Privates— Blacksmith, 1; butchers, 3; carpenters, 7; 
farmers, 36 ; huckster, 1; cotton-spinner, 1; mason, 1 ;' painters, 2; moulders, 2; sailor^ 
1; shoemakers, 4; sheet and iron workers, 2 ; watermen, 86 ; totaL 100> 

68 



538 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION, 



This company had five men wounded and one man killed at the Battle of Fredericks^ 
6urg, Virginia, December 13, 1862 ; also, two men wounded at Suffolk, Virginia, May 3, 

1863. 

Company K. 

This Company was raised in Acquackanonk Township, Passaic County. Commissioned 
Officers — Captain, Edward R. Spear, carriage maker; First Lieutenant, Lewis A. Piagot, 
watch maker ; Second Lieutenant, George M. Post, farmer. 

Non-commissioned Officers and Privates — Bricklayers,, 4 ; boiler makers, 2; blacksmiths, 
5 ; butchers, 2 ; cooks, 8 ; charcoal burners, 14 ; hatters, 2 ; weavers, 2 ; bakers, 2 ; car- 
penters, 4; cotton spinner, 1 ; clerks, 4; huckster, 1; masons, 2; machinists, 2 ; watch- 
maker, 1; millers, 2; millwright, 1; farmers, 24; painters, 2; plumber, 1; shoemakers, 
6 ; sailors, 5; tailors, 1 ; tctal, 101. 

This company had one Corporal killed and one private wounded, and one missing at 
the Battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. 



CHAPTEE 



XX. 



• THE TWENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT, 

The Twenty-sixth, like all the nine months' regiments, was hasti- 
ly formed. It was composed of men from Newark and the adjoin- 
ing towns — Orange, South. Orange, Bloomfleld and Caldwell — each 
furnishing one company, while Newark filled the remaining six. 
The regiment was mustered into the State service at Camp Freling- 
huysen on September 3, 1862, and some three weeks later, (Sep- 
tember 26th,) being officered and equipped, 1 proceeded to "Washing- 
ton, arriving there the day following and going into camp on Capi- 
tal Hill. Here, being assigned to General Briggs's Brigade, Sum- 
ner's Corps, it remained until October 1st, when it was ordered to 
Frederick, Maryland, making the journey in open cars on which 
any degree of comfort was altogether impossible. On the 11th? 
the regiment started on its first march, proceeding to Hagerstown, 
where it was attached to the brigade of which it formed a part, until 



i The original roster of the regiment was as follows : 

Colonel, Andrew J. Morrison; Lieutenant-Colonel, ; Major, William 

W. Morris ; Adjutant, John C. White ; Quartermaster, John H. Bailey ; Surgeon, 
Luther G. Thomas; Chaplain, D. T. Morrill. Company A — Captain, Stephen C. Ford- 
ham; First Lieutenant, Rochus Heinisch, Jr. ; Second Lieutenant, William H. Meldrum. 
Company B— Captain, William H. Halsey; First Lieutenant, Mark Sears ; Second Lieu- 
tenant, James A. Linen. Company C— Captain, Samuel H. Pemberjton; First Lieuten- 
ant, Cornelius McCleese; Second Lieutenant, George Hogan. Company B — Captain, 

Henry M. Bush ; First Lieutenant, ; Second Lieutenant, Moses A. 

Hoage. Company E— Captain, John Hunkle ; First Lieutenent, Henry C. Terhune ; 
Second Lieutenant, Ira Meeker. Company i — Captain, Walter H. Dodd ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Robert J. Beach ; Seeond Lieutenant, William R. Taylor. Company £— Cap- 
tain, George W. Harrison ; First Lieutenant, George W. Nixon ; Second Lieutenant, 
Joseph A. Dunnell. Company H— Captain, Samuel TJ. Dodd ; First Lieutenant, Brit- 
tain Haines ; Second Lieutenant, John I. King. Company 1— Captain, John Mclntee ; 
First Lieutenant, ; Second Lieutenant, Albert Allen. Company S— Cap- 
tain, Thaddeus Smith ; First Lieutenant, Peter F. Rogers ; Second Lieutenant, 



510 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



the expiration of its term of service. This brigade was composed 
of the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Vermont regiments, 
commanded by General Brooks, and formed part of Smith's 
Division, Franklin's Corps. General Brooks being soon after 
assigned to the command of a division, Colonel Whiting took 
command of the brigade. 2 Leaving Hagerstown on the 31st, the 
regiment proceeded to Berlin, on the Potomac, where it crossed 
into Virginia, marching to New Baltimore, and thence to a point 
on Aquia Creek, where it remained until, Burnside having com- 
pleted his preparations for a movement against Fredericksburg, it 
advanced with its division to Falmouth, going into camp on the 
6th of December, in the midst of a cold and pitiless storm— the 
men pitching their tents in the frozen snow. So severe was the 
cold that the night after the arrival of the regiment, the water 
froze in the canteens. 

On the 11th, marching orders came again. " Two days before " — 
we quote the narrative of one who participated in all the experi- 
ences of the regiment — u at evening dress parade, the Colonel had 
told the men that they would soon go into battle. He expressed 
himself pleased with the conduct of the regiment thus far, and 

2 " At this time the regiment was over a thousand strong. We were fully and well 
equipped, with the important exception, however, of our guns, which were old, altered 
muskets, and totally unfit for active service. In respect to men, the regiment was 
composed of the flower of Essex County. True we had been hastily brought together, 
and some had been enlisted who were too old or too young or otherwise unfit for' ser- 
vice, but the number of these was not large, and the great body of the regiment was 
composed of young active men, mechanics and farmers, men of character and intelli- 
gence for the most part. Out of such material the very best soldiers might have been 
made. Of our officers, Colonel Morrison was almost the only one who had seen ser- 
vice, and he had been a cavalry officer, so that his duties as commander of an infantry 
regiment were new to him. Many of the officers were, up to the time of their appoint- 
ment, unacquainted even with the company drill, and it was inevitable from the way 
in which they were chosen that some of them should prove unfit for the positions 
which they occupied. We had to go through that weeding-out process which all our 
volunteer regiments went through with ; but for us the process was a costly one, for 
we went through it, not in a winter camp, but during an active and trying campaign^ 
when good officers would have been everything to us. Vie were emphatically a green 
regiment when we entered upon active service, and Ave learned our drill, not on the 
parade ground, but by long marches and finally on the battle field. W r e had one great 
advantage. W r e were brigaded with veterans, and with veterans, too, who had won a 
high reputation in the Peninsula and Maryland campaigns. Their example was our 
real teacher in the school of war. Such was our condition and situation when we 
crossed into Virginia."— Notes of an Officer. 



THE TWENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT. 



541 



exhorted all to keep cool and obey orders when they came into 
danger. We started early in the morning and took the road 
towards the Eappahannock. After going a short distance, we were 
ordered for the first time to load. We were scarcely on the way 
again before cannonading commenced, and as we drew near the 
river it became more and more distinct, until we could hear the 
howling of the shells following the reports. On we went, until 
reaching the brow of a hill, the valley of the Eappahannock burst 
upon our sight. At our feet lay an extensive plain, through the 
midst of which we could trace the course of the river. In the 
back-ground, the Heights of Fredericksburg stood out against the 
horizon. To our right, the plain narrowed, and just where the 
hills met the river, lay the little, quaint old city. That view 
would have been remarkable at any time, but as we saw it. it was 
more than remarkable. The hills over which we were passing 
were grim with batteries, while on the plain beneath, the long 
dark lines of the Union army stretched for miles away into the 
distance. On the opposite bank we could catch glimpses of the 
rebel host, and from the hills directly in front of us their batteries 
peered out, half masked by the trees. To the right, the cannon- 
ading was becoming more and more terrible, and the smoke from 
the rebel guns hung like a pall over the devoted city. We soon 
had descended into the plain, and taking our place in the line, lay 
waiting on our arms. Presently the battery on the hill behind us 
commenced firing, sending the shells wizzing over our heads. The 
day passed on. Sometimes the firing almost ceased for a little 
while, and then was renewed with redoubled vigor. At sundown, 
a detachment attempted to cross the pontoon bridge which had 
been laid in front of us. As they went down the river bank, the 
sharpshooters on the other side opened on them. Then a battery, 
dashing down to the river bank, opened on the sharpshooters, and 
the flashing guns and shells bursting in the gathering darkness, 
made the scene indescribably grand. Soon all was quiet, and we 
moved back a short distance into the woods to pass the night. 
The following morning we crossed the pontoon bridge without 
opposition, and formed in line of battle on the opposite side of the 



542 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



river. Soon the rebel batteries opened, and then, for the first 
time we felt that we were under fire, for their shells, flying over 
our heads, frequently burst just above us, though too high to do 
any carnage. That night we slept on our arms. The next day was 
the memorable 13th of December. During the morning everything 
was comparatively quiet, but in the afternoon the firing became 
general and heavy all along the line. Around us the shells flew 
thickly, and two of our men were wounded. Column after column 
filed past us on the way to the front, and one regiment after 
another of our own brigade fell quietly into their ranks and moved 
off to battle, until we were left alone. We awaited our turn, a 
little nervously, perhaps, but still quietly and hopefully. We 
knew that we were not in fighting trim. Our Colonel was away 
sick, and Major Morris, our only field officer, had as yet had no 
opportunity to prove himself the brave officer we afterwards found 
him. Our muskets were useless, and our drill, as yet, was very 
imperfect. But every one seemed to feel that we could fight in 
spite of all this, and we felt half anxious to be led to the front. 
At last the order came, and the regiment never moved off in finer 
style or kept a better line ; but we had not gone two hundred yards 
before the order was countermanded, and we marched quietly back 
to our former position. Why we went no farther we never cer- 
tainly knew, but it was reported that Colonel Whiting, who com- 
manded our brigade, protested against sending us in, saying that it 
would be murder to do so with only one field officer and our useless 
arms. Night came on and the firing ceased. We lay down to rest, 
not knowing how the fight had gone. Little did we dream that 
the night had closed on one of the darkest days of our nation's 
history. The next morning was the Sabbath ; but no Sabbath rest 
came to the Army of the Potomac, except to those who slept their 
last long sleep under the shadow of those bloody hills. We were 
soon ordered up and moved to the front under a heavy artillery 
fire, which, however, did us no damage. W e took our position 
along a road beyond which was the skirmish line. The skirmish- 
ers kept up a brisk fire all the morning, and the stretcher-bearers 
passed us with their mournful burdens ; but towards afternoon all 



THE TWENTY- SIXTH REGIMENT. 



543 



became quiet, and we passed the night as best we could in the 
muddy road — the next morning falling back near the river. Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Seaver, of the Third Vermont Eegiment, now took 
command of the Twenty-sixth. We lay quietly all day, but at 
night silently crossed the pontoon bridge and in a little while were 
camped again in the woods on the north side of the Rappahannock 
— soon after going into winter-quarters near Belle Plain. 

The regiment now entered fairly on the routine of camp duty, 
and under Colonel Seaver's command rapidly improved in drill 
and discipline. In January, when Colonel Morrison had resumed 
command, and Captain Martindale, of General Howe's staff, had 
been appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, the regiment participated in the 
" Mud March," suffering greatly and becoming so disheartened that 
only twenty or thirty men, on the return march, came in with the 
colors. 3 At length the spring dawned, and the army again struck 

3 From the notes of an officer of the regiment, we gather the following in reference 
to this famous campaign : 

" We moved off at a rapid rate, and as we had lately drawn our winter clothing, our 
knapsacks were unusually heavy. On we went for about four miles. Then a short 
halt to rest ; and then on again, across the railroad, through wood and valley, up hill 
and down, past many a deserted camp the column moved, until at last it halted in a corn 
field to allow the stragglers to catch up, for the rapid pace and their heavy loads had 
began to tell on the men. Soon we started again at a more rapid rate than before, and 
now the regiments began to dwindle away and every deserted camp was filled with 
those who had fallen out of the ranks, utterly unable to keep up. We finally camped 
in a thick woods near Banks' Ford. It had been somewhat cloudy all day, but for 
weeks there had been no storms and the roads were in splendid condition, but scarcely 
had we set up our shelter tents before it commenced to rain, and by morning the 
treacherous soil was like the "Slough of Despond." The storm, a cold north-easter, 
continued to rage during the day, and about one o'clock we were ordered to strike 
tents and march. We moved about half a mile in the direction of the river, when we 
halted and stacked arms. Here any doubts that we might have had respecting our 
destination were solved, for there, on a little rise of ground before us, a number of 
pontoon wagons were drawn up, while others were being dragged through the mud to 
that position. It was certain that we were to attempt the passage of the Rappahan- 
nock once more. Presently we were ordered to take off our equipments and. were 
marched a little way back into the woods, where was a pontoon train stuck fast in the 
mud. Long ropes were rigged to the wagons and the Twenty-sixth, took hold, one 
company to each boat, to help the train through. We floundered away, some pulling 
by the ropes, others pushing, and after a good deal of hard work we dragged the boats 
out of the woods on, or rather into, open ground; for in the woods there had been 
degrees of muddiness. Sometimes the wheels would go clown to the hubs in some 
awful mud hole, then the ground would be comparatively hard for a little way, and we 
would have to draw the wagons over stumps instead of through the mud. But once 
out of the woods, our position was like that of liliputians in a great mud pie. The 
wheels went down actually over the hubs, and those of us were fortunate who did not 
get in over our knees. Some actually went down up to the middle. The horses, poor 



544 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



its tents and prepared once more to measure strength with the foe. 
Meanwhile, the Twenty-sixth had been supplied with new rifles and 
greatly improved in morale as well as drill. " The men," accord 
ing to the testimony of the writer already quoted, " were in the 
best of health and spirits, and if not anxious for the fray, were 
still ready for it." On the 28th of April, orders for an advance 
were received, and the Twenty-sixth once more moved towards the 
Eappahannock, bivouacking at night about a mile from the river, 
and early the next morning marching out to almost precisely the 
spot where it stood in line in December. Here it remained during 

beasts, could of course do no nothing to help us, and the train was literally stuck. 
Another regiment was sent to our aid, and with their assistance we dragged the pon- 
toons almost over the horses' backs through the field to the hill where the others were 
drawn up. We were then ordered back to the place where our arms were stacked. By 
this time it was dark. We were wet to the skin with the rain, covered with mud and 
chilled through and through by the cold storm. There was nothing at hand of which 
to make fires except green scrub pines, yet the men actually did make miserable smoky 
little fires with these, in spite of the rain, but to get warm by one of them was an im- 
possibility, much less to cook our suppers. We remained for some time in this misera- 
ble plight, when the Colonel rode up and said : ' Boys, take off your equipments ; 
there are forty more of these boats to be got through to-night and this brigade must 
do it ; so prepare for work !' This was adding misery to misery, but we waited and no 
orders to grapple the pontoons came, but presently the Colonel rode up again and told 
us to fall in, as we were going back to our camp. This news was received joyfully 
enough, and after stumbling along through the mud and darkness for about a mile, we 
found ourselves at the place from which we started in the morning. Soon rousing fires 
were going, by which we dried ourselves and cooked our coffee. We then pitched our 
tents on the cold, wet ground, and slept as soundly as if we had been in comfortable 
beds at home. Once during the next day we were ordered to prepare to march, but 
the order was countermanded. The opinion, however, was general that the intended 
movement had been given up. The day after, this opinion was confirmed, for at seven 
o'clock we started back towards our old camps. The march soon degenerated into a 
grand straggle, for the men were literally worn out by the three days of terrible work 
which they had been through. The Twenty-sixth kept together very well until we 
reached Falmouth. There rations were served out ; among them, as an extra favor, a 
whiskey ration, which did more harm than good. After leaving Falmouth, the regi- 
ment dwindled rapidly away, one after another falling out of the ranks, until a mere 
handful was left. The whole army strangled; here you could see a group of men from 
two or three different regiments cooly making coffee around a fire, while others were 
plodding leisurely along, some in groups, some singly. Now and then there would be 
a wagon stuck so that ten mules could not pull it out, or perhaps a knot of wagons, 
ambulances and artillery so entangled that it seemed as if they could never be separa- 
ted. Many a poor fellow lay down by the roadside utterly exhausted and helpless, and 
the army seemed totally demoralized. Only twenty or thirty of the Twenty -sixth came 
into camp with the colors. For the next two or three days the stragglers kept coming 
in singly or in groups, and order was finally brought out of confusion. Though no 
notice was ever taken of those who fell out on the way 7wmc, a number of non- 
commissioned officers were reduced to the ranks for straggling on the outward march, 
but most of them were soon restored." 



THE TWENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT. 



545 



the day, fighting meanwhile being in progress at Chancellorsville. 
The next day, it moved its line back to the side of the hills, but 
at night was detailed to escort a pontoon train to Banks' Ford, 
whence it returned to its position on the following morning. That 
day the men were permitted to rest, but on the next night, the 
brigade crossed the river, and with the dawn of the eventful 3d of 
May, moved up into the road in which it lay four months before, but 
in a position nearer the city than at that time. " The batteries on 
both sides now opened with tremendous fury" — we again quote 
from the narrative of a participant — " but behind the bank against 
which the Twenty-sixth was lying, the men were better protected 
from the rebel fire than from our own— several being hurt by 
fragments of shells from the guns just behind us. This state of 
things continued until about noon, when we were suddenly ordered 
to take off knapsacks and haversacks and pile them up in the road. 
Then, ' Forward, double-quick, march V and forward we went 
over the bank, out into the open field, where we were fully exposed 
to the enemy's fire. On we went, now by the front, now by the 
right flank, until the rapid pace and frequent changes had thrown 
the line into considerable disorder. Colonel Morrison, riding far 
ahead of us on his white-footed charger, urged us forward, bat 
Lieutenant-Colonel Martindale with better judgment, begged him, 
' For God's sake, Colonel, halt your regiment and dress it up ;' and 
then himself gave the order and posted the guides. ' No old regi- 
ment could have been cooler. There we were, half way across the 
field from the hills, on one side of which a perfect storm of shell 
and shrapnel was sweeping, but at the command the men halted 
and dressed up the line, not as accurately, perhaps, as we would 
have done on the parade ground, but still, well. Then we rushed 
forward again, and as we approached the foot of the hills, we could 
see the rebel gunners limbering up their lighter pieces. The Sec- 
ond Vermont, which had got a little ahead of us, were now moving 
up the steep slope on our right, in beautiful line, and presently we 
also commenced the ascent. A terrible volley thinned the ranks 
of the Vermonters,' but they pressed on and the enemy began to 
give way. As we neared the earthwork, we expected to receive 



546 



NEW JERSEY AXD THE REBELLION. 



our share of the musketry fire, but none came, and when at last 
we came within a few yards of it, we saw that it was deserted and 
that the enemy had left in it a fine brass field -piece. As we reached 
the top of the hill we could see the flying foe crossing through a 
gully and ascending the rise of ground opposite us. "We gave them 
a few shots and they were soon lost to view, but they rallied a little 
further on, supported by a light battery, and as we came up gave 
us a volley or two of grape, and then continued their flight. We 
were wild with delight. The terrible Fredericksburg heights had 
been captured, and we now stood victors on those dreaded hills 
which we had so often gazed upon from the other side. The 
Twenty -sixth had fought its first battle, and had done well and 
courageously. We could now go home proudly, with an honora- 
bly-scarred flag. Our loss had been light in spite of the fire to 
which we had been exposed and we hardly gave it a thought as 
yet. Such were our feelings as we marched back to the place 
where we had left our knapsacks. In the road we made our coffee 
and ate a few hard tack, which was about all the refreshments we 
had that day, and then, falling in once more, started towards the 
city. Now we turned up the road towards the works which the 
light division had taken that morning, and every now and then, 
passed the ghastly corpses of those who had fallen in the morning's 
charge. On up the turnpike and over the works we passed, on 
beyond the hills; and in the front where the First Division now 
was, we began to hear skirmish firing, soon followed by the 
' growling of the bull dogs.' We moved up in the direction of 
the firing and away from the heights ; pushed on a little further 
and then halted to replenish our ammunition. While we were 
doing so, the artillery fire suddenly ceased, and the low, sharp 
musketry rattle began. When we moved off again, we met wounded 
men coming to the rear. First, one here and there; then they 
grew thicker and thicker, until the road-side was lined with them. 
These, of course, were only those who could walk, or be helped 
on by comrades who were able. That dismal procession was poor 
cheer for us as we neared the front. However, before we came 
up with the firing, darkness came on and it ceased. We found that 



THE TWENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT. 



547 



the rebels had made a desperate stand in the pine woods, and had 
succeeded in checking the advance of the First Division, and that 
the old First Jersey Brigade had suffered very heavily. We 
turned off from the road along the edge of a gully, and throwing 
out two companies as skirmishers, lay on our arms all night. 

" In the morning everything was quiet, and we were preparing 
for our breakfast, when, suddenly, the report of a gun was heard, 
and a shell landed in the regiment next to us. This was followed 
by another and another, and we now saw that they came from the 
very hills we had taken the day before. The trouble was evident. 
We were being outflanked and surrounded. Immediately slinging 
our knapsacks, we fell into our places and moved off under a heavy 
fire from the rebel battery. Our own batteries, by this time, began 
to reply, and everything looked as if we might have a hot time ; 
but after moving about nearly all the morning, from one position 
to another, we finally settled down in an open field, in front of 
which was a piece of woods. During the afternoon, everything 
continued quiet, until about five o'clock, when, after a little skir- 
mishing, the first line of battle, immediately in front of us, became 
heavily engaged. The firing came nearer and nearer, and shells 
and bullets swept past us. Soon the word came that ' the first 
line is being driven back.' Then came the order: 'Attention! 
right face, double-quick, march !' and away we went past the 
broken regiments of the Third Brigade, and filing in front of a 
battery formed in a ditch about two feet deep, where we awaited 
the onset. Two hundred yards distant, on a knoll a little to our 
left, the yelling masses of greybacks came rushing on, driving 
before them the last gallant remnant of the first line. 'Fire!' 
shouted Colonel Martindale, who was now in command, and eight 
hundred rifles poured their contents into the closed ranks of the 
foemen. They staggered, as if struck by a tornado ; only for a 
moment, however, and then, though in disorder and scattered, 
again advanced. They were now almost upon our flank, and it 
became necessary for us to change our position — for the men on 
the right, obliqueing their fire as the rebels came nearer, were 
almost firing into those on the left. ' Cease firing ! By file left, 



548 



NEW JEKSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



march !' came the orders in quick succession. The first was 
obeyed by the whole regiment, and the second by the companies 
on the left of the line, but towards the right and center it was mis- 
taken, and the regiment broke. It certainly was not the fault of 
the men that it did so. No veterans could have behaved more 
coolly, until the order ' retreat ' was given, and the example was 
set by one or two officers who ought to have known better. We 
were not the only regiment that was broken on that fearful Monday 
night, and when veterans were compelled to give way, we might 
well be pardoned for doing the same; but many look back on 
that moment with regret. Eeaching a brush fence, the Twenty- 
sixth rallied. In the mean time, many of the men had fallen 
in with the Sixth Vermont, which lay behind a little rise of 
ground, awaiting the onset of the rebel hosts. Although the 
enemy was at least three times their number, for there was a whole 
brigade of them, the gallant Vermonters let them come on until 
they were actually within a few feet of them, and then, rising, 
poured in a volley which literally decimated the foe. They fled 
hastily, and the Sixth Corps was saved ! Now it was our turn, 
and the Vermonters, followed by the Twentj^-sixth, pressed for- 
ward on the flying foe, until we reached the brow of the hill from 
which they had come. As we went, we took a great many pris- 
oners — among them, the Colonel in command of the rebel brigade in 
our immediate front. It was now growing dark, and we fell back 
into a new position, and several companies were thrown out as 
skirmishers. 

" During the night, all was quiet, save occasional shots from a 
rebel battery, and now and then a little skirmish firing. Little by 
little we moved down towards the river, and about four o'clock in 
the morning crossed on the pontoon bridge which we had brought 
up a few nights before. Two hours' rest, and then the Twenty- 
sixth was sent down to help the engineers take up the pontoons. 
It was a tiresome work for men who had had no rest for twenty- 
four hours. But we got the boats out, hauled them up the hill, 
piled bushes over them to conceal them, and then went back into 
the woods. Being here disturbed by occasional shells from the 



THE TWENTY-SIXTH BEG-IMENT. 



549 



enemy, we fell in and marched about a mile further back." The 
total loss of the regiment in this series of operations, in which it 
displayed a heroism worthy of veterans, was seven killed, sixty- 
five wounded, and fifty-one missing. 4 

After remaining in a most -uncomfortable position for a few 
days, the regiment moved to Belle Plain Landing, near which it 
went into camp. The time at which the regimental term of enlist- 
ment would expire was now near at hand, and it was not consid- 
ered probable that it would again be called upon to meet the enemy 
in battle. But the 3d of June, the day which, as the men believed, 
terminated their term of service, passed with no signs of release, 
# and the dissatisfaction in the regiment became deep and loud- 
spoken. Some declared that they would not fight after June 3d. 



4 The official report of Lieutenant-Colonel Martindale, says : 

" In furnishing a statement of the casualties in this regiment in the action of the 4th 
instant, npon the Heights of Fredericksburg, I have the honor further to report that 
the duties assigned to the regiment were performed substantially in a manner creditable 
to the gallantry and personal courage of a majority of the officers and men. Although 
compelled to shift positions repeatedly, the regiment was successfully rallied three 
times, delivered its fire with telling effect, and recovered all the ground that had been 
lost, and advanced its skirmishers to the crest of the hill in front of the brigade, which 
had been crossed and re-crossed by the enemy. In the last advance made by the regi- 
ment it had the good fortune to capture many prisoners from the Louisiana Brigade, 
which had made the attack upon ours. Among these were Colonel Stafford, com- 
manding the brigade (as was stated), whose sword I had the pleasure of receiving from 
him; a Lieutenant-Colonel, a Major, and several Captains and minor officers, all of 
whom were secured and sent to the rear. 

" The total killed, wounded and missing in this action was one hundred and twenty- 
four, of whom there were known to be killed five, wounded forty-eight, and missing 
seventy-one. 

"I beg leave to mention in terms of high commendation for unflinching and faithful 
performance of duty, and the great assistance rendered to me in the action, Major 
William W. Morris. Also, for gallant conduct, Acting Adjutant Terhune, and most of 
the commandants of companies, and in particular Sergeant-Major Cummings, Ser- 
geants Sheridan, Untiedt and Mooney, and private McLaughlin." 

Colonel Grant, commanding the brigade, in his congratulatory order to the men, 
says: "You stormed and took the Heights of Fredericksburg, which, it is believed, 
was one of the most brilliant feats of the war. You took three pieces of artillery and 
many prisoners. And although you are not now in possession of those Heights, you 
were not driven from them, but left them to advance upon a retreating foe. At the 
battle near Banks' Ford you sustained the attack of a vastly superior force— no less 
than three brigades—and repulsed the enemy with great slaughter, taking many prison- 
ers; among them were several Colonels, Majors and line officers." 

The writer is mainly indebted for the particulars of the regimental action to the 
journal of Sergeant Nason, of Company F. Sergeant Nason was one of the bravest 
men in the regiment. He afterwards went out as First Lieutenant in the Thirty-ninth 
regiment, and was killed in leading a forlorn hope at the storming of Petersburg. 



550 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



The case was substantially this : When the regiment was gathered 
at Camp Frelinghuysen, the men were sworn into the service on 
the 3d of September, by a State officer, " for nine months, unless 
sooner discharged." On the 18th of September, they were again 
mustered into the service, and this time by a United States officer. 
The question was, from which muster did the enlistment date ? It 
is easy to see that the opinion might be honestly entertained that 
the enlistment had been for no later a date than June 3d ; but the 
Government took the opposite view, and the regiment was held 
until after the 18th. 

At length, on the 5th of June, the movements of the enemy 
having been for several days of a somewhat mysterious nature, it 
became necessary to penetrate his intentions and ascertain his force 
on the right wing of his line. Accordingly, on the morning of 
that day, the Second Division was ordered to make a reconnoissance 
across the Eappahannock below Fredericksburg. The order to 
march was received on the 26th with a great deal of grumbling and 
even some talk of "stacking arms," but it amounted to nothing. 
Advancing with the brigade, the regiment soon stood for the third 
time on the plain before Fredericksburg. Skirmishers were thrown 
out, and after them batteries went into position on the river bank. 
These forthwith opened a terrific fire upon the earthwork on the 
opposite bank. The rebels had already sent down a strong support 
to their picket line, but the fire from our guns was too much for 
them, and those who could do so fled across the plain, though the 
most of them staid behind the earthwork, literally unable to leave. 
By this time the pontoon boats had commenced moving down to 
the river bank. A few minutes later the Twenty-sixth, with the 
Fifth Vermont, were ordered to fall in. The men started on a 
double-quick, following the pontoons, receiving as they neared the 
river a severe fire from the sharpshooters on the opposite side, but 
still rushing resistlessly forward. There lay the boats in the water. 
As they were filled by the men they were started across by the 
engineers who were in charge. All this time the bullets were 
spattering about in a most spiteful manner, but the moment the 
boats touched the opposite side, the men leaped out and without 



THE TWENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT. 



551 



even waiting for the order to charge, or for any one to lead them, 
dashed up the hill upon the rifle-pits, and in an instant they were 
ours and all the men in them prisoners. The whole affair was a 
most brilliant one, and reflected the greatest credit on the regiments 
engaged in it. The Twenty-sixth suffered heavily, for in the ten 
or fifteen minutes it was under fire, it lost fourteen killed and 
wounded, among whom was Captain S. Uzal Dodd, of Company 
H. 5 The regiment held its position until the 7th, when, the objects 

5 Chaplain Morrill says of this exploit : 

"When the rebels had been shelled out of their position, as was supposed, some 
boats were launched, and the Twenty-sixth New Jersey and Fifth Vermont were 
selected to lead the way. At the word of command they leaped iuto the boats with 
as much eagerness as men would start for a race; in fact there was a boat race to see 
which should first reach the opposite shore and rout and seize the enemy. The Twenty- 
sixth had this honor, reaching the shore first, and with the Fifth Vermont, driving out 
the rebels with a loss of many prisoners. * * * Captain Dodd, who commanded 
the right company, was the first to enter the boat at the head of his company, and in 
this position received a mortal wound. For purity of character, integrity of princi- 
ple and unswerving patriotism, he was without a superior in the regiment." 

Lieutenant-Colonel Martindale's official report of this affair, says : 

" This regiment and the Fifth Vermont had been ordered to cross the river together, 
but the right of the Twenty-sixth New Jersey having reached the river bank a little in 
advance, its first two companies were the first to enter the boats, cross over, and charge 
up the opposite bank. A portion of our right company, H, was the first of our regiment 
to enter the enemy's entrenchments, which they did at the same moment with the head 
of the Fifth Vermont, capturing a considerable number of prisoners. A line of skir- 
mishers was immediately pushed out to the front, and the whole regiment was deployed 
in and beyond the Bowling Green road until the morning of the 6th instant, when it 
was relieved, placed in line of battle, and so continued until the evening of the 7th, 
when the regiment was ordered back to the left bank of the Rappahannock. * * * 
Among the killed, I am deeply grieved to be compelled to mention Captain S. U. Dodd, 
who fell a sacrifice to his gallant and conscientious devotion to his duty while bravely 
leading his company in the first boat across the river. 

" * * * It gives me particular pleasure to call attention to the fidelity and good 
conduct of Major Morris in every requirement of duty, both in the crossing and in 
forming upon the opposite bank, and esj)ecially upon the exhausting and trying duty 
of the skirmish line. Of the line officers, while many are justly entitled to great 
praise for meritorious conduct, I desire to call particular attention to the conspicuovis 
gallantry and spirited conduct of Captain Stephen H. Fordham, of Company A, who 
distinguished himself both in the attack upon the enemy's entrenchments and the 
advance to the extreme front of the line of skirmishers. Also to that of Lieutenant 
John Dodd, of Company H, who distinguished himself in like manner and was the first 
man of either regiment to plant his foot upon shore in crossing the river." 

Captain Dodd, who fell in this movement, was one of those who went afield from 
the purest patriotism, leaving a large circle of friends, and an influential position in 
society, for the hardships of army life and death on the battle-field. While with the 
Twenty-sixth he was known as one of its best and bravest officers, and as a noble- 
hearted Christian man. 

It must be mentioned as an incident which marred the satisfaction over this exploit, 
that a number of men of the Twenty-sixth failed to cross with the regiment ; and to 



552 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



of the reconnoissance having been accomplished, the troops were 
withdrawn. 

One week after this handsome achievement, the regiment broke 
camp at Falmouth and. marched to Washington, where it arrived 
oil June 17th. Thence it proceeded, by rail to Newark, reaching 
that city on the afternoon of the 19th, and being greeted by a grand 
demonstration of welcome, in which the military, firemen, munici- 
pal authorities and the populace alike participated. The men had 
for the most part faithfully performed their duty, and the ovation 
which thus greeted them on their return, was only a proper recog- 
nition of their efficient and patriotic service. 

all appearance they fell behind, not through cowardice or inability to keep up, hut 
deliberately, because they thought that there was no obligation on them to fight after 
the 3d of June. Some of these were afterwards tried and sentenced for insubordina- 
tion, but escaped actual punishment through the intercession of Mr. Marcus L. Ward. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



THE TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 

The Twenty-seventh. Regiment, raised from the quotas of Morris 
and Sussex Counties, and rendezvoused at Camp Frelinghuysen, 
near Newark, was mustered into the service of the United States 
for nine months, on the 3d of September, 1862 1 — but a short time 
subsequent to the disastrous termination of General Pope's cam- 
paign in Virginia. The regiment, which' consisted of eleven com- 
panies, was largely composed of representatives of the agricultural 
districts, and officers and men alike, in plrysical strength and 
robust capacities of endurance, were equal to any in the service. 
The total strength of the regiment, when fully organized, was one 
thousand and eighty-eight, officers and men. 2 

1 The original roster of the regiment was as follows : 

Colonel, George W. Mirjdil ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Edwin S. Babcock; Major, Augus- 
tus D. Blancket; Adjutant, William H. Lambert; Quartermaster, James B. Titman; 
Surgeon, John B. Richmond; Assistant-Surgeon, J. Henry Stiger; Chaplain, John 

Faull. Company A — Captain, Charles F. Fernald ; First Lieutenant, ; 

Second Lieutenant, Robert M. Pettit. Company B— Captain, John T. Alexander; 
First Lieutenant, Jacob M. Stewart ; Second Lieutenant, George Kance. Company C 
—Captain, David S. Allen ; First Lieutenant, Ferdinand V. Wolfe ; Second Lieutenant, 
Henry A. McLaughlin. Company B — Captain, Thomas Anderson ; First Lieutenant, 
Nathaniel K. Bray; Second Lieutenant, John B. Grover. Company E— Captain, George 
W. Crane ; First Lieutenant, James Peters ; Second Lieutenant, David B. Muchmore. 
Company F— Captain, Daniel Bailey; First Lieutenant, George W. Cook; Second 
Lieutenant, George Forbes. Company G — Captain, James Plant; First Lieutenant, 
George S. Estin; Second Lieutenant, Joseph A. Proctor. Company II— Captain, 
Samuel Dennis ; First Lieutenant, John M. Rosencrance ; Second Lieutenant, Jesse 
Rosencrance. Company I— Captain, Alfred H. Condict; First Lieutenant, Peter 
Churchfield ; Second Lieutenant, David H. Ayres. Company K— Captain, Edward S. 
Baldwin; First Lieutenant, Robert W. Simpson; Second Lieutenant, Jacob McCon- 
nell. Company L — Captain, Henry F. Willis ; First Lieutenant, Stephen H. Marsh ; 
Second Lieutenant, Joseph C. Bower. 

2 New Jersey's quota, under the present call, being one hundred and sixty men in 
excess of ten full regiments, and the Twenty-seventh being the last to leave the State, 
received the extra complement of men, thus rendering it when in the field one of the 
largest regiments in the service. 

70 



554: 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Having been supplied with arms, equipments and clothing, the 
regiment, about the 3d of October, received orders to prepare for 
the field. Up to this time, however, no Colonel had been selected, 
it being impossible for the officers to choose from the numerous 
applicants for the position. Finally, however, Captain George W. 
Mindil, who had already attained distinction in the field, was, upon 
the strength of testimonials and representations from gentlemen 
who knew his eminent capabilities for command, elected to the 
post, 3 and on the afternoon of the 9th, the regiment left Newark 
for Washington, where it arrived on the morning of the 11th, being 
assigned a temporary camp on East Capitol Hill. Here, large 
Sibley tents being obtained, a fine, regular encampment was estab- 
lished, and the regiment was put under the discipline and course 
of instruction and drill necessary to render it efficient in time of 
action. The officers, without exception, were compelled to attend 
schools of instruction, to recite lessons in tactics, and to listen to 
lectures on the more practical duties of the soldier. On the 29th 
of October, the regiment crossed into Virginia, and, after a few 
days' encampment near -Fort Albany, proceeded to a point on the 
Allendale road, about one mile and a half from Alexandria, where 
it went into camp on elevated ground. 3 Here, the Twenty-seventh 
was temporarily brigaded with the Twenty-fifth New Jersey, 

3 The circumstances under which Colonel Mindil was chosen are as follows : The 
officers being unable to make a selection from the numerous applicants, applied to 
Cortlandi Parker, Esq., for advice. That gentleman in his correspondence with his 
intimate friend, General Kearney, had often heard of Captain George W. Mindil, one 
of the General's Aids, as having greatly distinguished himself at Williamsburg and 
elsewhere. Subsequently, when General Kearney was killed, Captain Mindil met Mr. 
Parker at Newark, and the latter feeling an interest in the career of the young officer, 
naturally watched his after progress. When, therefore, he was consulted as to the 
Colonelcy of the Twenty-seventh, he at once thought of Captain M., then on McClel- 
lan's staff, and immediately summoning him to Newark, accompanied him to the camp 
of the regiment. Here he was presented to the officers in some flattering remarks, 
embodying General Kearney's estimate of his talent for command, and was at once 
honored by a unanimous election. Colonel Mindil was at this time but one month 
over nineteen years of age, but his splendid testimonials from Kearney, McClellan, 
Banks, Heintzelman, Birney and others, were justly considered conclusive as to his 
soldierly qualities. 

4 Colonel Mindil, in honor of his former chief, gave this camp the name of "Camp 
Philip Kearney," the Colonel establishing his headquarters at the very house which 
had been occupied by General Kearney one year previous, when in command of the 
First New Jersey Brigade. 



THE TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 



555 



Fifteenth Connecticut, and two (nine months') regiments from 
Maine, the whole under command of General Silas Casey, then 
commanding the provisional troops in front of Washington. In 
this camp, the regiment remained about a month, performing con- 
stant and laborious duty. Drills, reviews and inspections were 
frequent, and actual picket duty was carefully performed. 

On the 1st of December, the regiment received orders, in con- 
nection with the Twenty-fifth New Jersey, Thirteenth New Hamp- 
shire, Fifteenth Connecticut, and some other brigades of new troops, 
to report to General Burnside as a re-inforcement, preparatory to 
his attack on the Confederates then occupying the heights of Fred- 
ericksburg. On the evening of the 10th, after a march of much 
hardship, the regiment reported for duty within the Union lines, 
and was at once assigned to the Second Brigade, First Division, 
Ninth Army Corps — the division being under the temporary com- 
mand of Brigadier-General W. W. Burns, and the corps under 
Brigadier-General 0. B. "Wilcox. Thus far, the Twenty-seventh 
had known nothing of the conflicts and perils of the field ; it had 
come now into the very thick of the danger, and was to engage in 
actual hostilities. But a single day had passed, when orders were 
received to cook three days' rations, supply each man with sixty 
rounds of cartridge, and prepare for actual service on the day fol- 
lowing. The foe swarming along the opposite heights was again 
to be assailed. 

On the night of the 11th, the regiment left camp and bivouacked 
in line of battle in an open field near the place of crossing opposite 
the city. On the morning of the 12th, it was one of the first to cross 
the Eappahannock on the first bridge laid, and as soon as over was 
assigned to an important position in the second line, behind the 
gas-works and gasometer, to act as a support with the other regi- 
ments of the brigade to the main part of the Ninth Corps, already 
fiercely engaged beyond the town with the enemy who had retreated 
to a stone wall, behind w T hich they made a stand, and from which 
they poured such a destructive fire into our advance that further 
progress seemed impossible. The position of the Twenty-seventh, 
although removed and partially screened from the musketry of the 



556 



NEW JEESSY AND THE KEBELLION. 



enemy, was plainly visible to his artillerists on the crest beyond the 
plain, and these lost no time in sending their compliments in the 
shape of shot and shell. Fortunately, however, although exposed 
to this annoying fire from morning until night — many of the .shells 
exploding within the lines of the regiment — none were either 
killed or wounded, the men remaining cool and collected through- 
out. During the night the regiment rested on its arms in the posi- 
tion it had taken, whence, on the morning of the 13th, it was 
moved, together with the Seventy-ninth New York (Highlanders) 
and the Second Michigan, still farther to the left, so as to connect 
the right of the army with the left (General Franklin), which had 
crossed during the night and taken position. The duty of the 
Twenty-seventh in this position was to remain on the defensive, 
holding the connection while troops on either side made the attack. 
This duty was satisfactorily performed, the regiment holding its 
position with ease, while the battle raged furiously all around it. 
Late in the afternoon, the left of the line appearing to be driven 
back, the Twenty-seventh was moved forward at the " double- 
quick," for a distance of half a mile, where, under a heavy fire of 
shell and musketry, it formed line of battle with parade precision, 
coming on the right by file into line (a difficult movement under 
fire), with the utmost regularity. The enemy, however, deeming 
£C discretion the better part of valor," promptly retired on the 
approach of re-inforcements to our weakened line, and the Twenty- 
seventh was again deprived of an opportunity for a close encoun- 
ter, bivouacking on the plain, under arms, for the night. On the 
morning of the 14th, it took up its old position in the center, and 
the same night, the attack having been abandoned, retired with the 
army across the river, reaching its old encampment just before 
dawn on the 15th. 

Although the regiment was not brought into close and actual 
conflict during this unfortunate battle, it was sufficiently exposed 
to test the bravery and trustworthiness of the officers and men ; and 
the rapidity with which they advanced when ordered forward to 
the assistance of their comrades, the celerity and regularity with 
which they fell into line under fire, and their eagerness to advance 



THE TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 



557 



and attack, demonstrated conclusively that if they had met the foe, 
they would have done their duty steadily and bravely. 

The regiment remained in camp without change, undergoing 
instruction in discipline and drill, until the 24th of January, 1863, 
when it was ordered to the front in support of Pettit's Battery of 
rifled guns, in position on the river, commanding Franklin's cross- 
ing. At this point the regiment had its camp on a commanding 
plain, immediately in rear of the battery and in full sight, not only 
of the rebel pickets on that front, but of the entire rebel army — 
only the narrow river, here but fifty yards wide, separating them 
from the foe. In this encampment, named ' : Camp E. V. Sumner," 
(in honor of the brave commander of the Eight Grand Division, 
to which the Twenty-seventh was attached), the regiment remained 
for over a fortnight, daily going through the routine of parades, 
reviews, inspections and drills, but without receiving a single shot 
from the enemy. On the 11th of February, the regiment, with 
the remainder of the corps, proceeded to Aquia Creek, whence it 
was transferred by steamer to [Newport News, disembarking at that 
point on the 13th, and at once occupying a camp about a mile from 
the landing. The object of this movement was not known to the 
troops, who speculated largely as to their probable destination ; but 
whatever point it was designed they should assail in that quarter, 
the field of operations was never reached, the movements of the 
rebel forces rendering the presence of the corps indispensably 
necessary in a far distant (and different) field. The Twenty- 
seventh, however, anticipating a perhaps protracted stay, estab- 
lished its camp with great care, 4 and prepared to enjoy all the 

* For a fine description of this camp, we quote from a letter of Honorable John Hill, 
who, after visiting the regiment, wrote as follows to the Morristown Jerseyman of April 
2d, 1S63 : -'There are some beautiful encampments here, which extend some three 
miles from the landing up along the banks of the James River. It is a fine sight ; 
Camp Burnside, the camp of the Twenty-seventh Regiment, is one of the finest camps 
here. How to find it, I was told by a gentleman who had been there, to take the left 

ad road from the landing, go up one and a half miles and ' the finest looking camp 
there was the Twenty-seventh New Jersey.' Another said, 'ask for the handsomest 
looking camp, and they will tell you it belongs to the Twenty-seventh New Jersey.' 
And so it turned out, It is beautifully laid out with eleven streets, fifty feet wide each, 
with sidewalks of six additional feet, the streets being graded and guttered on each 
side. The main street or avenue runs up through the center one hundred feet wide, at 
the head of which are the field officers' tents, with a street fifty feet wide in front of 



558 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



comforts possible to its position — meanwhile giving attention to 
drill, regimental and brigade — Colonel Mindil temporarily com- 
manding the brigade in the absence of the brigade commander. 
So proficient did it become in this respect, that it soon enjoyed the 
reputation of being the finest drilled regiment in the corps, leading 
the officers to recommend Colonel Mindil, in view of his labors in 
this behalf, to the Congressional delegation of the State for pro- 
motion to Brigadier-General. The President, as was afterwards 
ascertained, so far approved of the request as to place the Colonel's 
name on his list, and the appointment would, in all probability, 
have been made, had not the Senate, during the same month, limited 
the number of Generals. 

On the 18th of March, orders were received to prepare at once 
for a movement. Longstreet, with a considerable rebel force, was 
threatening our lines at Suffolk, and the Third Division of the 
corps had already crossed over to Norfolk and passed to the front 
to resist him. The Twenty -seventh, informed of this movement, 
expected to follow ; but it had a far different task before it, the 
real destination of the remainder of the corps being Kentucky, in 
which State the rebel partizan leaders, Morgan, Pegram, Duke and 
Forrest, were committing the most alarming depredations. General 
Burnside having been assigned to the command of the Department 
of the Ohio, with headquarters at Cincinnati, had asked for his 
old corps to operate with him in expelling the rebel marauders, 
and in the future (and then contemplated) movement into the 
mountains of East Tennessee, and this request had been promptly 

them, and then came the line officers' streets and their tents. In the center of the 
encampment and in the middle of the avenue, a pole was erected and a beautiful arch 
of evergreens, over which waved the Star Spangled Banner. In front of each tent is 
placed a beautiful holly tree, about ten or twelve feet high ; the walks and streets being- 
kept as clean and smooth as a floor. The tents were of the 'A' pattern, and being 
new, presented a fine appearance. The encampment was like a neat little village, the 
whole being planned and laid out under the superintendance of Colonel Mindil, who 
has an eye to the comfort of his men, and always makes it a point to select a good 
camp." 

Major-General O. B. Wilccx, commanding the division, wrote to Colonel Mindil 
about the same date as the above, as follows: U I am proud of your connection with 
my division, and from the fine appearance and good instruction of your present regi- 
ment, 1 am happy to observe your military talents are still employed with credit to 
yourself and to the advantage of the service." 



THE TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 



559 



granted. On the morning of the 19th of March, the Twenty- 
seventh broke camp and marched to the landing, where it embarked 
on the 25th, on the steamer John A. Warner, and proceeded to 
Baltimore. Thence it was carried by rail to Parkersburg, West 
Virginia, where it was again transferred to a steamer and conveyed 
to Cincinnati, that city being reached on the morning of the 2<"th. 
General Burnside had preceded his troops to that point, and the 
loyal people of the city, as regiment after regiment arrived, ex- 
tended to the weary men the most cordial and hospitable welcome. 
The large market-house, and even the adjoining streets, were filled 
with tables, heaped with, edibles of every description, and day and 
night the most beautiful of the city's patriotic daughters were in 
attendance to serve the hungry soldiers. Shortly before noon on 
the 27th, the Twenty-seventh Eegiment landed on the levee, and 
in column by companies, with arms bright and glistening, marched 
into the city, welcomed by the cheers of the populace, and reviewed 
by General Burnside from the balcony of the Burnet House, as 
it passed, the men cheering lustily for the commander whom they 
had already learned to love and trust. At the market-house, the 
troops stacked arms and partook of a most sumptuous meal, after 
which, returning to the river, they were ferried over to Covington, 
Kentucky, and the same evening took cars for Lexington, then 
threatened and in danger — being the first regiment from the East 
to move into central Kentucky in aid of our cavalry, who, weak 
in numbers, were heroically struggling against the advancing forces 
of the enemy. 

As guerillas abounded in all parts of Kentucky at that time, 
the train conveying the Twenty-seventh was obliged to proceed 
very slowly, and it was morning before Lexington was reached. 
Here the corps was to assemble preparatory to assuming the defen- 
sive. The rebel General Pegram, who was advancing by the Dan- 
ville turnpike, had, however, succeeded in driving our advanced 
forces beyond Kentucky Eiver, and they had fallen back to a posi- 
tion at Heckman's Bridge, to await reinforcements. The Twenty- 
seventh was at once sent by train to Nicholasville, fourteen miles 
distant, arriving there at noon on the 28th, and proceeding imme- 



560 



STEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



diately to Heckman's Bridge, thus relieving the Union cavalry, 
who went in pursuit of the rebels on another road. The regiment 
being ordered to continue in support, that evening reached ' ; Camp 
Dick Robinson," having marched a distance of seventeen miles 
(loaded down with knapsack, canteen and haversack), in six hours. 
General Gilmore, commanding our cavalry, having overtaken and 
beaten the rebels near Monticello, the Twenty-seventh went into 
camp on the turnpike about half a mile from the Robinson House, 
picketing the road to Lancaster and keeping an advanced guard on 
the Danville Road near the crossing on Kentucky River, where the 
enemy had destroyed the bridge. The regiment soon arranged a 
handsome camp, and for a few days lived in luxurious style, being 
within reach of all the luxuries which " the blue grass region" 
afforded. Meanwhile, however, Burnside was pushing back the 
rebels on all the roads by which they had approached, and it soon 
became necessary for the Twenty- seventh, in order to keep abreast 
of the advancing line, to move forward also along the road on 
which it had been placed. Accordingly, early on the morning of 
the 11th of April, the march was resumed, Stanford, twenty miles 
distant, being reached at sunset. Here the Twenty-seventh was 
joined by the regiments of the brigade with which it had acted at 
Fredericksburg and Newport Is ews, and another period of rest and 
enjoyment was had, the community being intensely loyal and con- 
tributing in every possible way to the comfort of the men. But 
the rebels were still committing their characteristic depredations in 
the southern counties, and vigorous action was urgently demanded. 
Accordingly General S. P. Carter, a loyal Tennesseean, who com- 
manded the district in which the Twenty-seventh was serving, 
planned an expedition to drive the marauders beyond the limits of 
the State — for this purpose organizing a force consisting of five 
regiments of cavalry at Somerset, Kentucky (who were then 
picketing and holding the line of the Cumberland River, which 
formed the dividing line between the opposing forces), and a bid 
gade of infantry. The cavalry brigade, with a battery of moun- 
tain howitzers, was placed under command of Colonel "Wolford of 
the First Kentucky Cavalry, a loyal and brave soldier defending 



THE TWENTY-SEVENTH EEGIMENT. 



561 



the soil of his native State, while the infantry brigade, consisting 
of the Twenty-seventh Xew Jersey, Second Tennessee, and One 
Hundred and Third Ohio, with six rifled Eodman ten pounders of 
TVildriclrs Indiana Battery, was put under command of Colonel 
Mindil — General Carter having command of the whole. The cav 
airy being some twenty-five miles in advance, it was necessary for 
the infantry to join them before the real movement could com- 
mence, and accordingly, on the afternoon of April 25th, the 
Twenty-seventh, with the other regiments assigned for the expedi- 
tion, moved out from its camp, and on the evening of the 26th, 
reached Somerset. On the following morning, the expedition 
started, the cavalry moving on different roads, intending to cross 
at some shallow fords above and below Stigold's Ferry. The 
infantry being ordered to cross at a point some six or seven miles 
below the ferry, marched briskly forward during the entire day, 
encamping at night in line of battle, and the next morning fording 
Fishing Creek, pushed on to Mill Springs on the Cumberland. 
Here it was found that the current was too strong and the river 
too deep to admit of fording, and there being no boats, the com- 
mand, on the morning of the 29th, returning towards Somerset, 
moved to a position on the Monticello road, about a mile and a half 
from the Stigold Ferry, where it encamped. Meanwhile, the cav- 
alry had effected a passage, and only awaited the arrival of the 
infantry to attack the enemy. On the 30th, MmchTs Brigade, 
crossing the river in barges, pushed forward some ten miles, with the 
cavalry in advance, and on May 1st reached Monticello, the cavalry 
driving the enemy from the village after a stubborn resistance. 
Here preparations were made for a further engagement, should the 
enemy return to the assault, but the latter, being badly whipped, 
hastily crossed the line and sought cover in the mountains of East 
Tennessee. The expedition having thus accomplished its object, it 
was decided to return, and the cavalry having joined the infantry af- 
ter pursuing the enemy to a point beyond Travisville, Tennessee, the 
whole command set out for Somerset. On reaching Stigold's Ferry, 
on the morning of the 6th, it was found that the small boats had 
been removed, but in their place were two large, open flats, which 
71 



562 



NEW JERSEY AND THE EEBELLION. 



could be pulled across by means of ropes stretching from shore to 
shore. The Second Tennessee and One Hundred and Third Ohio 
crossed in safety, as did also the greater portion of the Twenty- 
seventh ; but three companies of the latter were less fortunate. 
After the crossing of that portion of the command already named, 
the artillery and horses were placed in the larger flat to be ferried 
over on the lower rope, leaving the upper cable for the smaller 
boat, containing portions of Companies L. B and C, with a few 
men from other companies of the Twenty-seventh. These flats 
were pulled across the stream, the current of which was at the 
rate of six miles an hour, by four men standing in the bow of each 
boat, who passed one hand over the other on the rope, taking care 
never to loosen the grasp of one hand until the other was firmly 
placed. As the flat containing almost the last detachment of the 
Twenty-seventh, some fifty men, had reached the middle of the 
stream, the men who were pulling it across (and who were experts), 
suddenly and unaccountably loosened their hold on the rope, and 
the boat swinging around, broadside to the current, drifted rapidly 
down the stream towards the lower rope, by means of which the 
artillery was crossing. The situation was a perilous one, but had 
the men remained cool, and carefully and quickly passed the lower 
rope over their heads, the danger might still have been escaped, 
since the boat would either have drifted ashore, or the occupants 
been relieved by means of other boats. Unfortunately, however, 
many of the men became excited, and as they neared the lower 
rope, a number leaped up suddenly to grasp it, thinking thereby to 
stay the progress of the flat. But this movement had directly the 
contrary effect, the sudden rush to the one side, and the abrupt 
check to the progress of the boat, causing it to dip, fill with water, 
and precipitate the men headlong into the river. The men were 
heavily loaded with their marching accoutrements, rendering swim- 
ming impossible, while to add to their peril, many, as they fell in 
together, instinctively grasped their comrades for support, and so 
both the supporters and the supported were only carried down the 
sooner. A few managed to reach the shore, while others clung to 
the rope until relieved ; but the gallant and veteran officer, Captain 



THE TWENTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, 



563 



Alexander, with thirty-two men, were carried to the bottom and 
drowned. Such a calamity, while the men were yet exultant over 
the success of their expedition, was indeed distressing, and fell 
with a most saddening effect upon the regiment. To perish thus 
after having escaped the bullets of the foe, and with but a single 
month lying between them and their homes, was lamentable, 
indeed ; but these thirty-three unfortunates were patriots none the 
less because they went down under the river's tides, with their 
armor on, rather than in the din and smoke of battle. They died 
in the Nation's cause, and left the martyr's heritage to all who 
hold them dear. Of the whole number who perished, nineteen 
were from Kockaway township, seven from Eoxbury, and three 
from Randolph, in Morris County, while three were from "Walpack 
and one from Stillwater, in Sussex County. Lieutenant Pierson, 
afterwards the gallant Adjutant of the Thirty-third regiment, was 
among those precipitated into the water, but his presence of mind 
saved him — clinging to the upturned boat until relief was sent him. 
Some of the bodies of the drowned were afterwards recovered, 
floating on the surface, and decently interred, being subsequently, 
in some cases, removed to New Jersey. The following are the 
names of those who perished, with the companies to which they 
were attached : 

Company A— Cornelius Derrom, George Emory, Andrew Dickson, George A. Ligafus. 
Company B— Captain John T. Alexander, First Sergeant Albert D. Wiggins, Eras. 
tus Brant. 

Company C — Corporal Charles Stephens, John B. McPeak, Benjamin Stoney, Edward 
Dolen, Amos G. Stephens, Andrew J. Willets, Andrew J. Young. 

Company L — Joseph Closs, Jesse Demoutk, Lemuel Degraw, James H. Fuller, Lewis 
O. Green, B. K. Miller, John McCloskey, Edward Nichols, William Ockabock, William 
Weaver, Thomas Odell, James O'Neill, Gideon Bosledo, Rolson Peer, Wilson Pettinger, 
George Shawger, Eliakim Sanders, Samuel S. Smith, James Shaw. 

On the 8th of May, the regiment re-occupied its old camp near 
Somerset, after an eventful campaign of ten days, in which it had 
marched one hundred and fifty-six miles, making on an average, 
deducting rests, twenty -five miles a day. Indeed, but for the 
deplorable incident on the Cumberland, the career of the Twenty- 
seventh, up to this time, would have been, not merely in all things 
successful, but a pleasant one as well. It had travelled over a 



564 



N£W JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



thousand miles from home, had performed splended service, and 
had gained a most enviable reputation. Its crowning service, 
however, was yet to be performed ; its chief honor, and one which 
will attach always to its history, was yet to be won. 

Late in the month of May, General Grant, who was vigorously 
pressing the siege of Vicksburg, and who needed reinforcements 
to enable him to complete the brilliant campaign which terminated 
in the capture of that stronghold, called upon General Burnside 
for aid, and the latter at once took measures to send to him the 
greater part of the Ninth Corps. The term of service of the 
Twenty-seventh ended on the 3d of June, but notwithstanding this, 
the regiment on the 4th took up the line of march with the rest of 
the brigade, who were ordered to Louisville and Covington, for 
embarkation clown the Mississippi. Reaching a point near Heck- 
man's Bridge, however, the regiment was stopped by orders of 
General Burnside — that officer needing their services in Kentucky 
(now largely stripped of troops), for a few days longer, and not 
deeming it proper, in view of the expiration of their term of ser- 
vice, to send them to the Mississippi. At this point the regiment 
remained until the loth, when orders were received to march to 
Nicbolasvilie and take the cars for Cincinnati, homeward bound, 
as soon as possible. Immediately upon the receipt of these instruc- 
tions, Colonel Mindil issued his last official order to the regiment as 
follows : 

" Headquarters Twenty-seyenth New Jersey Volunteers, ) 
" Camp Farewell," near Nichola.syille, Kentucky, June 15, 1863. f 
"I. In compliance with instructions receiTed from Department Headquarters, this 
regiment will he in readiness to march to the railroad depot at NicholasvUle at daylight 
in the morning. 

" II. The troops will he clad in their hest uniforms, the knapsacks must he neatly and 
squarely packed and the overcoats carefully folded and strapped on the knapsack. 

" III. No straggling will he permitted, nor must the men leave the ranks for any cause 
whilst passing through cities and towns. 

"IV. The Colonel commanding sincerely trusts that on this, their homeward trip, the 
officers and soldiers of the Twenty -seventh Eegiment will conduct themselves in the 
orderly and soldierly manner which has heretofore characterized them, and which has 
gained for them so bright a record. 

" By order of Colonel George W. Mindil. 

" K. W. Simpson, A. A." 

The march to Nicholasville was made in fine order, and on the same 
evening the regiment reached Covington. On the following morn- 



THE TWENTY-SEVENTH KEGIMENT. 



565 



ing, while in Cincinnati, whither he had gone to report to General 
Burnside, Colonel Mindil learned of the movement of Lee's Army 
into Pennsylvania, and that the Pennsylvania Central Eailroad was 
probably in rebel hands. This being the route by which the 
Twenty-seventh was to return, Colonel Mindil at once deter- 
mined to hasten forward (instead of taking a more circuitous 
route), hoping to be able to render some important service, and 
possibly to unite with the army of General Meade at some 
point on the way. General Burnside regarding that as the 
crisis of the war, and knowing that the Government was sadly in 
need of troops — many of the regiments of the Potomac Army 
having availed themselves of the expiration of their terms of ser- 
vice to return home — expressed the hope that the Twenty-seventh 
would fall in with the views of its Colonel ; and the men needed 
no second appeal. On the same day, the following complimentary 
general order was printed and distributed to the men of the regi- 
ment : 

"Headquarters Department oe the Ohio, ) 
Cincinnati, Ohio, June 15, 1863. f 
" General Order, No. 102. 
' ' In withdrawing the Twenty-seventh Eegim ent New Jersey Volunteers from the front, 
in order that they may return to their homes at the expiration of their term of enlistment, 
the commanding General desires to express his regret at parting from them. In every 
position in which the requirements of the service have placed them, they have proved 
themselves brave, efficient and reliable soldiers, and have made for themselves in this 
command a clear record, worthy of the gallant State whose name they bear. 

"Should this regiment, in the event of a continuance of the war, again take the field, 
the commanding General will be glad to receive them as tried soldiers once more under 
his command. 

' ' By order of Maj or-General Burnside. 

" Lewis Kichmond, A. A. G.$ 



5 About the same time General S. S. Carter, learning that the regiment was home- 
ward bound, addressed a complimentary letter to Colonel Mindil, of which the follow- 
ing is an extract : 

" For yourself personally, Colonel, I entertain the highest esteem, as I do for your 
noble regiment, which has gained a most enviable reputation in Kentucky from the 
soldierly bearing and correct deportment of both officers and men. 

" Will you be pleased to give to the officers and men my appreciation of their worth, 
and the regret I feel at parting with them. * * It is a matter of pride with me that 
I have had the honor to command, for even a time, troops who have won for them- 
selves such imperishable fame." 

In another letter, addressed to Governor Parker, commending Colonel Mindil for 
his valuable services, General Carter said of the regiment; " In them your noble State 
has been well represented, her dignity and reputation well maintained. It affords me 
much pleasure to give this testimony in their favor." 



566 NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 

On the afternoon of the 17th, the regiment crossed to Cincin- 
nati, where, being formed in close column in mass, Colonel 
Mindil in a stirring address explained to them the situation, and 
asked if they were willing to follow to the help of the army on 
the soil of Pennsylvania. The regiment responded with cheer 
upon cheer of approval, declaring their readiness to proceed to 
any point where they might be wanted, whereupon the Colonel at 
once telegraphed President Lincoln as follows : 

"Cincinnati, Ohio, June 17, 1863—3 p. m. 
"Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States: 

"My regiment, eight hundred strong, whose term of service has expired, is on its 
way home for muster-out. 1 hereby offer the services of the command for any service 
in Pennsylvania during the emergency. Please advise me of your intentions. 

" George W. Mindil, Colonel Twenty-seventh New Jersey Volunteers." 

Marching from the levee to the Soldier's Home, the regiment 
partook of a bounteous repast, and after a speech from General 
Burnside, in which he heartily thanked them for their patriotism, 
took the cars of the Columbus Railroad for Pittsburg, that being 
deemed the most important point. Columbus was reached at half- 
past nine o'clock the same evening, the men being there also hand- 
somely entertained by the citizens. While there, the following 
telegram was received : 

" Washington, June 17, 1863—10.50 p. m. 
" Colonel George W. Mindil, Twenty-seventh New Jersey Volunteers: 

" You will accept for yourself and express to your gallant regiment the thanks of 
the government for your patriotic offer, which is cordially accepted. Ton will please 
proceed with your regiment as rapidly as possible to Pittsburg, via the Ohio Central 
Railroad, in order that you may stop at Wheeling, if your services should be required 
there by General Brooks, who will communicate with you on the road, and you can 
reach Pittsburg by that line, if he should prefer to have you there. 

" E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War." 

On the morning of the 18th, the regiment reached Bridgeport, 
opposite Wheeling, West Virginia. Wheeling at this time was 
filled with excitement, and Colonel Mindil deemed it wise to remain 
there for a day or two, but the danger having passed, the regiment, 
on the morning of the 20th, under orders from General Brooks, 
again took cars for Pittsburg, where, upon its arrival, it was enter- 
tained by the loyal women of the city, who had spread tables in 
the City Hall and Market-House. The hills surrounding Pittsburg 
were at this time being fortified, and the citizens and militia were 



THE TWENTY-SEVENTH KEGIMENT. 



567 



performing garrison duty. The valleys of the Monongahela and 
Youghiogeny being the key to the city, the Twenty-seventh was 
ordered to proceed to Uniontown, in Fayette County, where the 
old National road is intersected by the road from Morgantown, 
Virginia, for the purpose of resisting and holding in check any 
parties of "raiders" who might venture in this direction from 
Cumberland, Maryland, where the rebels, under Echols, Imboden 
and others were known to be. Uniontown was reached in four 
hours on the cars of the Connelsville Eailroad, the loyal inhabitants 
along the route turning out in great numbers to welcome the troops 
and shower upon them provisions of all descriptions. At Union- 
town, the entire population flocked into the streets to honor the 
regiment, and for the night every spare room in the Court House 
and Market-House was placed at its disposal. The next morning, 
June 21st, after a dress-parade, five companies were sent out to a 
good strategic position about five miles distant, on the Morgantown 
road — Major H. F. Willis, who was in command of the detach- 
ment, being instructed to picket well all approaches and to resist 
the enemy, should he appear. At the same time, the six companies 
constituting the right wing of the regiment, under Lieutenant- 
Colonel E. S. Babcock, were ordered to a strong position on the 
National road, near the village of Monroe, where a strong picket 
was thrown out into the gap of the " Chestnut Ridge." Colonel 
Mindil established his headquarters in the town, in order that he 
might act promptly with either wing, as the emergency might 
require. Here the regiment remained for three days, but no enemy 
appearing, and the main column under Lee having moved more to 
the east, the regiment, on the morning of the 24th, was again con- 
solidated, and proceeded by rail to Turtle Creek, a station on the 
Pennsylvania Central Railroad, twelve miles east of Pittsburg, 
with instructions to guard against a rebel advance from the direc- 
tion of Bedford and Somerset, and to be available for transfer to 
any point on the line of the road. The regiment remained at this 
point until noon of the 26th, when it proceeded to Harrisburg, 
reaching there at noon of the following day. The danger to the 
capital of Pennsylvania having passed, and fresh troops having 



568 



NEW JERSEY and the rebellion. 



arrived, Colonel Mindil considered his duty accomplished, and 
accordingly cars were at once taken via the Allentown and New 
Jersey Central Eailroads for home. The morning of the 28th 
found the regiment bivouacked at Elizabethport, whence they 
marched to Elizabeth, and early in the afternoon reached Newark. 
Their arrival in that city was unexpected, but they nevertheless 
received a hearty, spontaneous welcome, the populace greeting them 
with peals of applause as they marched through the thronged 
streets to Camp Frelinghuysen. On the 2d of July the regiment 
was mustered out, and the men scattered to their homes, proud 
in the thought that in the darkest hour of the nation's struggle they 
had given the government a full month of extra, voluntary service. 

Colonel Mindil at once proceeded to Washington, where he again 
offered his services, and at the request of Mr. Lincoln, personally 
made, soon after returned to Newark to re-organize his gallant regi- 
ment, afterwards known as the Thirty- third, whose history will be 
found elsewhere. 



CHAPTEE XXII. 



THE TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT. 

The Twenty-eighth Eegiraent, recruited in Middlesex, Mon- 
mouth, Ocean, Camden and Gloucester Counties, was mustered into 
service at Freehold, on the 22d of September, 1862, its field officers 
being as follows : Colonel, Moses N. Wisewell ; Lieutenant Colo- 
nel, E. A. L. Eoberts; Major, S. K. Wilson; Adjutant, William 
A. G-ulick; Chaplain, C. J. Page; Surgeon, William D. Newell; 
Assistant Surgeon, Benjamin N. Baker. Colonel Wisewell, who 
took charge of the regiment at its organization, was a man of fine 
intellectual capacity, and soon acquired a marked hold on the con- 
fidence of the men, which he retained until November following, 
when, obtruding upon his command, in a public address, certain 
offensive avowals in reference to the war and the Gubernatorial con- 
test then in progress in New Jersey, he became obnoxious to a large 
portion of the regiment. His courage, however, was undoubted, 
and at the battle of Fredericksburg he led his regiment with great 
gallantry, falling severely wounded and being carried from the 
field, to which he was unable to return untilJune, 1863. Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Eoberts came from New York, and commanded the 
regiment from the 14th of December, 1862, until the 2d of Janu- 
ary ensuing, when he was discharged for tendering his resignation 
in the face of the enemy. Lieutenant-Colonel John A. Wildrick, 
who had been a Captain in the Second Eegiment, then assumed 
command, and by his sound judgment and wise exercise of author- 
ity, soon made the regiment one of the most effective in the brigade 
to which it belonged. He led the command with great bravery in 
the battle of Chancellorsville, where he was taken prisoner, but 
being exchanged, returned to the field shortly after and was dis- 
charged with the regiment. Major Wilson commanded the regi- 
72 



570 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



ment for a short time in January, 1863, and also in the following 
May, and was discharged with it upon the expiration of its term 
of service. Surgeon Newell, during the whole term of service, 
performed the duties of his position with admirable efficiency and 
skill, and was ably seconded, in all his efforts to promote the com- 
fort of the men, by his assistant, Doctor Baker. Adjutant Gulick 
acquitted himself with great credit in the battle of Fredericksburg, 
and was, throughout, capable and faithful, exercising a controling 
influence in the regiment. Resigning bis position, he was succeeded 
in March, 1863, by Adjutant B. A. Bobbins, who also proved a 
capable officer. The Chaplain of the regiment, who, at the time 
he entered the service, was pastor of a Baptist Church in Piscata- 
way, Middlesex County, was at all times prompt, earnest and effi- 
cient, enjoying the fullest confidence of the men, and proving at 
once a guide and friend to all who needed counsel or assistance. 

The regiment, nine hundred and forty strong, left Freehold on 
the 4th of October, 1862, and reaching Washington on the night 
of the 5th, encamped on Capitol Hill, being furnished, a few days 
afterwards, with Springfield muskets. On the 13th, it marched 
into Virginia, and was attached to General Abercrombie's com- 
mand. On the 1st of December, it again broke camp, and crossing 
into Maryland, marched to Liverpool Point on the Lower Potomac, 
where, on the 5th, it crossed to Aquia Creek, and, in the midst of 
a driving snow-storm, went into camp until the 8th, when it pro- 
ceeded to Falmouth. Here it was attached to the First Brigade 
(General Kimball), Third Division (General French), Second Army 
Corps. The plans for the demonstration against Fredericksburg 
having been matured, and the movement of the army commenced, 
on the 11th the regiment marched into position near the river, 
where it remained until night — crossing into the town at sunrise on 
the morning of the 12th, but not becoming engaged until the fol- 
lowing morning. About ten o'clock on that morning, it was 
ordered into line and at once advanced upon the enemy occupying 
the Heights. The advance was made in the face of a murderous 
fire, but the men of the 28th, unused as they were to the perils of 
desperate combat, pressed steadily forward until the plain was 



THE TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT. 



571 



crossed and the foot of the first ridge was reached. But their 
ranks, as they reached that position, were terribly thinned, not less 
than one-fifth of the whole regiment having been wounded or killed. 
Still, however, the command stood firm, deliberately opening fire 
upon the enemy from the shelter of a ravine, and holding the 
position tenaciously until night put an end to the conflict. So 
rapid and accurate was the fire of the rebels, that withdrawal from 
the shelter of the friendly ravine would have involved, perhaps, 
as serious a loss as the advance ; but only the very highest courage 
could have held the Twenty-eighth in the perilous position it occu- 
pied, exposed to all the fury of the enemy's attack. Darkness 
coming on, the regiment withdrew to the town, leaving nearly two 
hundred of the six. hundred who advanced in the morning, on the 
bloody field, but with its standards lustrous with the halo of brave 
achievements. From first to last the men fought with the same 
heroism, the same cool determination, as the veteran troops around 
them. Unfortunately, the men being taken into battle with their 
knapsacks, and subsequently ordered to leave them on the field, 
many of them lost everything they possessed, and afterwards 
experienced much inconvenience and suffering from the want of 
supplies and comforts thus abandoned. 1 

During the 14th, when only two hundred and seventy men 
could be found for duty, the regiment occupied its old position in 
the town, re-crossing late on the following day. For several days 
the men were without tents or blankets, and their condition was 
pitiable in the extreme, a large number being sick. At length, 



i Upon moving to the front, General Kimball, as if fearful that the Twenty-eighth 
would falter in its duty, appealed to it not to fall behind the veterans of his brigade. 
He had the satisfaction of seeing before he fell on the field, that Jerseyraen knew how 
to do their duty as bravely as the bravest. 

A letter, published in the Newark Advertiser, says of this engagement: "The 
Twenty-fourth and Twenty-eighth New Jersey Regiments did splendidly. Their loss 
is greater than any other regiments in the division. Colonel Wisewell conducted his 
men to the charge with honor and courage. The following is the loss of the Twenty- 
eighth: Killed, twelve men; wounded, ten officers and one hundred and forty-seven 
men; missing, thirty-one men." 

The official report of the engagement, furnished at a later date than the above? 
places the killed at fourteen, the wounded at one hundred and forty-seven, and the 
missing at twenty-nine. 



572 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



however, through the intervention of Mr. Marcus L. Ward, who 
visited the camp, they were supplied with proper shelter, and, 
although the season was still inclement, soon forgot their sufferings 
in reviving health and a restoration of former comforts. The 
regiment remained in camp, engaged in ordinary routine duties 
until the 28th of April, when, Hooker's movement against the 
enemy having commenced, it marched to the United States Ford, 
where it was detailed for picket service. On the 30th, with the 
brigade to which it was attached — composed of the Twenty-fourth 
New Jersey, Fourth and Eighth Ohio, Fourteenth Indiana, and 
Seventh Virginia — it led the advance in crossing the river at that 
point, and pushed forward immediately to the Chancellor House. 
On the 2d of May it formed in line of battle and sent out skir- 
mishers, but was not engaged until the next day. when it was 
detached from the brigade and posted in the woods, some three 
or four hundred yards ' distant. Here a reconnoissance of the 
enemy's position was at once made, when it was discovered that 
the regiment was close upon the rebel line. Soon after, before 
proper dispositions could be made, the enemy struck the command 
on both the front and right flank with great force, causing the line 
to give way and emerge in some confusion from the woods, the 
enemy pressing closely in pursuit. The men of the Twenty-eighth, 
although vastly outnumbered, behaved with characteristic gallantry, 
delivering a vigorous fire as they retired and took position with 
the brigade. The loss of the regiment in the action was some 
thirty in killed, wounded and missing. During the 4th and oth, 
the brigade, commanded by Colonel Carrol, remained in line of 
battle, but was not again engaged, the fighting having shifted to 
another part of the line. On the 6th, the regiment withdrew from 
its position and returned, with the army, to the camp near Fal- 
mouth, where it remained until the 14th of June. Lee having 
started towards the Upper Potomac, Hooker's army now moved 
out in pursuit the Twenty-eighth marching b}^ way of Stafford 
Court House and Dumfries to Fairfax Station. Here, its term of 
service having expired, it was diverted from the route pursued by 
the army, and proceeded to Washington. Thence it proceeded by 



the twenty-eighth regiment. 



573 



rail to Freehold, where it arrived on the 20th, and on the 6th of 
July was mustered out of the service. 

During the whole ^time that the 28th was connected with the 
Army of the Potomac, it held a position on the immediate front, 
within a short distance of the Eappahannock, and was, conse- 
quently, at all times exposed to attack by " raiding" parties of the 
enemy. Extraordinary vigilance and activity were thus constantly 
required, as every alarm, whether trifling or otherwise, summoned 
the men into line, there to remain for hours, and sometimes for a 
day and a night at a time, exposed to all the inclemency of mid- 
winter, as well as many privations which regiments in the rear 
never experienced. It is simple truth to say of the regiment that 
wherever placed, it did its duty courageously and efficiently, and 
that though serving in the dark hours of the war, it never lost its 
faith in the .Republic. 2 



2 The following statistics exhibit the localities in which the several companies of the 
regiment were raised, with other facts of interest : 

Company A was recruited from the counties of Middlesex and Monmouth. Captain, 
B. F. Lloyd ; First Lieutenant, J. R. Appleby ; Second Lieutenant, Wesley Stoney. 
Captain Lloyd was taken sick while the regiment lay near Washington, and died soon 
after in hospital. Lieutenant Appleby then took command of the company, but did 
not hold the position, being discharged soon after the battle of Fredericksburg. Lieu- 
tenant Stoney saw service with the three months' men, and was a brave and efficient 
officer; was promoted to the Captaincy after the death of Captain Lloyd, and the dis- 
charge of Appleby. J. Dobson and H. D. B. Lefferts were appointed First and Second 
Lieutenants after the promotion of Stoney. 

Company B was recruited in Middlesex County. Captain, H. S. Disbrow ; First 
Lieutenant, J. H. Gulick; Second Lieutenant, Alexander Laird. Captain Disbrow was 
a gallant officer, with rare aptitude for command, and always shared with his men the 
hardships to which they were exposed. He led his company with conspicuous bravery 
at Fredericksburg, and after the dismissal of Lieutenant-Colonel Roberts was for a 
time in command of the regiment. Lieutenant Gulick had seen service with the Ells- 
worth Zouaves, and was among the bravest of the brave. Generous to a fault, and 
ever ready for duty, he was universally esteemed in the regiment. 

Company C was raised in Middlesex County. Captain, Joseph C. Letson; First 
Lieutenant, William W. Stelle; Second Lieutenant, S. K. Conovor. Captain Letson 
was an accomplished officer, and led his men gallantly at Fredericksburg in the position 
of acting Major, being wounded in the early part of the day by a rifle-ball through the 
arm, but still holding his position until the close of the engagement. When his com- 
pany broke camp to move on Chancellorsville, he was at home on furlough, but at once 
hurried forward and joined his command before the battle, being again severely 
wounded. Lieutenant Stelle, a genuine Christian soldier, fought heroically at Chan- 
cellorsville, and was at all times found prepared for duty, however arduous or perilous. 
Lieutenant Conover, also a brave and faithful officer/was severely wounded at Chan- 
cellorsville, and did not return to the regiment. 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Company D was recruited in Middlesex County. Captain, William H. Dunham; 
First Lieutenant, Augustus Hatfield; Second Lieutenant, William J. Cook. Lieu- 
tenant Hatfield displayed throughout true soldierly qualities, and was engaged in all 
the actions in which his company took a part. He for a time filled the post of Quar- 
termaster with zeal and fidelity. Lieutenant Cook failed to make a record worthy of 
commendation. 

Company E was raised mainly in Ocean County. Captain, William Hawkins ; Eirst 
Lieutenant, M. C. Stricklin; Second Lieutenant, George B. Hendrickson. Captain 
Hawkins was dismissed the service in disgrace, in consequence of a letter in which he 
stigmatized imprudently the officers of the government. Lieutenant Stricklin died 
during the winter of 1862-3. Lieutenant Hendrickson was made Captain after the dis- 
missal of Hawkins and the death of the First Lieutenant. 

Company F was raised in Middlesex County. Captain, Isaac Inslee, Jr. ; First 
Lieutenant, Benjamin A. Bobbins ; Second Lieutenant, J. W. Westerfield. Captain 
Inslee was a man of ardent patriotism, and entered with his whole soul upon the 
soldier's work. He studied closely the welfare of his men, and was universally 
respected. Always at his post, proud of his command, and solicitous to promote its 
efficiency, no officer in the regiment has a better record, either as a disciplinarian or a 
fighter. Lieutenant Robbins, who was promoted to the Adjutancy, was a capable 
officer, and discharged promptly every duty imposed upon him. Lieutenant Wester- 
field being compelled, on account of sickness, to leave the service some two months 
after the regiment eutered the field, private S. Marsh was appointed Second Lieuten- 
ant from the ranks. 

Company G was recruited principally in Gloucester County. Lewis Schoch, Captain ; 
Jesse C. Chew, First Lieutenant; Charles F. Lukens, Second Lieutenant. Captain 
Schoch commanded his company creditably at Fredericksburg, but being soon after 
prostrated by sickness, did not participate in the subsequent experiences of the regi- 
ment. Lieutenant Lukens was an exemplary officer; he fought bravely, and was 
wounded at Fredericksburg ; was then made First Lieutenant, and commanded the 
company at Chancellorsville. T. Appleget, who succeeded him as Second Lieutenant, 
entered the service as a private in Company B, was then selected Adjutant's Clerk, 
and afterwards to take the place of Lieutenant Laird, in Company B ; subsequent to 
the battle of Fredericksburg, had charge of the Adjutant's department until February 
11, 1863, when he was commissioned as Lieutenant in Company G, and served as 
Acting Adjutant until the appointment of Lieutenant Robbins to that position, on 
March 30th. He was with Company G, at Chancellorsville, and acquitted himself 
with great credit. 

Company H was recruited chiefly in Camden County. M. S. Peacock, Captain; 
Benjamin C. Rulon, First Lieutenant; John T. Smith, Second Lieutenant. Captain 
Peacock was physically unfit for service during a great part of the time he was in 
command. Lieutenant Rulon commanded the company at the battle of Chancellors- 
ville, and was made Captain prior to his discharge. Lieutenant Smith was with his 
company during its whole period of service, and participated in all the actions in 
which it was engaged. 

Company I was raised in Middlesex County. Captain, Joseph L. Crowell ; First 
Lieutenant, James O. Willett ; Second Lieutenant, James Fothergill. Captain Crowell 
led his company at Fredericksburg, and was slightly wounded. Sergeant John H. 
Tyrrill, of this company, fought with great bravery at Fredericksburg, losing a foot ; 
he was afterwards made Lieutenant, but never returned to the field. 

Company K was raised in Middlesex County. Captain, George Storrer ; First Lieu- 
tenant, James Bresnahan ; Second Lieutenant, Thomas Conk. Sergeant J. T. Bolton, 
of this company, displaying great gallantly at Fredericksburg, was made a Lieutenant, 
and did much to promote the efficacy of the company. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



THE TWENTY-NINTH REGIMENT. 

The Twenty -ninth regiment, as we have already seen, was raised 
in Monmouth County, 1 and rendezvoused at Camp Yredenburg, 
located on the old battle-ground near Freehold. The regiment was 
mustered into the service on the 20th of September, 1862, and left 
for Washington on the 28th, with thirty-nine officers and eight 
hundred and sixty-six enlisted men. Eeaching Washington on 
the 30th, it went into camp on East Capitol Hill, where it was per- 
manently brigaded with' the Twenty-first, Twenty -fourth and 
Thirty-first New Jersey Regiments, under command of Colonel 

1 All the companies of this regiment, with a single exception, were recruited and 
fostered by the care of the various township committees of the county — Company A 
being from Ocean, B from Raritan, C from Manalapan and Millstone, D from Middle- 
town, E from Freehold and Marlboro, F from Shrewsbury, G from Holmdel and 
Atlantic, I from Matawan, and K from Wall. Company H was raised in Ocean 
county, which, having originally been a part of Monmouth, was still felt to be 
identified with the latter. 

The original roster of the regiment was as follows : 

Colonel, Edwin F. Applegate; Lieutenant-Colonel, William R. Taylor; Major, 
Joseph K. Davison; Adjutant, Edgar Whitaker ; Surgeon, Henry G. Cooke ; Assistant 
Surgeons, Ezra M. Hunt, Judson G. Shackleton ; Chaplain, Rev. L. C. Rogers ; Quar- 
termaster, Peter J. Hendrickson ; Quartermaster-Sergeant, Jacob R. Schenck ; Com- 
missary-Sergeant, Peter J. Annack; Hospital Stewart, M. M. Cook; Sergeant-Major, 
Burk E. Stout; Adjutant's Clerk, J. Conover Morfort. Company A — Captain, G. H. 
Green ; First Lieutenant, C. H. Emmons ; Second Lieutenant, William Aumick. Com- 
pany B — Captain, Thomas Robinson; First Lieutenant, William Warner; Second 
Lieutenant, George W. Taylor. Company C — Captain, Thomas A. Slack; First Lieu- 
tenant, Hiram H. Mount ; Second Lieutenant, John T. Rowell. Company D — Cap- 
tain, Joseph T. Field; First Lieutenant, Charles Suf burrow; Second Lieutenant, 
Larue N. White. Company i?— Captain, Joseph T. Lake ; First Lieutenant, William 
H. Conk; Second Lieutenant, George S. Vanderhoof. Company 1 — Captain, Robert 
R. Mount ; First Lieutenant, David S. Stevens ; Second Lieutenant, Joseph P. Jones. 
Company G — Captain, John H. Heyers ; First Lieutenant, James H. Magee ; Second 
Lieutenant, Charles S. Vanmater. Company H— Captain, Albert S. Cloke; First Lieu- 
tenant, Charles H. Kimble ; Second Lieutenant, M. Perrine Gravatt. Company I— Cap- 
tain, Jeremiah V. Spader ; First Lieutenant, Charles Smith ; Second Lieutenant, John 
N. Cuttrell. Company K — Captain, Joseph G. Staunton; First Lieutenant, Joseph L. 
Allen ; Second Lieutenant, David W. Emmons. 



576 



XETT JEESEY AXD THE REBELLION. 



Eobertson of the 24th. Here the regiment remained, awaiting 
orders, until October 5th, when it was moved to the line of defences 
near Tenallytown, where it was attached to the Military Construc- 
tion Corps under Colonel L. 0. Morris, of the Fourth New York 
Artillery, with headquarters at Fort Pennsylvania. In this ser- 
vice, the men of the regiment exhibited great endurance and effi- 
ciency, and won the cordial approbation of the officers in charge. 
Forts Mansfield and Eeno, and the contiguous covered-ways, bat- 
teries and rifle-pits being at last completed, the regiment anxiously 
awaited orders for more active service: and these were not Ions- 
delayed. On the 30th of November, it was moved to Fort Carrol, 
where it was brigaded with the Twenty-second, Thirtieth, and 
Thirty-first New Jersey, and One Hundred and Thirty-seventh 
Pennsylvania Eegiments, under command of Colonel Bossert, of 
the latter, and proceeded a distance of eighty miles down the Poto- 
mac shore, through Piscataway and Port Tobacco, to Liverpool 
Point, whence the command was crossed to Aquia Creek, on De- 
cember 5th. Here the men were exposed to a severe storm, con- 
tinuing for two days, from which, being without tents, they suffered 
greatly. To add to their troubles, wood was scarce, and fires could 
only be maintained with great difficulty. On the 7th, however, 
the storm somewhat abated, and the regiment was detailed for 
picket-duty on the Aquia Creek and Fredericksburg Eailroad at 
Potomac Creek Bridge. A day or two subsequently, the regiment 
(with the brigade) was transferred to the command of General 
Patrick, then commanding the Provost Guard of the Arnry of the 
Potomac, and was ordered to guard the entire line of the railroad 
from Aquia Creek to Stoneman's Switch, a reserve of two compa- 
nies, however, remaining at the Bridge. On the 11th, Major Davi- 
son was ordered with four companies to Falmouth, there to assume 
the duties of Provost Marshal, and companies A, F, D and I, being 
despatched, were engaged for some time in perilous service, such 
as guarding bridges, patroling the streets of Fredericksburg, and 
the like. While engaged in this service, the assault upon Frede- 
ricksburg was in progress, and the men, patroling the city while 
the conflict raged along the slopes, were exposed not only to shells 



THE TWENTY-NINTH KEGTMENT. 577 

and shot, but to the perils of crumbling Avails, falling about them 
as they paced their rounds. Here the detail remained until the 
stormy night of the loth, when they were the last to withdraw, 
crossing upon the upper pontoons under a fierce cannonade from 
the enemy, 2 which, however, did not inflict a single casualty. 

From this time until the 10th of January the regiment was en- 
gaged in various duties. At that date, it was ordered to report to 
the Third Brigade, First Division, First Army Corps, for duty in 
the field, and at once marched to Belle Plain, being still brigaded 
with the Twenty-second, Thirtieth and Thirty-first Eegiments. 
Here the regiment was first subjected to stated drills. On the 17th, 
Colonel Applegate tendered his resignation, which, was accepted, 
and on the 20th, Burnside having determined on another campaign 
the regiment moved out from its camp to participate in the move- 
ment, but soon returned, the campaign having terminated as speed- 
ily as it began. During the remainder of the winter, the Twenty- 
ninth remained in camp near Belle Plain, close attention being- 
given to drills and preparation for the spring campaign. 3 On the 
28th of April the long expected orders were received, and the regi- 
ment advanced, the division crossing the Rappahannock on the 
29th on the extreme left of our lines, some five miles below Freder- 
icksburg, and taking position under a heavy fire from the enemy. 
The men of the Twenty-ninth, on this occasion behaved with great 
steadiness. The division held its position without drawing on a 



- Chaplain Rogers, of this regiment, says of this withdrawal that it was conducted 
with the utmost coolness, and elicited the cordial encomiums of those who wit- 
nessed it. 

3 Several vacancies having occurred in the field, line and staff officers, caused by the 
promotion of Lieutenant-Colonel Taylor to be Colonel, Major Davison to be Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel and Captain Field, of Company D, to be Major, the resignation of Cap- 
tain Green, of Company A, and First Lieutenant Smith, of Company I, and the selec- 
tion of Adjutant Wkitaker to be Acting Assistant Adjutant- General of Brigade, 
regimental order No. 6-i was issued, announcing First Lieutenant Suf burrow, of Com- 
pany D, to be Captain of Company D ; Second Lieutenant White, of Company D, to be 
First Lieutenant of Company D, and Sergeant Taylor to be Second Lieutenant of Com- 
pany D ; First Lieutenant Emmons, of Company A, to be Captain of Company A, 
Second Lieutenant Humach, to be First Lieutenant of Company A, and Sergeant Gill- 
son to be Second Lieutenant of Company A ; Second Lieutenant Cottrell, of Company 
A, to be First Lieutenant of Company I; Quartermaster-Sergeant Schenck, to be 
Second Lieutenant of Company I ; and T. Commerfort, Acting Adjutant. 

73 



578 NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 

serious engagement, though picket- firing was steadily maintained, 
and having accomplished its purpose in diverting the enemy's atten- 
tion from the right of Hooker's Army, re-crossed on the 2d of May 
under a heavy fire from the rebel batteries, the regiment losing 
seven men killed and wounded. Then, facing towards Chancel- 
lorsville, it made a forced march for the relief of the gallant army 
who were there maintaining the honor of the flag under circum- 
stances far from auspicious — reaching the part of the lines to which 
it had been ordered at sunrise on the 3d. But the regiment was 
not again called upon to grapple with the enemy. Sedgwick, 
meanwhile, fighting his desperate way over Saint Mary's Heights, 
was repulsed, and Hooker, thinking victory impossible, withdrew 
his forces and returned to his old position — the Twenty-ninth 
reaching its former camp on the 7th. Here it remained, engaged 
in picket and other duty until Lee started on his movement into 
Maryland and Pennsylvania, when it joined with the army in the 
pursuit, reaching Centerville on the 15th of June, where the brigade 
was relieved from duty in the corps, its term of service having 
expired. The regiment, with the brigade, continued its march to 
Washington, while the remainder of the Army pushed on to over- 
take and vanquish Lee in his forward movement, and leaving the 
Capital on the 17th, two days after reached Freehold, where, on 
the 28th, it was mustered out of service. 



CHAPTER XXIY. 



THE THIRTIETH REGIMENT. 

The Thirtieth Regiment, mainly recruited in the county of 
Somerset, was mustered into service at Plemington on the 17th of 
September, 1862, 1 and left for Washington, one thousand and six 
strong, on the 30th. Arrived at the Capital, it went into camp, 
but soon after proceeded to Tenaliytown, Maryland, where it 
remained until the 30th of November, when it moved to Fort Car- 
roll, where it was brigaded with the Twenty-second, Twenty-ninth 
and Thirty-first New Jersey and One Hundred and Thirty-seventh 
Pennsylvania Regiments, and under orders proceeded to Liverpool 



i The original roster of tlie regiment was as follows : 

Colonel, Alexander E. Donaldson; Lieutenant-Colonel, John J. Cladek; Major, 
Walter Camman ; Adjutant, John W. Mann ; Quartermaster, Lemuel 11. Young ; Sur- 
geon, Joseph W. Wolverton; Assistant-Surgeons, Alexander Barclay, Jr., George E. 
Summers; Chaplain, John S. Janeway. Company A — Captain, Arthur S. Ten Eyck ; 
First Lieutenant, James D. Vanderveer; Second Lieutenant, Joseph B. Smith. Com- 
pany B — Captain, ; First Lieutenant, Elias V/. Brant ; Second Lieutenant, 

Thomas Moore. Company C— Captain, Abraham Holland; First Lieutenant, Alexan- 
der Mills ; Second Lieutenant, George W. Laing. Company D— Captain, Barclay S. 
Vail; First Lieutenant, Edward S. Barnes; Second Lieutenant, Jesse Dalrymple. 
Company E— Captain, Cornelius T. Cox; First Lieutenant, James Bowman; Second 
Lieutenant, Garret B. Sanborn. Company F— Captain, Oliver A. Kibbe ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Henry Lane; Second Lieutenant, Charles W. Lanning. Company G — Captain, 
George W. Day ; First Lieutenant, Clark T. Hunt ; Second Lieutenant, Frederick S. 
Phillips. Company H— Captain, James F. Hubbard ; First Lieutenant, Julius A. Fay, 
Jr.; Second Lieutenant, James H. Pars ell. Company J— Captain, John C. Bloom; 
First Lieutenant, James S. Adams ; Second Lieutenant, Samuel A. Allen. Company 
A— Captain, Benjamin S. Totten ; First Lieutenant, Theodore Strong, Jr. ; Second 
Lieutenant, Ira C. Carman, Jr. 

Colonel Donaldson, commanding the regiment, at the time of his selection was 
Brigadier General of the Somerset Brigade of Militia, and the rapidity with which the 
regiment was recruited was largely owing to the confidence reposed in him by those 
who had been associated with him in military relations. He had been editor of the 
Somerset Messenger, and was widely known politically in his own and adjacent counties. 



580 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Point, on the Lower Potomac, where it crossed to Aquia Creek on 
December 5th. Here the men were exposed to a severe storm, and 
being unaccustomed to the rigors of winter-life in the field, suffered 
greatly, though for the most part uncomplainingly. The storm 
abating, however, the regiment found comparative comfort, and 
shortly after, with the brigade, was transferred to the command of 
General Patrick, then commanding the Provost Guard of the Army 
of the Potomac, when it was employed in post duty, guarding the 
railroad, &c. Thence it was sent to Falmouth, but did not partici- 
pate in the battle of Fredericksburg, fought by General Burnside. 
On the 10th of January, 1863, the regiment was ordered to report 
to the Third Brigade, First Division, First Army Corps, and 
marched to Belle Plain, being still brigaded with the Twenty- 
second, Twenty -ninth and Thirty-first New Jersey. Later in the 
month, the regiment participated in the " mud march," its experi- 
ences being essentially the same as those of the regiments just 
named. Returning to its camp at Belle Plain, it remained unem- 
ployed, except in the ordinary camp duties, until late in April, 
when, General Hooker having ordered a movement against the 
enemy, the Thirtieth, with its division, crossed the Rappahannock 
on the extreme left of our lines, some miles below Fredericksburg — 
the object of the movement being to divert the attention of the 
rebels while the main body of our army moved upon Chancellors- 
ville. Taking position at the point to which it was assigned, the 
regiment remained, with the brigade, without drawing on an 
engagement, until May 2d, when, Hooker being hard pressed, it 
moved to his relief, making a forced march to Chancellorsville, and 
reaching its designated position in line early on the 3d. Here it 
was expected that it would be called into action, but, although 
fighting had not ceased, it escaped the perils of actual combat. 
The withdrawal of our army having been determined upon, the 
regiment returned to its old position, and soon after, its term of 
service having expired, marched to Washington, whence it pro- 
ceeded to ISTew Jersey, and in due time was mustered out. Largely 
composed of men of superior physical qualities, and not deficient 
in soldierly spirit, the regiment, had it been at any time brought 



THE THIRTIETH REGIMENT. 



581 



into actual collision with the foe, would doubtless have acquitted 
itself with credit, and added to the reputation achieved by the 
troops of New Jersey as stubborn, efficient fighters in the cause of 
Liberty and the Union. Not a few of its members subsequently 
became identified with other regiments, and acquitted themselves 
with credit on memorable fields. 



CHAPTER XXY 



THE THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 

The Thirty-first Regiment recruited in the counties of "Warren 
and Hunterdon, was mustered into the service at Flemington on 
the 17th of September, 1862, and left that place for Washington 
on the 26th. 1 Reaching its destination, it went into camp on East 
Capitol Hill, whence it moved into Maryland, October 6th, encamp- 
ing about a mile and a half from Tenallytown, where it was 
employed in fatigue and picket duty until the 1st of December, 
when it was ordered to the front. After marching through Mary- 
land to Liverpool Point and crossing to Aquia Creek, it was 
detached from the Provisional Brigade and sent to Belle Plain 
to do guard and provost duty. The weather at this time was 
extremly cold, and the men, unaccustomed to exposure and but 
poorly provided with shelter tents, suffered greatly. Fortunately, 
the log huts vacated a few months previously by the rebels were 

1 The original roster of the regiment was as follows : 

Colonel, Alexander P. Berthoud; Lieutenant-Colonel, William Holt : Major, Robert 
R. Honeyman; Adjutant, Martin Wyckoff; Quartermaster, Israel Wells; Surgeon, 
Robert B. Browne ; Assistant Surgeons, Joseph S. Cook, Nathaniel Jennings ; Chap- 
lain, John McNair. Company A — Captain, Samuel Carhart; First Lieutenant, Leavitt 
Sanderson; Second Lieutenant, Andrew A. Thompson. Company B — Captain, Joseph 
W. Johnson ; First Lieutenant, John C. Ferrer ; Second Lieutenant, Frank P. Wey- 
mouth. Company C— Captain, Andrew J. Raub ; First Lieutenant, Thomas T. Stew- 
art ; Second Lieutenant, Silas Hulsizer. Company D — Captain, Alexander V. Bonnell ; 
First Lieutenant, John C. Coon ; Second Lieutenant, Andrew T. Connett. Company 
E— Captain, Woodbury D. Holt ; First Lieutenant, William L. Rodenburgh ; Second 
Lieutenant, . Company F— Captain, Peter Hart ; First Lieutenant, Joseph 

E. McLaughlin; Second Lieutenant, James I. Moore. Company G — Captain, Benjamin 

F. Howey; First Lieutenant, William C. Larzelier; Second Lieutenant, James F. 
Green. Company H— Captain, David M. Trimmer ; First Lieutenant, John N. GiTins ; 
Second Lieutenant, Henry Hance. Company I— Captain, Calvin T. James ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Richard T. Drake; Second Lieutenant, James Prall. Company A"— Captain, 
Nelson Bennett ; First Lieutenant, Edson J. Rood. 



THE THIRTY-FIEST REGIMENT. 



583 



still standing, and at no great distance from the Plain. These 
being speedily put in repair, soldier fashion, made comfortable 
quarters. This camp soon became quite noted on account of its 
peculiar appearance, its situation and perhaps its history. It was 
built and occupied by North Carolina troops, of which there were 
two regiments. The troublesome rebel batteries on the Potomac 
at this point were operated by these troops, who supposed their 
camp to be secure from the fire of the Federal gunboats. A few 
shells, however, dispelled that illusion, and a hasty departure fol- 
lowed. 

There were no events of importance connected with the service 
of the Thirty-first at this time. The regiment occupied an isolated 
position, and as rebel scouts were known to be prowling in the 
vicinity, the necessary precautions were taken to guard against sur- 
prise. The principal work was picket and guard duty and the 
unloading of army supplies at the landing, about a mile distant. 
Unfortunately, no time was spent in drilling and preparing for the 
field, which gave color to the camp rumor that the regiment would 
be kept on fatigue duty during its entire term of service. This 
was an injury to the regiment and to its commandant, Colonel 
A. P. Berthoud, who, having little military taste, exhibited little 
military spirit. After the disastrous battle of Fredericksburg, the 
whole army seemed to fall back as if for permanent winter quarters, 
and the Thirty-first found itself occupying a detached position no 
longer. It was now in the Third Brigade — General Gr. K. Paul's — 
General Wadsworth's Division and Eeynolds' Corps. On the 20th 
of January, it moved with the army in the famous "Mud Cam- 
paign" under command of Colonel Berthoud, and returned to camp 
on the 23d, the men utterly exhausted and almost starving. Later 
in the season the regiment was considerably thinned by sickness, 
but fortunately the deaths were comparatively few. The hospital 
accommodations were unusually good, and the management of the 
medical department could not be excelled. The Surgeon was Doc- 
tor Robert B. Browne, who became Brigade-Surgeon and after- 
wards was prominently connected with the service with the Twenty- 
fifth Corps. 



584 



NEW JEKSEY A'SiD THE REBELLION. 



About this time Lieutenant-Colonel Holt resigned, and Major E. 
R Honey man was appointed to fill the vacancy, being highly 
recommended by prominent officers of the brigade. A few weeks 
later the command of the brigade devolved upon Colonel Berthoud, 
owing to the expiration of General Paul's term of appointment. 
This placed Lieutenant-Colonel Honeyman in command of the 
regiment, which he happily retained until its service in the field 
was about concluded — Colonel Berthoud retiring sick on the rein- 
statement of General Paul. The officers of the brigade having 
unanimously petitioned for the re-appointment of their beloved 
commander, had scarcely welcomed his arrival when preparations 
were ordered for the coming march and battle of Chancellorsville. 
On the 29th of April, 1863, the Thirty-first moved forward to the 
Eappahannock, at a point some three miles below Fredericksburg, 
where the division was assembled, and crossing the pontoons with 
the brigade, bivouacked for the night under shelter of the south 
bank. On the morrow, late in the afternoon, the brigade was 
advanced to meet an approaching advance of rebel infantry, the 
Thirty-first forming the second line of battle, in support of the 
Twenty-ninth New Jersey. The line had scarcely been formed on 
the summit of the declivity forming the river bank, when the 
enemy quickly withdrew and opened a remorseless fire from his 
batteries, which no troops were able to stand. The Twenty-ninth, 
being most exposed, fell back, forming in the rear of the Thirty- 
first, all the troops protecting themselves by lying flat on the 
ground. There were no casualties in the Thirty-first, owing to 
its fortunate position, but the firing was terrific. 2 

About dusk the firing slackened and soon ceased, when the 
Thirty -first was ordered to advance, under cover of the darkness, 



2 A note from an officer of the regiment says of the vigor of the rebel fire : " The 
air seemed filled with missiles flying to and fro. Some of them seemed to move 
leisurely with a noise like that of a huge bird flapping wearily its ponderous wings. 
Others hissed and screamed like some enormous locomotive and train shot from some 
gun having the caliber of a railroad tunnel. Shells exploded at our feet, throwing up 
the ground as if there was an eruption from beneath. Shells exploded about our 
heads and sent their fragments skimming over us. Shells exploded in the river, as if 
for the admiration of the enthusiastic audience, which, strangely enough, did not 
applaud. Shells here, shells there, shells everywhere." 



THE THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 



585 



and complete and occupy some rifle-pits in close proximity to the 
rebel line, which was at once done — the men working in profound 
silence most of the night in strengthening their position. Company 
B, under command of its worthy officer, Lieutenant Felver, was 
detailed to prepare ground for a battery which was now placed on 
the left of the regiment, and which flanked the position. Day 
broke on the field, but passed, quite unexpectedly, as peacefully as 
if the foe had quit the scene. On the 2d, however, the batteries of 
the enemy opened with a terrible fire, compelling the division 
speedily to retire. The Thirty-first, however, maintained it posi- 
tion in comparative safety, relying upon its defences, which were so 
well constructed as to be highly complimented by Generals Wads- 
worth and Paul. The position of the regiment at this time was 
one of peculiar danger. The operations of the army at this point 
being no longer necessary — since the right had become endangered 
— the corps was ordered to reinforce the right which rested at 
Chancellors ville, several miles above. As it was necessary to exe- 
cute this movement without betraying it to the enemy, a few troops 
were left apparently to engage him — the last of which, to recross 
the pontoons was the Thirty-first. 3 The regiment had been ordered 
to evacuate its position and the order countermanded on the point 



3 "The situation of the regiment at this time was most critical. The correspondent 
of the New York Times reported the Thirty-first as ' cut to pieces.' When he left that 
portion of the field, the regiment was nearly surrounded, and the bridge in its rear 
partially destroyed. The whole corps was in motion, the Thirty-first alone excepted, 
it being left to hold the enemy at that point as long as possible, and to deceive him 
as to numbers. The men behaved admirably, marching firmly down to the bridge, where 
they were held until the battery had crossed, expecting every moment to be charged 
upon. After crossing, we were obliged to scatter, as the enemy had accurate range of 
us. The Colonel had previously designated a rallying point for the regiment which 
proved to be beyond his observation, and every man came to time in that race. We 
saved the battery, but came near losing the regiment." — Notes of an officer. 

Colonel Honeyman, writing of this affair, incidentally says: ''General Wadsworth 
was the bravest and most daring man I ever saw. He sent me orders to draw off my 
command and save the battery at all hazards. His messengers not making sufficient 
haste, and seeing the danger we were in, he came over himself, riding like the wind } 
without any of his staff, amid a storm of shells and other missiles. Just as I was 
about saluting him, a shell exploded about three feet from and directly over his head, 
stunning us both. I supposed at the moment that he was killed, but to my astonish- 
ment he raised his head, and never noticed by a remark or expression of countenance 
the startling occurrence. He afterwards remarked to me that it was a pretty hot place, 
or something to that effect." 

74 



586 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



of its execution. The enemy was now shelling the bridge to cut 
off its retreat, and capture seemed inevitable. At this j tincture, 
as a rebel column was preparing to charge on the left and capture 
the battery, together with the regiment, General TTadsworth, unac- 
companied by his staff, rode up in the thickest of the fire, to 
retrieve, perhaps, his own error in countermanding the order for 
retreat. Ordering Colonel Honeyman to hold two companies at 
the pontoons until the battery could recross to prevent confusion, 
the field was soon cleared — the battery being brought over under 
the General's own superintendance. Being still exposed to a mer- 
ciless fire of shells and other missiles, the regiment was ordered to 
scatter and re-form under shelter of a neighboring ravine, which 
was quickly clone. Up to this time but one man had been wounded, 
although the loss to the battery, whilst in the line, was considerable. 
The regiment was now ordered to make all haste in pushing- 
forward to rejoin the brigade, and the whole corps being on a 
forced march, and the day excessively hot, the suffering of the men 
was extreme. After rejoining the brigade, the march was con- 
tinued, proving the most trying one the corps had ever experienced. 
At length, late in the night, United States Ford was reached, when 
a brief rest closed the da}'. Early on the morrow, the 3d, the 
Ford was crossed, and skirting the line of battle from the Chancel- 
lorsville House to the extreme right, the regiment was formed in 
line of battle at sunrise, and so continued during; the dav and 
night, awaiting the attack, which at times reached this portion of 
the line. The next day, being moved still further to the right, 
rifle-pits were thrown up and four companies (A, B, F and G) sent 
out on the skirmish line of the brigade ; but neither of these com- 
panies nor the regiment became actively engaged. On the oth, the 
army being ordered to withdraw — after marching all night through 
the " Wilderness" in various directions, owing to varying orders, 
the darkness and difficult}' in finding the road, &c. —the regiment 
left the brigade to cross at United States Ford, which was safely 
effected on the morning of the 6th. The brigade was not rejoined, 
nor indeed reformed, until a day later, when it went into camp near 



THE THIRTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 



587 



the Fitz-Hugh House, not far from the Rappahannock, two or three 
miles below Fredericksburg. 4 

The mettle of the regiment was thoroughly tested in this ordeal, 
and the Thirty-first was proven to be — like the rest of the New 
Jersey troops — equal to any in the field. The severe marching 
and exposure had its effect in filling the hospital, and deaths were 
for some time quite numerous. 

~No events of importance occurred from this time forth. The 
term of service soon expiring, the labors of the Thirty-first, as an 
organization, came to an end. Many officers and men, however, 
again entered the service, serving with marked distinction. The 
total loss of the regiment in men, during its term of service, was 



4 The following is Lieutenant-Colonel Honeyman's report of the operations of the 
regiment : 

" On Wednesday, April 29th, crossed the Rappahannock at a point about three miles 
below Fredericksburg, bivouacking at night on the bank. Thursday, the 30th, I mus- 
tered my command in compliance with orders ; towards evening formed line of battle 
to support the Twenty-ninth New Jersey, which was formed in advance, and moved 
forward to the brow of the bluff which had sheltered the brigade from the observa- 
tions of the enemy. The enemy's batteries now opening, continued firing until dark, 
but although the firing was close, the bank in front afforded my command effectual 
protection. After the firing had ceased, in compliance with orders I advanced my 
command under cover of the night to occupy the rifle-pits which were being construc- 
ted in front. Owing to the imperfect character of these works, I worked all night 
upon them, and furnished also a detail of nearly two companies to prepare the ground 
for a battery on my left. Friday, May 1st, occupied my position undisturbed. Sat- 
urday, 2d, firing commenced at eight o'clock a. m., from the enemy's batteries. Ser- 
geant Aaron W. Davis, Company G, was wounded — struck above the ear with a piece 
of shell. The firing was very heavy and was directed principally at the batteries. My 
position was held without difficulty until ordered to be evacuated. After ail the 
troops had fallen back, the enemy's fire slackened, enabling me to bring over the river 
our batteries and to effect a crossing without loss. Rejoining the brigade near Fal- 
mouth Station, with scarcely any time for rest, we were pushed forward rapidly up the 
river throughout the remainder of this excessively warm day. The endurance of both 
officers and men was wonderful, although a number gave out. Late in the evening, 
encamped near United States Ford, crossing the river at this point at three o'clock a. 
m., Sunday, the 3d instant. At sunrise, having arrived at our position on the field, near 
the extreme right, I formed line of battle in support of an advanced line and remained 
here during the day and night, awaiting an attack — the firing part of the time being 
near and very heavy. Monday, p. m., 4th instant, moved half a mile further to the 
right, sent out four companies on picket under command of Captain B. F. Howey of 
Company G, and threw up rifle-pits. The enemy being reported near and in force, a 
general alarm was created soon after dark by the firing of one of the pickets, followed 
by the firing of the regiment next on my right. The firing immediately becoming 
general, part of the regiment which was formed in rear of my command as support, 
also fired. That none were killed seemed almost miraculous, the clothing of some 
being riddled with balls. Tuesday, the 5th, p. m. , the enemy reported advancing upon 



588 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



about fifty. Its character was equal to that of any that ever left 
the State. Even?- officer and man was a volunteer ; not one 
drafted man was in the ranks. The field officers each recruited a 
company as Captains, and were elected by the line officers to their 
positions. The staff was appointed by the Colonel, who was 
particularly fortunate in the selection of his Surgeon and Quarter- 
master. Quartermaster Israel Wells was esteemed by his depart- 
ment as the best Quartermaster in the brigade, and his services 
were highly prized by his commandant, Lieutenant-Colonel Honey- 
man. Adjutant S. A. Bristol was also highly esteemed in the 
regiment, which, while not enjoying enlarged opportunities of 
usefulness, yet fairly earned the approbation of the people. 



us. It commenced raining, and the night was very dark. About ten o'clock, p. m., 
took up the line of march towards United States Ford, which was nearly reached 
when the order was countermanded, owing to the rise of the river. Marched hack to 
former position, which was scarcely regained when ordered to march back again to 
the ford, which I crossed at daybreak, Wednesday the Gth, rejoining the brigade on 
Thursday, the 7th — the men of my command being nearly exhausted from fatigue, 
loss of sleep," 6:c. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



THE THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT— (Second Cavalry). 

The Thirty-second Regiment, or Second Cavalry, was recruited 
in the summer of 1863, and left Trenton for Washington on the 
5th of October of that year, reaching the Capital on the following 
day with eight hundred and ninety men. It immediately crossed 
into Virginia, going into camp at a point, about midway between 
Alexandria and the Long Bridge, where, the horses and equip- 
ments soon after arriving, it was drilled for over a month in horse- 
manship and the use of the saber. On the 17th, the daily routine 
was broken for the first time by Captain Gallagher being des- 
patched with Company A, armed only with the saber, to escort one 
thousand horses to the cavalry camp of the Army of the Potomac 
at Fairfax Court-House. Captain Gallagher reached his destination 
without difficulty, but on his return was attacked by Mosby, and 
the company routed, the Captain, with two Sergeants and one man 
being taken prisoners, and one Corporal wounded and left on the 
field. This affair was followed on the night of the 18th by a move- 
ment of two companies (C and B) under Major P. Jones Yorke, 
with no other arms than the saber, with instructions to scout the 
country from their camp to Annandale by way of Bailey's Cross 
Roads, Major P. V. Vroom, with companies L and G, being dis- 
patched to the same point by another route. Fortunately, both 
detachments, no enemy appearing, accomplished successfully the 
objects of their movement, and returned to camp in safety, scarcely 
persuaded, however, of the propriety of seeking collisions with the 
foe without adequate arms. The regiment now remained idle 
until the 9th of November, when, having been ordered to the 
Southwest, it started by rail for Cincinnati, which place it reached 



590 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



on the 15th, proceeding thence by steamer to Eastport, Mississippi. 1 
Here, disembarking, the regiment went into camp, and soon became 
actively employed, scouting parties being sent out almost daily, and 



1 The following extracts from the diary of an officer of the regiment give the incidents 
of this trip : 

" On Monday, the 9th day of November, 1863, the command broke camp and started 
for the Southwest. At ten o'clock, p. m., the entire regiment, men, horses, equip- 
ments, &c, were loaded on the cars and under way on the Baltimore and Ohio Rail- 
road; cold and snowing. On the afternoon of the 12th, reached the Ohio river oppo- 
site Bellair, disembarked the regiment and ferried it over to that place. Here the 
horses received the first food or water since leaving Washington. 

" On the night of the 13th, the command was again on the cars and off for Cincin- 
nati, which point they reached at six o'clock on the 15th, when they were marched to 
the Union Refreshment Saloon for breakfast, and from there to the levee at the foot of 
Broadway, where they were embarked on board the steamers Crickett, Charmer, Nellie 
Moon, Emperor, Silver Cloud, Melnotte, Princess and headquarters steamer Monsoon. 
The sutler's stores were, with the Quartermaster's property, embarked on the steamer 
Emperor by order of Colonel Karge, although the former was received by the Captain 
of the steamer under protest as contrary to orders from the War Department. At this 
point the regiment lost some thirty men by desertion. 

"At ten o'clock, a. in., of the 17th, the entire fleet was under way down the Ohio ; 
and at six o'clock, p. m., was one hundred miles below Cincinnati. At ten o'clock, 
p. m., came to an anchor on account of a thick fog. 

" November 18th. Under way at five o'clock, a. m., and at nine o'clock, a. m. hauled 
in at Louisville, Kentucky. At eleven o'clock, a. m., started through the United 
States and Kentucky Canal, which is over two miles long, with a fall of fifty feet. At 
eleven o'clock, p. m., anchored again on account of the fog. 

" Thursday, 19th. Under way at daylight, and at two o'clock, p. m., the entire fleet 
reached Cannelton where the steamers coaled, and Spencer carbines were issued to the 
regiment. Ten o'clock, p. m. Three steamers, having received their coal, got under 
way. 

" 20th. The home guards came into Cannelton to-day to be paid off; they dress and 
look like rebel cavalrymen. At four o'clock, p. m., steamer Monsoon under way, 
leaving the steamer Charmer (Major Vroom commanding) and three others to follow 
at nine o'clock, p. m. Anchored off French Island Shute for the night. 

" 21st. Under way at daylight ; at six o'clock, p. m., hauled in at Shawneetown to 
coal. 

"22d. Unloaded our horses ; at four o'clock, p. m., re-embarked the horses. 
"23d. Two steamers, with a part of the Nineteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry reached 
here to-day. 

" 24th. Part of the fleet got under way to-day. 

" 25th. At four o'clock, a m., the remainder of the steamers got under way ; at one 
o'clock, p. m., passed the Nellie Moon — one of the fleet — with Captain Yan Renssaleer's 
squadron on board, sunk on a sand bar. 

" 26th. Reached Paducah, Kentucky, at seven o'clock, p. m., when Major Yorke was 
ordered to report the arrival of the regiment to the commander of the post. 

"27th. At ten o'clock, a. m., got under way up the Tennessee river, with two gun- 
boats as an escort; at twelve o'clock, m., fired two guns at a party of the enemy on 
shore. Indications of the enemy being in force, the column was shortened by locking 
the steamers in pairs. 

" 28th. Passed Pittsburg Landing at forty-five minutes past two o'clock, p. m., and 
reached Eastport, Mississippi, at half-past seven o'clock, p. m." 



THE THIRTY-SECOXD REGIMENT — (SECOND CAVALRY). 591 



occasionally coming into conflict with the enemy, who held the 
country about Iuka. The first skirmish of importance took place 
on the 4th of December, when two companies of the regiment 
encountering a force of the enemy, attacked and drove them 
throuo-h Iuka, losing one man killed, the first lost in action. On 
the 6th (of December), a change in the plan of operations in that 
quarter having been determined upon, the regiment was transferred 
by steamer to Columbus, Kentucky, whence, on the 15th, it pro- 
ceeded to Union City, Tennessee, where it was placed in the cav- 
alry brigade commanded by Colonel Tearing, of the Fourth Mis- 
souri Cavalry. From this place it moved on the 23d to Paris, Ten- 
nessee, on the line of the Memphis and Ohio Railroad. Here it 
was employed in garrison duty and scouting until the 16th of Jan- 
uary, 1861, when it returned to Union City, reaching that point on 
the 20th. This expedition, in the depth of winter, caused great 
sufferino-in the reolment, over ei°-htv men beino; rendered unfit for 
duty, and discharged on account of frozen limbs, and one hundred 
horses being lost from exhaustion. Two days after reaching Union 
City, the regiment was again on the march, being ordered to join 
General Smith, near Memphis, Tennessee, over one hundred and 
fifty miles distant. This march was, if anything, even more severe 
than any which had preceded it, the route being marked by 
dense swamps and unbridged rivers, which it was almost impossi- 
ble to cross : but pushing forward with all possible dispatch, these 
and all other obstacles were finally surmounted, and on the Sth of 
February, the command reached Coliersville, some twenty-five 
miles from Memphis. From this point, the sick having been sent 
to the rear, the regiment (on the 11th) moved out as part of an 
expedition into central Mississippi, the object being to make a 
junction with General Sherman, who was to advance from Ticks- 
burg, Mississippi, to a point on the Mobile and Ohio Kailroad, and 
thence move against Mobile. The command moved forward 
rapidly without encountering the enemy in any force, meeting, 
however, and dispersing small gangs of guerillas, until the 19th, 
when the Second Jersey, having the advance, came into collision 
with and routed a force of hostile cavalry near Aberdeen, Missis- 



592 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



sippi, the same evening occupying Prairie Station and destroying 
an immense quantity of corn, together with cotton and other 
property belonging to the Confederate Government. On the 20tb, 
the regiment, still advancing, skirmished for some' hours with 
Forrest's cavalry, reaching the vicinity of West Point — about one 
hundred miles north of Meridian, where Sherman's co-operating 
column had already arrived — about six o'clock p. m. Here the 
cavalry halted and bivouacked, but promptly at day-break on the 
21st opened on the enemy, now gathered in large force. General 
Smith, however, feeling himself unable to cope with the force in 
his front, soon determined to retire by way of Okolona, which was 
done, his movements being hastened by a report that the rebels in 
strong numbers were crossing at Columbus on his flank. On the 
morning of the 22d, while passing Okolona, the enemy assailed 
the column with great violence, speedily routing the brigade first 
assailed, a second which was sent to its assistance meeting the same 
fate, and losing all its artillerjr. The First brigade, to which the 
Second Jersey was attached, was then thrown into line across the 
road, the Jerseymen holding the center. Eeserving their fire until 
the enemy approached to within fifty yards, the men suddenly 
opened with their Spencers, delivering a terrific volley right in the 
faces of the assailants, who, staggered and bleeding, at once fell 
back in confusion. They had approached, flushed with victory 
over two brigades, one of which was in part formed, of regulars, 
and evidently did not expect much resistance ; but the Jerseymen 
very speedily convinced them of their mistake. The enemy hav- 
ing retired, orders were now given by General Grierson directing 
the Second Jersey to act as rear-guard of the column, which re- 
sumed its march, reaching the vicinity of Memphis a few days after, 
the Second having skirmished with the enemy, more or less, briskly 
for a considerable distance on the line of retreat. In the action at 
Okolona, Lieutenant James E. Montgomery, of Company C, was 
badly wounded and taken prisoner, while Captain Pannowitz, of 
Company L, Lieutenant Meeker, of Company G, Lieutenant 
Swartz, of Company A, and eleven men were wounded, some 
severely, but none fatally. The loss of the enemy in men and 



THE THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT — (SECOND CAVALRY). 593 



horses, under the severe fire of the Jersey men, was very consider- 
able, vrhile the damage inflicted by the expedition was irreparable, 
both in the destruction of property and the interruption of impor- 
tant communications. 

The Second Jersey was not again engaged until the 5th of April, 
when it again met a force of the enemy, defeating them handsomely, 
with a loss of four killed and five wounded. The day- after, 
Captain Gallagher rejoined the regiment, having succeeded in 
making his escape from Libby Prison. On the 10th, Major Yorke, 
with a force of three hundred men of the regiment, was sent 
against the enemy in the vicinity of Raleigh, some distance north 
of Memphis, and coming up with the hostile force bravely charged 
into their midst, driving them into their brigade camp, after inflict- 
ing severe loss in killed and prisoners. This officer, who had 
served with distinguished credit in the First Cavalry, never lost an 
opportunity to strike the enemy, and seldom failed to deliver 
crushing blows, no matter how great the odds against him. 

While these operations had been in progress, the rebel General 
Forrest had been committing depredations and outrages of every 
description, almost without check, in South-western Kentucky and 
West Tennessee — among other exploits, capturing and massacreing 
the garrison of Fort Pillow, in the latter State. Baffling all 
attempts at capture, he had finally, after this last atrocious deed, 
retreated rapidly into Mississippi, where, early in May, he concen- 
trated about Guntown, on the Mobile Railroad. It being deter- 
mined to prevent, if possible, any further operations by his troops 
north of the Mississippi line, or their transfer to Johnston in 
Northern Georgia, on the 80th of April a force of infantry and 
cavalry, under command of General Sturgis, was sent out from 
Memphis, with instructions to push on until the marauder was 
found and beaten. Breaking camp on the day named, the Second 
Jersey, late on the night of May 2d reached Somerville, whence a 
demi-brigade, under Colonel Karge, composed of this regiment, 
under Major Yorke, the Tenth Missouri, and a section of artillery, 
was ordered forward to attack the enemy. Moving rapidly on, 
the column found the enemy in possession of earthworks on the 
75 



594 



1\EW JERSEY AXE THE REBELLION". 



heights of Bolivar. Captain Gallagher's squadron was at once 
impelled against the left of the enemy's line, but a deep ravine 
arresting the progress of the troopers, the charge was not success- 
ful. Meanwhile, the rest of the command, opening fire, kept up a 
vigorous assault, and after a combat of some two hours' duration, 
the Second Jerse}~, boldly charging the works, drove out the 
enemy, who retreated in great confusion through the town. Night 
coming on, the pursuit was not continued, the regiment garrisoning 
the town. The loss of the regiment in the action was two killed 
and six wounded. The rebels were much demoralized by their 
defeat, and rapidly retreated. The expeditionary force thereupon 
moved, by way of Eipley and Holly Springs, to White's Station, 
below Memphis, where, on the 10th, the First Brigade went into 
camp. 2 On the 1st of June, Major Yorke was appointed Acting 
Assistant Inspector-General of the cavalry of the Sixteenth Corps, 
performing creditably all the duties of the position. About this 
time, the effectual dispersion of Forrest's command being still 



2 The following is Major Yorke's report to the Adjutant-General of New Jersey: 
' ; I have the honor to report that on the 30th of April a force under the command of 
Brigadier-General Sturgis, left Memphis in pursuit of General Forrest. On the 2d of 
May we reached Somerville, Tennessee, and halted. It being ascertained that a force 
of the enemy held the town of Bolivar, on the Hatchie river, a distance of twenty- 
three miles from Somerville, Colonel Karge, commanding the First Cavalry Brigade, 
was sent forward with a force consisting of two hundred of the Tenth Missouri Cavalry, 
*our hundred of the Second New Jersey Cavalry, and a section of guns belonging to 
the Tenth Missouri Cavalry. Starting a,t half-past one o'clock, we made a forced and 
very rapid march. We found the enemy eight hundred strong, under command of 
General Forrest, in position behind strong entrenchments and fortifications about one 
mile from Bolivar. After a severe engagement of two hours duration, we routed the 
enemy and drove them from their entrenchments and through the town, and but for 
he lateness of the hour (it being after eight o'clock, p. m.,) and our utter ignorance 
of the country through which the enemy had retreated, would have captured or de- 
stroyed the entire force. The loss of our regiment in this action was two men killed 
and five wounded, and twenty horses killed and wounded. The names of the killed 
are Orderly Sergeant E. E. Cooper, Company F, and private John Switzer, Company 
H. The wounded are Francis Malone, Company A; Oscar Eudolph, Company A; 
Michael McSerly, Company F; Martin Perman, Company F; and John Egan, Com- 
p any H 

" The regiment behaved nobly, and especially I would mention Company E, tinder 
command of Lieutenant Louis Rainear, who opened and took the brunt of the action. 
I am happy to say that the Second New Jersey enjoys the best reputation and esteem, 
not only of the commanding General, but all the troops in this department. 
" I have the honor to be, General, 

" Very respectfully your obedient servant, 

" P. Jo>*es ToPvKE, Major Commanding Second Xew Jersey." 



THE THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT — (SECOND CAVALRY). 595 

urgently desired, another expedition was organized to go in pursuit 
of him — the command being once more entrusted to General 
Sturgis, notwithstanding the evidences of his incapacity. The 
force engaged in this expedition numbered about nine thousand 
infantry, including most of General A. J. Smith's Corps, and three 
thousand cavalry, the latter being under command of General 
Grierson — Colonel Waring commanding the First Brigade. In the 
movement, the cavalry was kept in the advance, and on the morn- 
ing of the 10 th of June came up with and engaged the cavalry of 
the enemy near Guntown, a small railroad station on the Mobile 
and Ohio Railroad. The rebels fell back until they gained the 
protection of their main body, which was now found to be posted 
in force and ready for battle. " Our infantry was now five or six 
miles behind the cavalry. General Sturgis, on learning the dispo- 
sition of the enemy, ordered it up on the double-quick, and directed 
the cavalry to engage him until it should arrive. The enemy, 
under Forrest, was about equal in number to our forces, and was 
strongly posted on the crest of a semi-circular hill or ridge, in front 
of which ran a small creek, which had but one bridge, and was 
otherwise impassable^ except in a very few places by footmen. 
The day was very warm, and when the infantry regiments came up 
they were exhausted and disordered, having double-quicked the 
whole distance from the point at which they received the order to 
march forward. By another great blunder, close up with them 
came rushing the train, of more than two hundred wagons, and it 
was hurried over the bridge and parked in a field within easy range 
and sight of the enemy's batteries. If there was ever one time, 
more than another, when the attacking force should have been well 
organized and disposed with particularly careful skill, it should have 
been here, where the enemy had so great advantages in position ; 
but as fast as our infantry came up, tired and disordered as it was, 
it was hurried into the fight, already opened by the cavalry, and 
soon and completely beaten. The division and brigade and subor- 
dinate officers made strenuous efforts to check the tide of defeat, 
but without avail, and the whole army was soon in full retreat, the 
greater part of it in utter confusion. The rebels, rejoicing in their 



596 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION". 



easy victory, pursued with unrelenting vigor, capturing J:he entire 
train at the first step, and cutting off our weary infantry men in 
great numbers. It was some time before even an attempt at order 
in the retreat was made, and then the second brigade was ordered 
to act as rear-guard and cover the retreat, it being the only organ- 
ized force in the whole command. The First Brigade (of the cav- 
alry division) had been divided, a large part of it being taken for 
an escort to the General commanding, and other detachments being 
broken off for different purposes. It was not attempted to keep 
the infantry in order, and it hurried along as best it could, a fleeing 
mob. So, back towards Memphis rushed the ruined army, its rear 
covered by Winslow's brigade of cavalry during the terrible night's 
march of June 10th, and through the next day until Ripley was 
reached. Here the enemy pressed so hard that the running skir- 
mish swelled into a sharp engagement, which, as it gave our troops 
some advantage, checked the ardor of the enemy's pursuit, and it 
was thereafter not so harassing, though continued until within a 
few miles of Memphis. General Sturgis made no positive attempt 
to re-organize or control the troops after the retreat had begun, 
and he should be directly and alone responsible for this great dis- 
aster. Our losses were about four thousand men killed, wounded 
and captured ; the entire wagon-train of two hundred and fifty 
wagons, captured ; the entire ambulance train, except a few ambu- 
lances belonging to the cavalry division, captured ; and every gun 
except two." 3 

The conduct of the Second New Jersey in this unfortunate affair 
was creditable in the highest degree. Both in the main action and 
in the retreat, it behaved with the greatest gallantry, the men fairly 
gnashing their teeth with rage at the mismanagement of the move- 
ment and the consequent impossibility of chastising the enemy as 
he deserved. Had General Sturgis been other than the imbecile 
he was, he might easily have redeemed himself from disgrace, by 
merely permitting the Second Jersey to gratify its longing for a 
fresh encounter with the foe. As it was, the regiment contributed 



3 IngersolTs " Iowa and the Rebellion." 



THE THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT — (SECOND CAVALRY). 597 



as largely as any other to preserve the little army from complete 
annihilation, and in the accounts of the time, its efficiency and 
intrepidity received just recognition. It aided in covering the 
retreat, and at one time two companies held an important position 
for three hours against a greatly superior force. The regiment 
suffered heavily, losing eight officers and one hundred and thirty 
men, out of seventeen officers and three hundred and fifty men 
taken into action. The Color-Sergeant of the command was shot 
through the head, but the colors were saved by the gallantry of 
the men, who, amid the prevailing panic, remained perfectly cool. 

On the 25th, the Second Jersey was deployed in squadrons along 
the line of the Memphis and Charleston Eailroad, between Moscow 
and La Grange, for the purpose of keeping open the communi- 
cations of General A. J. Smith's command. Ten days later, with 
the other regiments of the brigade under Colonel Karge, it was 
transferred to a new field of operations, proceeding by steamer to 
Yicksburg. losing one man on the passage from the fire of guerillas. 
Eeaching Yicksburg, July 6th, the regiment, after marching sixteen 
miles inland, reported to General Slocum, and was assigned to the 
command of General Elliott, of the Marine Brigade. On the 11th, 
with other troops it moved in search of the enemy, encountering 
him on the loth at Port Gibson, Mississippi, and losing in the 
combat which ensued, through alleged mismanagement, two men 
killed, and Lieutenant Braun, twenty-six men and two guidons 
captured. Two days after, at an early hour in the morning, the 
enemy, who was in some force, made a sharp assault upon our 
picket line, pressing it with equal vigor along the entire front, but 
our troops, promptly meeting the assailants, after an hour's fight- 
ing, drove them in confusion. In this contest, Lieutenant A. D. 
Hamilton, of Company C, while in command of a picket, behaved 
with conspicuous gallantry, his men also displaying the finest 
soldierly qualities. The accuracy of their aim was throughout 
especially remarkable, every rebel found dead in their front after 
the action proving to be shot between the eyes. The object of the 
movement in this direction being now accomplished, the command 
was ordered to return to Memphis, which it did, reaching that point 



598 



NEW" JEESEY AND THE KEBELLION. 



on the 24th. Meanwhile, General A. J. Smith, who had advanced 
with an infantry column to Tupelo, Mississippi, and there encoun- 
tered and worsted the forces of Forrest, had also returned to Mem- 
phis, whence, on the 7th of August, he once more advanced with 
ten thousand men by Holly Springs to the Tallahatchie, but found 
no enemy to fight, save a very small body of cavalry — Forrest's 
main body having been drawn off for service elsewhere. The 
Second Jersey took part in this expedition, with two hundred and 
ninety men, but on the 31st (of August) returned to Memphis, 
with the rest of the expeditionary corps, without having been 
seriously engaged. And now the regiment, for a period of two 
months, remained comparatively idle, recruiting its strength and 
adding to its numbers, in preparation for the fall campaign. Early 
in September, Major Yorke was mustered in as Lieutenant Colonel 
and took command of the regiment, Colonel Karge having com- 
mand of the brigade — Phillip Yan Renssalaer becoming Major 
and reporting for duty on November 11th. By this time the regi- 
ment had increased to fourteen hundred men, and was in splendid 
condition for effective campaigning. 

On the 28th of November, Colonel Yorke, under special orders 
from General Washburne, started on an expedition into Arkansas, 
proceeding by steamer, with two hundred and fifty of the Second 
New Jersey, one hundred and fifty of the Fourth Iowa and a 
detachment of Iowa mfantrjr, to Osceola, in that State. Disem- 
barking at that point on the 29th, the command crossed a swamp 
some eighteen miles in length, the mud and water reaching to the 
saddle-girths of the horses, to Big Lake, where, after some brisk 
firing, they succeeded in capturing a rebel train consisting of some 
eighteen wagons, loaded with over nine hundred stand of arms, of 
approved pattern, together with eleven prisoners and two commis- 
sioned officers. Thence, on December 1st, the column proceeded 
to Randolph, and marching south, scouting the country, encamped 
that night at Cuba, where it was attacked by guerillas, who were, 
however, driven off with ease — Memphis being safely reached on 
the following day. This expedition was throughout managed with 
great tact, and was in every respect entirely successful. 



THE THIKTY-SECOND REGIMENT — (SECOND CAVALRY). 599 



On the morning of December 19th, a formidable movement 
against the enemy having been decided upon, the First Brigade, 
Colonel Karge commanding, was sent forward to make a demon- 
stration towards Bolivar, some sixty miles from Memphis, with 
instructions to move thence in a South-easterly direction and con- 
nect with the main column near Kipley, Mississippi. Owing to 
heavy rains, which had prevailed for some clays and swollen the 
streams, it was found impossible to cross Wolf river, and the 
intended junction could not therefore be effected. Accordingly, 
the command returned to Memphis, whence, on the 21st, it again 
moved out with the main column, composed in all of three bri- 
gades, with a total of three thousand three hundred men, all under 
command of General Grierson. 4 Taking the most direct route to 
Kipley, moving through Lamar and Salem, the column on the 24th 
reached the point in question — a detachment of one hundred men 
of the Tenth Missouri having meanwhile struck the railway at 
Grand Junction and effectually destroyed the telegraph lines, thus 
breaking the communications of the enemy. Upon reaching Rip- 
ley, a detachment of the Second New Jersey (three companies) 
under Major Van Eenssalaer, was ordered to proceed to Boonville 
on the Ohio and Mobile railroad, destroy the track and whatever 
Confederate property might be within Teach, and rejoin the com- 
mand at Ellistown, twenty miles south of Eipley. This service 
was most successfully performed, the detachment tearing up a mile 
of the railroad and burning two large buildings filled with quarter- 
master's and commissary stores, together with a "caboose" on the 
railway containing arms, ammunition and railroad implements. 
Moving thence southward, they destroyed a bridge over " Twenty 
Mile Creek," with eight or ten culverts, and on the 26th rejoined the 
regiment, having made a distance of one hundred and thirteen miles. 
On reaching Tupelo, forty miles south of Ripley, on the evening 

4 The First Brigade, under Colonel Karge, was composed of the Second New Jersey, 
Fourth Missouri, Seventh Indiana Cavalry and the First Mississippi Mounted Eifles ; 
the Second Brigade, under Colonel Winston, of the Third and Fourth Iowa and 
Eleventh Missouri Cavalry; and the Third Brigade of the Fourth and Eleventh Illinois, 
Second Wisconsin, Third United States Colored Cavalry and fifty men of the Pioneer 
Corps. 



600 



NEW" JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



of the 25th, Colonel Karge was ordered with his whole brigade to 
move rapidly on Verona Station, seven miles south — information 
having been received that a force of seven hundred dismounted 
cavalry belonging to Forrest's command, was stationed at that point, 
guarding a large quantity of stores. Beaching the station, the 
command at once charged gallantly on the enemy, who, completely 
surprised, offered but a feeble resistance, most of them, under cover 
of the darkness, escaping into the timber, leaving in our hands 
as spoils, eight buildings filled with fixed ammunition, estimated at 
three hundred tons, five thousand stands of new carbines, eight 
thousand sacks of shelled corn, a large quantity of wheat, and an 
immense amount of quartermaster stores, clothing, camp and garri- 
son equipage, together with a train of cars and a large number of 
army weapons which had been captured by Forrest from General 
Sturgis during his disastrous expedition in June. All this property 
was effectually destroyed, the track being also torn up, after which 
the brigade proceeded to rejoin the command, leaving a "fire in 
the rear" which illuminated the country for miles around — the con- 
tinued explosions of ammunition at intervals during the night, 
adding much to the magnificence of the scene and to the enjoy- 
ment of the dashing riders who moved on swiftly to the perfor- 
mance of further exploits. Reaching Shannon on the evening of 
the 26th, they captured one hundred new army wagons, en route to 
Forrest's command, besides a quantity of commissary and other 
stores, which, with several government buildings, were promptly 
destroyed. On the morning of the 27th, the entire command moved 
out at an early hour, soon encountering the enemy, who gradually 
retired, exchanging shots with the advance, until the outskirts of 
Okolona were reached. Here a rebel courier was captured with a 
despatch to the commandant of the post, stating that he would be 
reinforced by one thousand and three hundred infantry by railway 
from Mobile, and a fight being anticipated, the squadrons were at 
once formed and ordered to advance. Moving forward over the 
open ground, with flags gaily fluttering in the breeze, the column 
entered the town, making another haul of commissary stores and 
several thousand pounds of finished leather, all of which were at 



THE THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT — (SECOND CAVALRY). 601 

once committed to the flames. While here, the telegraph was 
tapped and dispatches intercepted from General Dick Taylor, Gen- 
eral Gardner and others, directing the commanding officer at Egypt, 
some fifteen miles below, to hold that place at all hazards, and 
stating that large reinforcements would as speedily as possible be 
sent from Mobile. The reinforcements promised to the Okolona 
commandant soon made their appearance, a long train of cars com- 
ing into view from the South. When within two miles, however, 
of the town, warned by the glare of the burning buildings, the 
enemy concluded to retire, which they did, returning with all pos- 
sible expedition to Egypt Station — whereupon the command at 
once resumed its march, and at night went into camp only five 
miles from the station, against which, early the next morning, Col- 
onel Yorke was ordered to advance. Selecting forty men from 
Captain Gallagher's squadron as an advance-guard, the Colonel 
ordered the remainder of the regiment to move forward in columns 
of fours — himself accompanying the advance. Passing through a 
dense woods, the latter struck the open prairie and encountered the 
enemy's skirmish line of infantry. This was at once charged and 
captured. The enemy could now be seen just ahead in possession 
of the village and stockade. Captain Gallagher forthwith charged 
them with the intention of piercing their center, but at this moment 
they opened a murderous fire from their artillery, cavalry and 
infantrjr, which killed Captain Gallagher, Lieutenant Burns and 
several men and horses. This caused the advance to hesitate and 
then slowly retire, but in the meantime Colonel Yorke had ordered 
Captain Mitchell with his squadron to charge the artillery. This 
he did gallantly and forced them to retire down the railroad, when, 
returning, he advanced on the left flank of the infantry and cavalry. 
Ordering another squadron to the assistance of Captain Mitchell, 
Colonel Yorke deployed the other force in line of battle in front of 
the stockade. Then at the word, the regiment charged gallantly, 
their brave commander leading the attack in person — the whole 
column moving right up to the stockade in the face of a murderous 
fire, so that they could fire directly into the garrison. The latter 
taken at the same time in flank, speedily surrendered, and the day 
76 



602 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



was ours. The prisoners numbered in all some five hundred and 
fifty. But the victory was a costly one ; seventy-four men and over 
eighty horses of the Second Jersey were killed and wounded. 
Lieutenant Burd was killed while urging forward his men, and 
when only ten paces from the stockade. Colonel Harris, command- 
ing the rebel camp, was captured, as was also General Gholson, 
commanding the post, the latter being shot in two places. The 
gallantry of the officers and men was never more conspicuous 
than in this action. Their charge was made with the battle-flag 
presented by the ladies of Salem, New Jersey, in the center, and 
none who witnessed the steadiness of their advance will ever for- 
get it'. 6 



5 The following account of this action was published in the New York Sunday 

Mercury : 

"In the late extensive raid of the force commanded by General Grierson, the 
Second New Jersey Cavalry bore a conspicuous part — conspicuous not only for great 
gallantry, but also for most complete and glorious success. It was led by its gallant 
commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Yorke, to whom the regiment was fortunate in 
having its command transferred. Ever since Colonel Yorke resumed the command, 
the regiment has been most efficient, and has won for itself and him an imperishable 
name for steady, unflinching courage and gallantry, as well as the most thorough and 
efficient discipline. 

" In this late expedition, the reoiment particularly distinguished itself. During the 
raid it was selected for the accomplishment of a most difficult and dangerous duty ; 
the capture of a fort and stockade at Egypt Station, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. 
The regiment, led by its commander, drove the rebels before them, charging gallantly 
forward on and up to the very works and the muzzles of the enemy's guns, and there 
pouring into the fort a destructive fire with cai'bines, while a portion of the regiment 
dismounted and fought on foot. The fighting was most desperate and sanguinary, 
and the loss of life to us, as well as to the enemy, very severe. The garrison nearly, 
if not quite, equalled the regiment in numbers, and were protected by strong defensive 
w T orks. Yet, disregarding the strength of the enemy, all the disparity of position 
and advantages, thinking of and caring for nothing but its own glorious name and 
obedience to the orders of its honored leader, it dashed splendidly on. It was a 
glorious sight — the long line of men and horses, the glitter and clash of arms, the 
cry of onset, the flying rebels, the pursuing, relentless foe. All movements were 
ordered by the bugle, and it is a remarkable fact that not a single instance of mistake 
or disobedience occurred during the whole affair. During the most rapid firing, while 
each man was wholly occupied in charging and discharging his piece, comrades falling 
around, horses rearing and plunging, amid general uproar and confusion, the bugle 
suddenly sounded ' cease firing.' At once the order was obeyed, not a piece was 
discharged, not a soldier moved in his place until the bugle was again heard sounding 
the 'charge;' then over shoulder was slung the carbine, out-flashed the glittering 
steel, and on like an avalanche rushed the heroic Second. 

" The fort was taken, and with it over eight hundred rebels, with a large number of 
officers, including one General. The. loss of the Second was very heavy. Conspicuous 
gallantry was displayed. The officers who were shot fell at the head of their squad- 



THE THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT — (SECOND CAVALRY). 603 



After destroying the captured arms and ammunition, the regi- 
ment resumed its march, reaching Houston on the 29th, and thence, 
on the 31st, moving to Winona Station, on the Mississippi Central 
Eailroad. Here the depot, telegraph, railroad, several bridges, 
a number of buildings filled with stores, were destroyed, after which 
the command proceeded in a southwesterly direction to Yicksburg, 
which place was .reached on the 6th of January. From this point, 
the Second Jersey returned by steamer to Memphis, having lost, 
during the entire expedition, nineteen men killed, sixty-nine 
wounded, and two missing, with one hundred and fifty-five horses 
and mules killed and disabled. No expedition of the war was 
more completely successful, and in none did the Second Jersey 
exhibit greater gallaatry and soldierly endurance than in this dash 
through the very heart of Mississippi. 6 



rons. One gallant officer, Lieutenant Phillips, of Company D, promoted from the 
ranks, was shot through the thigh, but refused to retire until an officer was sent by 
the Colonel to relieve him. Lieutenant Burd, of Company A, was shot through the 
head and instantly killed. Captain Gallagher, of Company H, a fine officer, who had 
served in the Army of the Potomac for some time previous to the formation of the 
regiment, was killed. Lieutenant Hoffman, late of the First New Jersey Cavalry, was 
wounded in the head. 

"After the fort was captured and the prisoners were being marched out, General 
Grierson and Colonel Karge rode up and congratulated Colonel Yorke on his valiant 
achievement. The expedition was in every way a success. Forty miles of the Mobile 
and Ohio Railroad, a large number of cars and engines, large quantities of arms and 
ammunition, three hundred and fifty wagons that Sturgis lost last spring, and large 
quantities of quartermaster and commissary stores, were destroyed." 

6 The following is Colonel Yorke' s report of this expedition : 

"Headquarters Second New Jersey Cavalry, ) 
January 12, 1865. \ 
" General R. F. Stockton, Adjutant- General State of New Jersey : 

" General : In accordance with orders received from brigade headquarters, I march- 
ed with seven hundred and forty of my regiment, at half-past seven o'clock, a. m., on 
Wednesday, December 21st, and that day reached a point twenty-seven miles from 
Memphis. 

"On the 22d, marched at half-past six o'clock, a. m., and made fifteen miles ; bivou- 
acked. 

" December 23d. Marched at seven o'clock, a. m. , passed through Lemarr and Salem ; 
and camped in a swamp at half-past eight o'clock, p. m., on the Ripley road, ten miles 
northwest of Ripley. Distance marched, twenty-five miles ; roads good. 

"December 24th. Marched at six o'clock, a. m., on the Salem and Ripley road; 
passed through Ripley at twelve a. m. At this point Major Van Rensselaer, with Com- 
panies B, C and K, were ordered to strike the Mobile and Ohio Railroad and destroy it 
at Boonville. This they did on the morning of the 25th, at half-past three o'clock, 
tearing up a mile of railroad, burning two large houses filled with quartermaster and 
commissary stores, and a caboose on the railroad, containing arms, ammunition and 



604 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Four days after the return of the expedition to Memphis, the Sec- 
ond Jersey was ordered to embark on steamers and report to Gen- 
eral Davidson at Natchez, Mississippi, and on the 19th, the regiment, 



railroad implements. Ten miles south of Boonville, they destroyed a bridge across 
' ' Twenty Mile Creek," which was one hundred and fifty feet long; also eight or ten 
culverts. The entire distance marched by this portion of my command was one hun- 
dred and thirteen miles. They joined the regiment on the 26th. After detaching 
Van Rensselaer at Ripley, I moved forward, crossing the Tallahatchie river at Kelly's 
Mills, and encamped on the east side at five o'clock, p. m., having marched twenty-five 
miles that clay. 

"December 25th. Marched at six o'clock, a. m., on the Ellistown road ; passed that 
place at twelve o'clock; then moved on the road to Tupelo. At Oldtown Creek, two 
brigades were halted, while we pushed on ; passing through Harrisburg, arrived at 
Verona Station at half-past nine o'clock, p. m. At this place Lieutenant Charles May- 
berry destroyed the depot, nineteen box cars, three flat cars, two caissons and four 
ambulances. Four of these cars were loaded with corn, one car with quartermaster's 
books, blanks and stationery, one car of horse shoes and quartermaster stores, one 
car containing articles for hospital use, and six cars of commissary goods. Left 
Verona at half-past twelve o'clock, p. m., and reached Harrisburg at half-past five 
o'clock, a. m., of the 26th instant; distance marched, fifty miles. Marched again at 
twelve o'clock, m. ; crossed the Tombigbee river and bivouacked at nine o'clock, 
p. m., on the Okalona road, having marched twenty miles; roads very bad. 

"December 27th. Marched at eight o'clock, a. m., on the Okolona road. The 
advance skirmished with the enemy and entered Okalona at twelve o'clock, m., where 
I destroyed a large quantity of finished leather, one thousand five hundred horse shoes, 
fifty thousand Ely's English caps, for pistols and muskets, and a large amount of tent 
cloth. Leaving Okolona at two o'clock, p. m., we marched on the West Point road 
and at five o'clock bivouacked six miles from Okolona, having marched fifteen miles ; 
roads poor. Our bivouack was about four miles from Egypt Station, which we ascer- 
tained was held by the enemy. 

" December 28th. Clear and pleasant. Marched at seven o'clock, a. m.— my regi- 
ment being in advance of the brigade and the brigade in advance of the division. I 
formed my extreme advance of thirty good men, with Spencer carbines, under Captain 
Vandergrift, assisted by Lieutenant John Burns, Company I. Captain Gallagher, 
Compan y H, with the rest of Companies H and E, followed as a support, with drawn 
sabers. As my orders were to allow nothing to stop me, I gave the same to the offi- 
cers commanding the advance. At eight o'clock we struck the enemy's skirmish line, 
which consisted of infantry, and was deployed about an eighth of a mile from town. 
Driving these rapidly before them, they approached the enemy's line of battle, which 
consisted of infantry, artillery and cavalry, the infantry holding the center. The firing 
then being very heavy, I ordered a charge on the enemy's center, along the main road 
that ran through the village. Immediately after their advance, fire was opened from 
a stockade on their right, that had hitherto been unperceived by me. The effect of 
this fire was very disastrous, for it was here that I lost many men, including the senior 
Captain of my regiment, Michael Gallagher, Company H, who fell dead while gallantly 
leading his men forward, and Lieutenant John Burns, Company I, who was mortally 
wounded. After the death of these officers, the men became disheartened, and turned 
in orderly retreat. Seeing this, I led Captain Fernald's squadron, at a gallop, to the 
right, and took possession of some fodder stacks and buildings on the enemy's left 
center, and which was the key of his position. From behind these, I poured such a 
volley into the enemy, who were massed in column of division, that they were forced 
to retreat into the stockade. This movement of theirs was hastened by seeing Cap- 



THE THIRTY-SECOXD REGIMENT — (SECOXP CAVALRY). 605 



mustering one thousand and one hundred enlisted men and thirty - 
four officers, reached that place, where sixty men, under Lieuten- 
ants Johnson and Hoffman, were soon after detached as provost 



tain Mitchell 1 s squadron advancing on their left. By this time the rest of the regi- 
ment had formed in the field on the left of the road. They advanced in line of battle, 
and opened upon the stockade, which was continued with varying success for about 
an hour. Company G, under command of Lieutenant Phillips, during this part of the 
action was deployed on the extreme left as skirmishers, and did considerable execu- 
tion. It was here that Lieutenant Phillips was wounded. Seeing the necessity of 
pressing upon the left center and following up the advantage gained, I ordered Com- 
panies L and E to support Companies A and M, and to advance upon the stockade. 
Having dismounted, they with great determination and bravery advanced under a 
heavy fire to within ten paces of the fortification, where they found temporary shelter 
behind a fence. I then sounded the bugle for a general advance, and the squadrons on 
the left of the road, moving forward, charged directly through the village and swept 
round in rear of the fortification. At the same moment, the dismounted troops burst 
from their cover, and breaking down the door, dashed within the enclosure, which im- 
mediately surrendered. The victory was not a bloodless one, for here Lieutenant 
Stryker Burd, Company A, while springing forward for the rebel flag, was instantly 
killed, with seven of his brave followers. The prisoners taken in the stockade num- 
bered five hundred, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Beck. They were all 
armed with Springfield muskets of the latest pattern. In addition to these, fifty men 
were captured on the skirmish line. In this action, I lost three officers killed and 
two officers and sixty-nine men wounded, and eighty-four horses killed and wounded. 
Lieutenant Phillips and thirty-nine men were so seriously wounded that I was forced 
to place them in houses and leave them under the care of Assistant-Surgeon Krauter. 
After destroying the arms and ammunition, and leaving the dead to be buried by the 
Pioneer Corps of the brigade, we took up our line of march towards Piketown, and 
passing through Buena Vista, camped at sundown, having made fifteen miles. 

" December 29th. Marched at seven o'clock, a. m., and on reaching Houston sent 
a force, under Major Van Rensselaer, six miles on the West Point road. On their 
return, marched and bivouacked at half-past five o'clock, p. m. ; twenty-eight miles. 

"December 30th. Marched at seven o'clock, a. m., made twenty miles, and bivou- 
acked near Lodi. 

"Deeember 31st. Clear and cold. Marched at seven o'clock, a. in., and reached 
Winona Station, on the Central Mississippi Railroad, at two o'clock, p. m., and 
destroyed the depot, telegraph, railroad, three small bridges, one box and one flat car, 
and ten buildings full of commissary and quartermaster stores. Marched to Middle- * 
town and encamped. 

" January 1st. Marched at six o'olock, a, m. ; good roads ; made twenty-six miles. 
" January 2d. Marched at half-past six o'clock through Lexington to Benton, forty 
miles, and bivouacked at six o'clock, p. m. 
" January 3d. Marched thirty-eight miles. 

' ' J anuary 4th. Camped at Chear Creek, nine miles from Vicksburg, having marched 
twenty miles. 

"January 5th. Rainy. Passed through Vicksburg, aud camped at Four Mile 
Bridge ; marched thirteen miles. 

" On the 6th, I embarked my command on the steamers Pauline, Carroll and Emma, 
and one squadron on a barge in tow of the Eairchild. By the 11th, my entire com- 
mand had returned to this point, My total loss of horses and mules on the expe- 
dition was one hundred and fifty-five. In accordance with orders I turned in to Bri- 
gade Quartermaster, at Vicksburg, eighty-four unserviceable horses and ten unser- 



606 



NETV JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



guard. While at this post, one battalion was ordered on picket 
daily by the General commanding. On the 21st of February, 
Orderly Sergeant Patrick, of Company H, was killed by the acci- 
dental discharge of a Spencer carbine, in the hands of a Corporal 
of Company E. He was a brave soldier, and his death was much 
regretted in the command. On the first of March, Colonel Karge, 
who had been absent on leave, returned and took command of the 
regiment, which on the 4th was ordered to report to General 
Orierson at New Orleans, and on the 8th, to encamp at Carrolton, 
Louisiana. On the 19th Colonel Karge was placed in command of 

viceable mules. During the exi)edition my regiment captured fifty-nine horses and 
ninety-six mules. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"P. Jones Yorke, 
"Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Regiment."' 

The following is Colonel Karge' s congratulatory order: 

"Headquarters First Brigade Cavalry Division, M. D. M., | 
Memphis, Tennessee, January 14, 1805. )' 
[" Circular Xo. 1.] 

" The Colonel commanding takes this opportunity to congratulate the officers and 
men of the First Brigade for the hrave and gallant manner in which they conducted 
themselves during the late expedition into Mississippi, under Brigadier-General B. H. 
Grierson. 

"In the heart of an enemy's country, and subject to circumstances having a demora- 
lizing tendency, you have displayed a courage and discipline that cannot be surpassed. 

"In the face of the enemy, when deploying under a heavy and galling fire, or when 
charging his lines and intrenchments, you exhibited such firmness and ready obedi- 
ence to the orders of your superiors, that victory crowned your efforts, and the foe, 
disheartened, appalled, by such determination and bravery, was compelled to surrender. 

"But however sweet are the fruits of victory, they were not gained without the 
loss of brave and gallant soldiers ; and it is with feelings of sorrow, that the Colonel 
commanding has to record the loss of three brave officers of the Second New Jersey 
Cavalry, and many good and hrave men. Captain Gallagher fell shot through the 
heart, at the head of his men, while leading them. His Second Lieutenant, John 
Burns, fell mortally wounded at the head of his company, in the same charge. Lieu- 
tenant Stryker Burd was shot while leading his men against a stockade, in an endeavor 
to secure the enemy's colors. 

"It is a consolation to know,, however, that the officers and men have fallen in a 
noble cause, and while bravely performing their duty. 

" The Colonel commanding trusts that the renown gained by the brigade during the 
expedition, will be an incentive to both officers and men to further efforts in the same 
direction. By a continued display of such bravery, endurance and discipline, they 
will obtain an immortal name in the history of the war. 

"Where (with but two exceptions) all have done well, it would seem invidious to 
designate particular persons as meriting special notice. The Colonel commanding, 
however, cannot refrain from mentioning, as worthy of special approbation, Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Torke, commanding Second New Jersey Cavalry, Captain Elliott, Seventh 
Indiana, and Captain Hencke, Fourth Missouri Cavalry Volunteers. 

" Joseph Karge, 
" Colonel Commanding First Brigade." 



THE THIRTY-SECOND REGIMENT— (SECOND CAVALRY). 607 



the First Brigade. Seventh Division, Cavalry Corps. On the 5th 
of April, the Second Jersey was directed to proceed to Mobile, 
which it did. part of the men being transferred by way of the 
Gulf, and the remainder over Lake Pontchartrain — only a portion 
of the command, however, reaching its destination in time to parti- 
cipate in the capture of Forts Blakely and Spanish. While at 
Mobile, Major Yroom, of the Second, was appointed Inspector 
General of the cavalry, and Major Yan Eenssalaer, being obliged 
to return to New Orleans on account of sickness, was there appoin- 
ted Assistant Provost Marshal of the city. From this point the 
regiment marched to Eufala, Alabama, where it received informa- 
tion of the truce between Sherman and Johnson, and the assassi- 
nation of President Lincoln. On the 11th of May, the war having 
practically ended, it passed through Montgomery, and on the 21st 
reached Columbus, Mississippi — Captain B, D. Mitchell being 
appointed (on the following day,) Provost Marshal of the town, 
with Captain Fernald and Company M, as provost guard, and Cap- 
tain Scudder with Company E, being placed in charge of thefreed- 
meirs camp. At this time part of Company A, which had been 
left in Mobile, rejoined the regiment by rail. On the 28th, General 
Grierson and staff left for New Orleans, when Colonel Karge was 
placed in command cf the District, and Colonel Yorke in command 
of the Second Cavalry Brigade. On the 7th of June, the regiment, 
under command of Colonel Karge, marched for Yicksburg, Colo- 
nel Yorke, with Captain Scudder, Lieutenants Burns, Smith, Hoff- 
man, and Quartermaster Baldwin and Assistant Surgeon Todd, 
being ordered to proceed to Mobile, and thence to New Orleans 
and up the river with the dismounted men and stores. On the 
16th, the regiment was again united in camp, outside of Yicksburg, 
on the Big Black Eiver, where, on the 80th, 550 of the one year 
men were mustered out and dispatched to Trenton, New Jerse}^, by 
way of New Orleans. On the 10th of July, Colonel Yorke was 
sent with the third battalion to assume command of a sub-division 
of Mississippi, with headquarters at Rodney's, where he remained 
until the 28th, when he received orders to move his headquarters 
to Port Gibson, the remainder of the regiment about the same 



608 



NEW JEESEY AND THE EEBELLION. 



time being ordered to Natchez. The regiment, from this time, 
was stationed as follows: Colonel Joseph Karge, commanding 
post of Natchez, with six companies ; Colonel Yorke, commanding 
post of Port Gibson, with four companies ; Colonel N. S. Gilson, 
commanding post of Brookhaven, with two companies. 

In the latter part of August, Colonel Karge received the brevet 
of Brigadier-General, and General Davidson receiving a leave of 
absence, he was placed in the command of the Southern District of 
Mississippi. He at once ordered all the Second New Jersey to 
report in Natchez, Mississippi, where they were placed under the 
command of Colonel Yorke. Attempts were now made to con- 
solidate and retain the regiment in service, but this being frustrated, 
the order was received for muster out of service, and proceeding 
to Trenton, the command was duly disbanded. From first to last 
the regiment had exhibited a courage and discipline which justly 
ranked it among the best cavalry commands in the service, and its 
record, covering a field of peculiar hardship as well as of vital 
importance, will shine with honest lustre in the annals of the 
nation long after the men who fought in its ranks have gone down 
to the last sleep. 

The following is the roster of the Thirty-second as it entered the 
service : 

Colonel, Joseph Karge ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Marcus L. W. Kitchen ; Majors, Fred- 
erick B. Revere, P. Jones Yorke, and Peter D. Vroom, Jr. ; Adjutant, J. Lacey Pier- 
son ; Quartermaster, James M. Baldwin; Commissary, Wolfgang Mosse; Surgeon, 
Ferdinand V. Dayton ; Assistant Surgeons, William W. Bowlby, Lawrence O. Morgan ; 

Chaplain, . Company A — Captain, Frank B. Allibone ; First Lieutenant, 

Charles C. Reiley; Second Lieutenant, Joseph L. Topham. Company B — Captain, 
Peter G. Van Winkle; First Lieutenant, Theodore Vandergrift; Second Lieutenant, 
Samuel Swayze. Company C— Captain, Edward P. Mount; First Lieutenant, Ebe- 
nezer Montgomery ; Second Lieutenant, Adrian S. Appleget. Company D — Captain, 
Charles N. Pelouze ; First Lieutenant, Alfred Haines ; Second Lieutenant, Albert 
H. Crump. Company E— Captain, William V. Scudder; First Lieutenant, Lewis Rai- 
near ; Second Lieutenant, Lemuel Fisher. Company i — Captain, Philip L. Van 
Rensselaer; First Lieutenant, Charles H. Dod; Second Lieutenant, L. Henry Smith. 
Company G — Captain, Gustave A. von Brausen ; First Lieutenant, Clarence Linden ; 
Second Lieutenant, Carnot B. Meeker. Company if— Captain, Michael Gallagher; 
First Lieutenant, John Madigan ; Second Lieutenant, Jonathan Goble. Company 1 — 
Captain, P. Perm Gaskell ; First Lieutenant, Richard D. Mitchell ; Second Lieutenant, 
Alexander A. Yard. Company K— Captain, Morris H. Stratton; First Lieutenant, 
Frederick von Klitzing ; Second Lieutenant, Lambert L. Mulford. Company L — Cap- 
tain, Ehrich von Pannwitz ; First Lieutenant, Julius von Rudolphi; Second Lieuten- 
ant, Sigismund von Braida. Company M— Captain, Charles F. Fernald; First Lieu- 
tenant, John N. Givens ; Second Lieutenant, Frank T. Adams. 



4 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 

The Thirty-third regiment was raised in the summer of 1863, 
under an authorization issued to Colonel Mindil, formerly of the 
Twenty-seventh, being the first veteran regiment raised in con- 
formity to the conditions of the new system, permitting the recruit- 
ing of " Veteran Volunteers." A call for extra troops being made 
about the same time, Colonel Mindil was directed to recruit mainly 
in the northern part of the State, and when completed, the regi- 
ment represented almost exclusively the counties of Essex, Morris, 
Passaic and Hudson — fully three-fourths of the men being credited 
to the quota of Newark. 1 Liberal bounties being offered at this 



1 As originally ordered, four companies, A, B, C and F, were to be recruited exclu- 
sively from Newark ; one company, D, in Paterson ; one company, H, in Hoboken ; 
one company, K, in Jersey City; one company, G, in Morris, Hudson and Essex; one 
company, E, in Camden and Essex ; one company, I, in Essex, Hudson and Morris. 
But few men were obtained from Camden, the regiments under organization at Beverly 
and Trenton taking the men from that quarter. 

The original roster of the regiment was as follows : 

Colonel, George W. Mindil; Lieutenant-Colonel, Enos Fouratt; Major, David A. 
Peloubet ; Adjutant, William H. Lambert; Quartermaster, James B. Titman; Sur- 
geon, James Reiley ; Assistant-Surgeons, J. Henry S tiger, Charles W. Stickney ; Chap, 
lain, John Faull. Company A — Captain, William G. Boggs ; First Lieutenant, George 
M. Harris; Second Lieutenant, William. L. Shaw. Company B — Captain, James R. 
Sandford ; First Lieutenant, James A. Somerville ; Second Lieutenant, James Warner. 
Company C— Captain, Amzi S. Taylor; First Lieutenant, Henry F. Sherwood; Second 
Lieutenant, Charles A. Sutton. Company D — Captain, Charles Courtois ; First Lieu- 
tenant, James T. Gibson ; Second Lieutenant, William A. Miller. Company ^—Cap- 
tain, John Sandford ; First Lieutenant, Charles J. Field ; Second Lieutenant, Joseph 
L. Miller. Company J 7 — Captain, Thomas O'Connor; First Lieutenant, George L. 
Begbie ; Second Lieutenant, Alexander Eason. Company G — Captain, Henry C. Bart- 
lett; First Lieutenant, John J. TofTey; Second Lieutenant, William H. Harrison. 
Company H— Captain, Barent Frazer, Jr. ; First Lieutenant, Thomas H. Lee ; Second 
Lieutenant, Joseph P. Conse. Company 7— Captain, Samuel F. Waldron ; First Lieu- 
tenant, J. Warren Kitchell ; Second Lieutenant, Frank Chilcls. Company K— Captain, 
William McCoy ; First Lieutenant, William H. Cochran ; Second Lieutenant, Francis 
Tully. 

77 



610 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



time, the work of recruitment made rapid progress, the regiment 
being mustered into the service of the United States on the 3d of 
September — only fifty-five days after the rendezvous at Newark 
was opened. The command was in all respects a superior one, 
seven-eighths of the officers and three-fourths of the men having 
already seen service in the field. Lieutenant-Colonel Enos Fouratt 
had participated in all the battles of the First New Jersey Brigade : 
the Adjutant had served acceptably with the Twenty-seventh, 
while the entire field and staff, and most of the officers of the line, 
had previously held commands equal in importance and responsi- 
bility to those now filled. The regiment was uniformed in the 
Zouave dress, and armed with the best Springfield rifles. 

On the Stli of September the regiment, under orders from the 
War Department, broke camp, and the next morning embarking on 
transports lying in the Passaic, proceeded to Washington, crossing 
on the 13th into Virginia, and two days after marching for "War- 
renton, having in charge a train of thirty wagons loaded with sup- 
plies and ammunition. Upon approaching Warrenton it was found 
that General Meade had advanced to Culpepper, and that a body 
of rebel cavalry had occupied the abandoned town. Showing, how- 
ever, a formidable front, the regiment boldly advanced, and, the 
enemy retiring, promptly occupied the place, going into camp in a 
strong position just outside of the village limits. Here the com- 
mand remained until the 19th, when it proceeded to Warrenton 
Junction, Colonel Mindil hoping at that point to open communica- 
tion with General Meade and procure orders as to his subsequent 
movements. In this he was successful, the regiment being ordered 
to report to General Howard of the Eleventh Corps, which, in con- 
nection with the Twelfth Corps, was guarding the line of the Orange 
and Alexandria Eailroad. Here, with a view of preparing the 
regiment for action, which, was regarded as imminent, four drills 
daily, of one hour each, were ordered, and the men rapidly increased 
in efficiency. The command, however, was not to measure strength 
with the enemy on that field. On the 24th, orders were received 
to prepare immediately for a movement. Inquiry at headquarters 
developed the fact that in view of the reverse at Chickamauga, 



\ 

THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 



611 



it was deemed necessary to immediately reinforce the Army of the 
Cumberland, then holding the defenses of Chattanooga, and that 
for this purpose the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, under General 
Hooker, were to be dispatched to the West. This was a surprise to 
the men of the Thirty-third, but they promptly acquiesced, and on 
the morning of the 25th, the regiment set out for Washington, 
whence, the same night, it departed by rail for the West. Orders 
from General Meade to stop the regiment and return it to the Army 
of the Potomac, had been received by General Howard at Manassas, 
and by General Hooker at Washington, but in each case the regi- 
ment had departed before the dispatches came to hand. The regi- 
ment had been recruited with a view to service in the West, and 
it seemed destined to go there in spite of everything. 

From the Relay House, the regiment travelled by rail by way of 
Harper's Ferry, Grafton and Benwood, through the States of Ohio 
and Indiana to Indianapolis, and thence to Jeffersonville, where the 
Ohio River was crossed, and cars were taken from Louisville to 
Nashville, Tennessee, reaching the latter early on the morning of 
the 30th (September). Bridgeport, a military station on the Tennes- 
see River, in the northeastern part of Alabama, and distant about 
two days march from Chattanooga, was reached the same evening, 
the regiment bivouacking for the night, and the following day 
establishing a regular encampment. Here, the command once more 
engaged in active drill, making such satisfactory progress as to 
elicit not only the warmest expressions of approbation from 
General Howard, but also a request for a permanent detail 
from the regiment for guard duty at Corps Headquarters. On 
the 18th of October, Colonel Mindil was ordered to proceed 
with three regiments to the mouth of Battle Creek, about six miles 
distant on the wagon road to Chattanooga, for the purpose of 
relieving General Morgan's Brigade of Western troops, then hold- 
ing the place. The designated point was reached on the following 
day, and General Morgan's Brigade moving forward to Chatta- 
nooga, his quarters were at once occupied by the relieving brigade. 
This temporary brigade, to the command of which Colonel Mindil 
had been assigned, consisted of the Thirty-third New Jersey, 



612 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Twenty-seventh and Seventy -third Pennsylvania, and Eightieth 
Illinois Volunteers, and their duty was to protect the pontoon 
bridge across Battle Creek, on the only wagon road to Chattanooga 
then in our possession, as well as to picket the surrounding countiy 
and assist the heavy trains of supplies in moving over the muddy 
and worn-out roads, which required frequent repairs, by new drain- 
age, corduroy, &c. The Thirty-third regiment was assigned to the 
camp lately occupied by the Thirty-fourth Illinois, consisting 
mostly of small frame structures, which were welcome, indeed, as 
a protection against the heavy rains then prevailing. On the 24th 
of October, the three regiments were ordered back to Bridgeport 
to rejoin the corps, which had been ordered to advance, and Mindil 
was left alone with the Thirty-third regiment in this isolated 
position, to do the heavy labor formerly assigned to a brigade. On 
the 25th, he ordered forward to Jasper (a small village some five 
miles distant), two companies of about one hundred and twenty 
men, under Captain Boggs, to occupy the town and to send still 
further forward to the Sequatchie River a permanent picket of 
twenty men and one officer, to guard the bridge on the wagon road 
over that stream. Thus the roads, for a distance of six miles, were 
under the immediate care of the Thirty-third, and the men were 
constantly employed in guarding and repairing them. In the 
meantime (on the 26th), the Eleventh Corps, with Geary's Division 
of the Twelfth Corps, all under Hooker, had been ordered across 
the Tennessee to open the road to Chattanooga on that side of the 
river, it having been found impossible to supply General Thomas' 
army by the road held by the Thirty-third, and by the few steamers 
plying on the river between Bridgeport and " the front," Hooker 
moved forward and fought the successful battles of Lookout Yalley 
and Wauhatchie — being the first victories achieved on Western 
ground by Eastern troops — driving the rebels from the valley up 
the sides of the mountain, and thus opening the road from Kelly's 
Ferry to Brown's, by which supplies could be forwarded direct to 
Chattanooga, by steamer, from Bridgeport to Kelly's Ferry, and 
thence by wagons to Brown's, where the Tennessee was crossed by 
a pontoon bridge. Had Hooker failed in this movement, directed 



THE THIRTY-THIRI) REGIMENT. 



613 



by Grant, the consequences could not have been otherwise than 
most serious ; Chattanooga would probably have been abandoned, 
since it was impossible to keep the army there in supplies ; and the 
whole current of the war in that quarter would, almost inevitably, 
have been changed. * 
There being no longer a necessity for the retention of troops at 
Battle Creek, the Thirty-third moved forward, on the 4th of 
November, to rejoin its corps in Lookout Yalley, reaching the 
brigade camp on the morning of the 6th. This camp was situated 
behind earthworks, which had been constructed on the summit of 
the lower series of ridges separating the valley from the mountain 
held by the rebels. The Thirty-third was assigned a position in 
support of the first line of the brigade behind and at the foot of 
the ridge, but still partially in view of the enemy's position on the 
crest of Lookout. In this new encampment, the regiment renewed 
its drills, reviews and parades, and attained still higher efficiency — 
acquiring steadiness especially in the performance of actual picket 
duty in sight of the foe. The rebels amused themselves by con- 
tinually shelling either the passing trains in the valley or the 
position of our forces on the surrounding, but lower hills, but their 
shots inflicted little damage, owing to the height of their position 
and depression of the guns. 2 



2 When the regiment left Battle Creek, wagon transportation for the necessary bag- 
gage could not be obtained, and it was left behind in charge of the Quartermaster, 
Lieutenant Libman, with a small guard of convalescents, who were unable to march, 
to be brought up by water to Kelley's Ferry. This guard, together with the regimen- 
tal stores, officers' baggage and records of the Adjutant's office, were placed upon a 
large barge, or fiat-boat, and on the evening of the 7th of November were taken in tow 
by one of the regular steamboats en route from Bridgeport to the Ferry — the guard of 
sick men being in charge of Lieutenant Somerville; the baggage under the care of 
the Quartermaster. But neither was destined to reach the destination in safety. The 
incidents of the trip are thus recorded by the correspondent of the Newark Daily 
Advertiser : "Until within about six miles of the ferry, and until about two o'clock 
Sunday morning, the steamboat's furnace had been fed with mixed green and dried 
wood. At that time, the fireman being out of green wood was compelled to use alto* 
getherdry, principally rails. The rate of speed was thereby suddenly and considera- 
bly increased, and soon proved too rapid for the broad-bowed barge in tow, and its bow 
was dragged and finally dipped under water, when the swift and strong current of the 
Tennessee swept off all save the heaviest articles of her cargo, and floated them down 
the stream. The barge being lightened soon righted, although filled with water. For- 
tunately the majority of the men, with the Quartermaster and the Lieutenant, had gone 
on board of the steamboat ; only ten or twelve who had comfortably stowed them- 



614 



NEW JEESEY AND THE KEBELLION. 



At length, on the 22d of November, the regiment again moved 
out on active service, marching to Brown's Ferry, and thence, 
through the camps of Sherman's forces, who had arrived from the 
Mississippi, to and beyond the town of Chattanooga, where it 
bivouacked in front of Fort Wood. Grant had at this time arrived 
at Chattanooga, and his presence, with that of his faithful Lieu- 
tenant, Sherman, and the heroes of Donelson and Vicksburg, gave 
promise of hot work at no distant day. The morning dawned, but 
beyond an occasional discharge of ordnance, there was nothing 
indicative of preparations for battle. Indeed, our army spread out 
along the plain seemed more ready for grand review than for 
engagement, and so the enemy thought, as Bragg afterwards con- 
fessed. Noon came, but still no orders reached the Thirty-third, 
although on the extreme right the western troops had already com- 



selves away amidst the canvass remained. These were all floated off the moment the 
barge dipped. The instant she righted the Quartermaster jumped upon her, and 
assisted by some few others, made strenuous efforts to rescue the men who had been 
thrown into the river. The Quartermaster succeeded in pulling out three; a few saved 
themselves, but despite all the efforts, four men sank to rise no more alive. Theodore 
Drake and Oscar C. Lathrop, of Company C, Patrick Delany, of Company F, and Louis 
Wilte, of Company I, were the names of the men thus suddenly and unexpectedly 
rushed from life into the mystery of death. After having backed water and going 
down stream with the intention of affording aid to the men overboard, the barge was 
cut loose and the steamboat kept on to the ferry, on arrival at which the Quartermas- 
ter procured a pontoon boat, and with a volunteer crew of three others, went down 
the river to secure what might be saved from the wreck. Some of the baggage floated 
down the stream, some drifted ashore, sunk, and very little remained on board the 
barge. Part of that which floated down the river was broken open and "the contents 
scattered over the waters ; part of that which drifted ashore was found by citizens or 
soldiers, who after taking therefrom all they considered convenient or useful, to prove 
their honesty restored the balance : that which sunk was lost ; that which remained 
in the barge was recovered. The Quartermaster returned after an absence of ten days, 
having secured a considerable quantity of baggage, and yet in proportion to the whole, 
comparatively small." 

Cololonel Mindil writes of this sad affair: "The Quartermaster was much blamed 
by the officers for this mishap, many of them asking for his trial. I was convinced, 
however, by the testimony of the Captain of the boat and of other disinterested wit- 
nesses, not only of Lieutenant Libman's innocence of these charges, but of his cool- 
ness and bravery in rescuing some of the drowning men, and of his indefatigable exer- 
tions in recovering that portion of the baggage which was found and restored. But 
tor his coolness and courage, three more lives would have been lost, and had he not 
been an indefatigable, faithful officer, nothing would have been recovered. Instead of 
censure, Lieutenant James B. Libman deserves praise for his gallant behavior. The 
cause of the accident was beyond control, and there is no one who should receive the 
least blame. These being my views then, I deemed a Court of Inquiry useless, and the 
matter passed over without a regular official inquiry." 



THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 



615 



menced to advance. Soon a few rifle shots were heard, then brisk 
skirmishing, then volleys of musketry and rapid discharges of 
heavy artillery. Looking to the right, our gallant veterans were 
seen pressing bravely forward, steadily gaining ground. And now 
orders came to the Thirty-third " to unsling and pile knapsacks," 
and move diagonally forward to the left. Moving the short dis- 
tance the corps was formed for action in two lines, the sounds of 
battle on the right growing momentarily louder. Soon, an aid 
from Howard having delivered orders, the brigade moved into the 
plain beneath and towards a clump of woods skirting Citico Creek, 
at a point where the Atlanta Eailroad crossed a small stone bridge 
— the Thirty-third New Jersey and the One Hundred and Thirty- 
fourth New York forming the first line, and the Twenty-seventh 
and Seventy-third Pennsylvania and One Hundred and Fifty-fourth 
New York, a second line in support. The regiments of the first 
line at once sent out skirmishers to feel for the enemy and under 
their cover the advance was made. Captain Boggs, with Company 
A, deployed along the front of the Thirty-third, and about one 
hundred and fifty yards in advance, proceeded some twenty paces, 
when a heavy fire was opened upon him and the regiment from 
every side — from the woods in front, from under the stone bridge 
and from behind several small buildings in possession of the foe. 
Our object being to gain possession of these buildings and of the 
bridge in order to hold the line of the creek, the extreme left of 
General Thomas' army, the Thirty -third, for the first time in action, 
continued to advance, despite the heavy fire. Compan}^ A not 
being strong enough to push back the enemy's sharpshooters, who 
were well posted, Captain O'Connor, Company F, was advanced as 
a reinforcement, when Colonel Mindil led both companies to the 
attack. Under a brisk fire, the men still continued to gain ground, 
and the enemy soon retired behind the creek, still holding, how- 
ever, the buildings and the bridge. But the advance was not made 
without loss. The brave Captain Boggs, while gallantly encour- 
aging his men, was shot in the arm by a sharpshooter, and was 
obliged to leave the field, while several other casualties were 
suffered. The regiment now halted, awaiting the arrival of the 



616 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



troops on the right, but the fire from behind the buildings proving 
a serious annoyance to the men in the second line, Colonel Mindil 
was soon ordered to charge forward with his whole command and 
dislodge the enemy — which was done at once, the regiment, with a 
cheer, rushing to the assault. The enemy fired rapidly and wildly, 
and unable to resist our assault, the buildings were soon in posses- 
sion of the assailants. But in this movement also the regiment 
suffered a severe loss, Captain Waldron, while bravely moving 
forward on the right of his company (I), on the extreme right of 
the regiment, falling dead, shot through the head by a sharpshooter 
from behind the very house which his company, only a few 
moments later, occupied. He had just received the order to take 
this building when the fatal bullet struck him. Brave and cool, in 
all respects an accomplished officer, the regiment in his death sus- 
tained a loss which could not easily be repaired. Lieutenant 
Toffey, of Company Gr, who had been directed to assume command 
of Company A after Captain Boggs was wounded, was likewise 
severely wounded before he had time to give an order. Thus far 
the regiment had acted nobly and gained several advantages of 
position, but its success was won at a costly price in the loss of 
these efficient officers. 

In the meantime, and while the regiment was charging in line, 
Captain O'Connor, with Companies F and A, had succeeded in 
gaining the banks of the creek, and had even pushed some of his 
men across on the flank of the enemy occupying the bridge, but 
the regiment having halted, the enemy directed all their fury 
against his little command, compelling him to apply for assistance 
to enable him to save his command. This had been foreseen by 
Colonel Mindil, who had already ordered forward Company E, 
Captain Charles Fields, with Major D. A. Peloubet accompanying, 
who was to establish the line in front. On reaching the front, the 
Major found several of O'Connor's men across the creek, and 
returning for orders, was directed to apprise the General command- 
ing the division of the situation and ask for orders. Before he 
returned, however, orders were received to hold the line of the 
creek merely, and Adjutant Lambert was directed to convey the 



THE THIKTY-THIKD KEGIMENT. 



617 



information to Captain O'Connor. Owing to the heavy fire of the 
enemy, the regiment was ordered to lie down close to the ground, 
so as to escape the constant shower of bullets — O'Connor's men 
meanwhile being protected by the trees from behind which they 
had driven the rebels. In order to reach O'Connor's position, 
however, it was necessary to pass over open ground, in full view of 
the enemy on the bridge, and this duty Adjutant Lambert* per- 
formed with conspicuous gallantry. Mounting the Major's horse, 
he galloped forward under a heavy fire, when a well-directed shot 
carried his horse from under him. Not in the least disconcerted, 
he extricated himself from the fallen animal, and pushing bravely 
on, reached and delivered his orders to O'Connor, who, upon 
receiving them, immediately recalled his daring men and re- 
established his line on one side of the creek. All having been 
gained that was desired, the regiment now merely directed its 
efforts to holding its position, which it did successfully. Night 
corning on, the Thirty-third was relieved by another (fresh) regi- 
ment of the brigade, and moved, back to take its place in the 
reserve. It had fought its first battle, acting bravely and well, and 
the men as they bivouacked under the stars felt, justly, that they 
had sustained on that Western field the brilliant reputation which 
New Jersey soldiers had gained in the East. General Howard, 
who had witnessed the gallant charge and steadiness of action, 
warmly complimented the command on its splendid behavior. The 
aggregate loss of the regiment, considering the work accomplished, 
was not large, amounting to one officer killed and two wounded, 
and one private killed and twelve wounded. 3 



3 The following is Colonel Mindil's report of this engagement : 

" Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of the movements of the 
Thirty-third New Jersey volunteers, from the time of its departure from camp in 
Lookout Valley, at three o'clock, p. m., on the 22d of November last. In connection 
with the rest of the Eleventh Corps, the regiment moved on the afternoon of that day 
in heavy marching order, crossed the Tennessee at Brown's Ferry, and bivouacked for 
the night on the plain beyond Chattanooga, about two hundred yards to the right of 
Fort Wood. On the afternoon of the following' day (23d,) skirmishing was commenced 
between the armies in our front, and at three o'clock, p. m., the corps proceeded to 
move towards the position assigned it. The First Brigade, Second Division, of which 
my command formed part, being arranged in two lines — the outer consisting of the 
One Hundred and Thirty-fourth New York on the right, and the Thirty-third New 

78 



618 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



The entire army now ceased firing, and all rested for the night 
on the ground gained daring the day from the pickets, advance 
guards and outlying reserves of the enemy. On the 24th, the 
regiment was early formed in line, but the enemy having been dis- 
lodged from the bridge by a flank attack of other commands, it 
did not become engaged. Later, however, it was again called to 
dang'erous service. During the previous night, under cover of the 
fighting of the Army of the Cumberland, Sherman had succeeded 
in laying pontoons across the Tennessee, near the mouth of the 
Chickamauga. Here he was to cross early on the morning of the 
24th, and assail and turn the enemy's right, so as to interpose 
between Bragg and LongstreeK the latter being on his way to 
Knoxville. General Grant, learning that Sherman was crossing 



Jersey on the left, in deployed order— with skirmishers about one hundred and fifty 
paces in advance. The second, comprising- the Seventy-third and Twenty -seventh 
Pennsylvania, and One Hundred and Fifty-fourth New York, in columns in mass at 
supporting distance. These dispositions were made in an open field about five hundred 
yards from Fort Wood, fronting Citico Creek, with the left flank protected by a rail- 
road embankment. The order to "forward" was given and the regiment proceeded to 
advance. Hardly had the line of skirmishers gained ten paces ere it was fired upon 
from the woods skirting the creek, from behind the railroad bridge, and from under cover 
of several buildings. The enemy being well protected, at short range and in considerable 
force fired very destructively, and Captain Boggs, of Company A, fell wounded at the 
first discharge, while gallantly advancing his deployed line. Notwithstanding the sever- 
ity of the fire, the advance was continued, and Captain O'Connor, with his company, 
was sent to reinforce the line in front. This additional force compelled the enemy to 
leave their position on this side, and to retire behind the creek. My line of skirmish- 
ers had now reached the creek, and on its bank a very hot and lively contest ensued, 
the contending parties being but ten yards apart. Both having availed themselves of 
the shelter of the trees, but little loss was inflicted. In the absence of orders, and 
believing it was the intention to advance until the field was won, I moved forward 
Company E, Captain Field commanding, and ordered Captain O'Connor to cross the 
creek at all hazards — his force now amounting to about one hundred and sixty men, 
at the same time charging forward with the rest of the regiment, under a heavy fire, 
to within fifty yards of the enemy behind the walls of the bridge, so as to give him 
support. Simultaneously I sent the Major to acquaint the Brigade Commander with 
our position, and for further orders. The order came to merely hold the creek, but it 
was not received in time to check the onward progress of our skirmishers, who dashed 
into the stream regardless of its depth— with water to the waist, moving in spite of 
the determined resistance offered, thus gaining foothold on the opposite bank. In 
obedience to instructions received, I ordered Captain O'Connor to hold this side of the 
creek, and prevent the enemy from crossing in turn. Night soon ended the firing, 
and at about eight o'clock, p. m., the regiment was relieved by the Twenty-seventh 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, bivouacking for the night about three hundred yards in 
rear. 

Accompanying you will find a list of the killed and wounded ; the loss of officers was 
unusually severe. Captain Waldron, of Company I, was instantly killed at the head 



THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 



619 



his forces, at once directed General Howard to establish a connec- 
tion, and for this purpose Colonel Mindil was ordered to cross the 
railroad track, thence to cross Citico Creek below the bridge so 
stubbornly held by the enemy the night before, and. passing around 
their right flank, endeavor to reach Sherman, about a mile and a 
half distant. Under the direction of General Howard, Mindil 
effected the crossing of the creek, and at once made the necessary 
dispositions to advance, by throwing out skirmishers on the front 
and right. These skirmishers soon became engaged with the 
enemy, who was advantageously posted behind the railroad 
embankment, and General Howard fearing that the enemy might 
prove too strong, ordered two additional regiments — the Twenty- 
seventh and Seventy-third Pennsylvania — to Minclil's assistance, 
when the advance was continued, the brave and veteran Captain 
Bartlett guarding well, with Company T, the exposed flank of the 
Thirty-third. 

So well, indeed, did he manceuver his skirmishers, that, the 



of his company while the regiment was charging in line. A soldier by profession, and 
a veteran of former fights, he yielded his life in defence of the flag- he had sworn to 
support. I sympathize with Captain Boggs. Lieutenant Toffey and the rest of the 
wounded — it is consoling to know they were injured in a righteous cause with face to 
the foe. As for the officers and men, all performed their duty unflinchingly, and where 
all act well it is impossible to discriminate. For a regiment of hut three months crea- 
tion, without much drill and discipline, the Thirty-third did remarkably well. I feel 
confident the regiment can now be relied upon for any emergency, as the men will 
perform their whole duty. I would bear testimony to the efficiency and gallantry 
of the staff; Lieutenant Lambert, Adjutant, tor promptness displayed in conveying 
my orders to the most exposed position — to Chaplain John Faull, my thanks as well 
as those of the command are due, for fearlessness manifested in relieving the wounded 
by personally removing them, with the aid of the Drum Corps, to the Surgeon in rear. 
Doctor Stiger remained with the regiment at all times, performing his operations under 
the fire of the enemy." 
The list of killed and wounded was found to be as follows : 

Killed— Captain Samuel F. Waldron, Company I, gun-shot through the heart; 
Thomas Marsh, Private, Company H, gun-shot in the head. 

Wounded— Captain William G-. Boggs, Company A, left arm above the elbow, severe 
— died about a month afterwards in hospital from its effects ; Lieutenant John J. Toffey, 
Company G, right hip, serious — was never able to rejoin the regiment, but entered the 
Invalid Corps. Company A — Corporal Christian Switzer, both legs, serious ; William 
J. Atkins, groin, mortal— died afterwards. Company C— William McNeill, groin, 
serious. Company D— John Connell, hand, slight ; W. H. Post, both thighs, serious. 
Company E— Joseph Swethurst, leg, slight. Company F— Corporal William Hearn, 
leg, slight; Francis Moakler, knee, slight; James Lewis, arm, slight. Company I — 
Sergeant Charles Fongar, hand, slight; William Bannan, hand, slight; W. H. Kelley, 
hand, slight. 



620 



i^EW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



enemy was unaware of the march of the three regiments, and their 
junction with General Sherman was soon effected, without the loss 
of a single man. General Howard accompanied the command, 
and here for the first time met Sherman, with whom he was des- 
tined in the future to achieve such distinction. The day was 
already well advanced, and it was raining heavily ; and but slight 
skirmishing appeared to prevail. As soon as Sherman's forces had 
crossed, the Thirty-third advanced with him — the post of danger, 
the exposed right flank, being assigned to that regiment. No 
enemy in any strength, however, was encountered, and the regi- 
ment bivouacked for the night at the foot of Mission Ridge, near 
the Tunnel, over which the enemy was strongly posted. Some of 
the Western troops had already gained portions of the crest, by 
surprising the enemy holding them. During the night, heavy 
defences of stones and earth were thrown up, to serve as a base 
in the absence of connections with the rest of the army, and the 
men were told to be ready for action at daylight on the morrow. 

It was during the afternoon of this same day, the 24th, that — the 
enemy having massed nearly his entire force over the Tunnel to 
oppose Sherman — Hooker, with Geary's Division of the Twelfth 
Corps, and Osterhaus' Division of the Fifteenth Corps, carried the 
sides and crest of Lookout Mountain, planting the Stars and 
Stripes on its very summit, above the clouds and in plain view of 
both armies. The gains of the day, indeed, had been of the most 
brilliant character throughout. Sherman, on the left, had gained 
a fine position on the enemy's right. Thomas, in the center, held 
fast to the rebels posted there, in constant demonstrations ; while 
Hooker, on our right, by his grand achievement, was placed in 
position to attempt the turning of the rebel left and the " rolling 
up " of his line — with scarcely a possibility of failure in the 
attempt. The morrow was to be the decisive day, and the night 
was spent by both armies in preparations for the deadly struggle. 

The morning of the 25th opened with sharp firing on our left, 
as Sherman carried crest after crest — the rebel artillery meanwhile 
thundering along our entire line and rendering our position exceed- 
ingly uncomfortable. At eleven o'clock, Sherman marshaled his 



THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 621 

forces for the assault of the rebel left on the Tunnel, and for this 
purpose the Thirty-third was moved to the right through the 
woods, then across a field, in full view of the enemy, into another 
piece of wood, directly opposite the Tunnel. The Seventy-third 
Pennsylvania, of the same brigade, was ordered to the front as 
skirmishers, and the Thirty-third placed in position in the rear of a 
fence, as a support. In moving forward to obtain this position, the 
regiment was subjected to a destructive shell-fire from the enemy's 
batteries, which caused some havoc in our ranks, bui the line 
moved splendidly forward, occupied the alloted space and reclined 
behind the protection of the fence. Sherman's attack was heavy 
and spirited ; but the heavy masses of the enemy defied assault, 
and at four o'clock, p. m., the regiments were withdrawn from the 
struggle to take post again behind their intrenchments. This 
heavy demonstration, however, had caused the enemy to reinforce 
heavily his right ; and the left and center being weakened, Sherman 
seized his advantage, and pushing forward Thomas and Hooker, 
carried the enemy's left and center and drove him inglorious!}' 
from the ridge in his front. Owing to this success, the enemy also 
evacuated in Sherman's front during the night ; and long before 
dawn of the 26th, the eager troops were ordered in pursuit. Thus 
had the Thirty-third taken a prominent part in three days of the 
heavy fighting of the ever-memorable battle of Chattanooga, and 
though raw and inexperienced, acquitted itself with the bravery 
and tenacity of their older, veteran comrades. The casualties in 
the fight at Mission Bidge, on the 25th of November, were then 
reported as follows ; Company B— Corporal Henry Stern, shell, 
finger; Henry McDonnell, shell, finger. Company' D— "Wesley 
Conklin, shell, face. Company E — Samuel Searing, leg, killed, 
Company F — Julius Bachmeyer, shell, hip; Patrick McDermott, 
shell, knee. Company G— Lewis Mangold, shell, arm. 

The rest of the Eleventh Corps had now arrived, and at daylight 
of the 26th crossed Chickamauga Creek, moving down behind 
Mission Kidge in pursuit of the flying, disorganized foe. At night, 
the Thirty-third came up with the rear-guard of the rebels, who 
were dislodged after a brief skirmish, and the men bivouacked for 



622 



NEW" jersey and the rebellion. 



the night some four miles from Graysville, through which place 
they marched next morning towards Parkin's Gap, with a view of 
turning the enemy, who were heavily engaging Hooker at King- 
gold. Colonel Mind.il was now placed in command of the brigade, 
consisting of the Twenty-seventh and Seventy-third Pennsylvania, 
One Hundred and Thirty-fourth and One Hundred and Fifty-fourth 
New York and Thirty-third New Jersey, which command he held 
during the remainder of the campaign. In the absence of Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Fouratt, who was sick at Nashville, Major Peloubet 
assumed command of the Thirty-third. The brigade remained at 
Parkin's Gap for two days, during which it destroyed the railroad 
at Eed Clay, thus severing the communication between Bragg and 
Longstreet ; but it had sterner work before it. On the 29th orders 
were received to move towards Knoxville, about one hundred and 
twenty miles distant, for the purpose of relieving Burnside, by 
coming up in the rear of Longstreet, who had invested the place ; 
and on the same day, Sherman's army of the Mississippi, Davis' 
Division of the Fourteenth Corps, with the Fourth and Eleventh 
Corps, moved out to the performance of the task to which they 
were assigned. How that duty was performed by the Thirty- third, 
the following diary of the march exhibits : 

" November 29th. Moved at six o'clock, a. m., towards Cleveland in a northeasterly 
direction, arriving there, after a heavy march of twenty-two miles, about five o'clock 
in the afternoon, just as the enemy's cavalry were galloping out of the town. 

" November 30th. Moved at six o'clock, a. m., for Charleston, arriving there at two 
o'clock, p. m., driving the rebel cavalry precipitately across the Hiawasee, So rapidly 
was this done that the enemy had not time to destroy the bridge or a large train 
of cars well filled with flour, grain, pork and molasses ; marched thirteen miles. 

"December 1st. Our troops across theHiawasee, passed through Calhoun, afterfilling 
their haversacks from the rebel commissariat; then through Eiceville and Athens, 
encamping for the night about two miles beyond the latter place, after a march of 
eighteen miles. 

u December 2d. Marched at seven o'clock in the morning via Sweetwater, encamping 
about five o'clock, p. m., after a march of seventeen miles, about two miles beyond 
Philadelphia. 

" December 3d. Moved at five o'clock, a. m., towards Loudon, six miles distant— 
the enemy having destroyed the bridge over the Holston at this point, we cannot 
proceed further on their line, and amuse ourselves by shelling the enemy's cavalry, 
who are seen on the heights beyond the river. Information received that Burn- 
side repulsed three successive charges of Longstreet on Sunday, but that he cannot 
hold on for more than three days longer. Two days half rations of coffee, sugar, flour 
and suet are issued, and we encamp for the night ; our supplies of fresh meat were ob 
tained by foraging cattle, sheep and hogs as we proceeded. 



THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 



623 



"December 4tli. Remained in camp all day while the pontoneers and engineers con- 
structed a bridge over the Little Tennessee. 

"December 5th. Moved at one o'clock, a. m., crossing the Little Tennessee at 
David Ford at sunrise, on a bridge constructed of wagon bodies and wheels and trestle ; 
moved through Unetia, arriving at Louisville at eight o'clock, p. m., after a fatiguing 
journey of twenty -two miles. 

"December 6th. Sunday, received the joyful intelligence of Longstreet's retreat, 
who fled on our approach, and were rejoiced at the consequent safety of Burnside and 
Knoxville. The troops were now halted twenty miles from Knoxville, and I rode into 
the city in company with Generals Sherman, Howard, Logan and Blair, and arrived at 
General Burnside's Headquarters. 

"December 7th. Moved at eight o'clock, a. m., toward Chattanooga, and after a 
march of seventeen miles encamped about a mile south of David Ford. 

" December 8th. Moved seventeen miles, encamping near Sweetwater in a heavy 
rain. 

" December 9th. Marched fifteen miles, encamping near Athens, remaining in this 
vicinity during the 10th and 11th, occupying the time in repairing the worn-out shoes 
of the command with some sole and upper leather found in the town. 

" December 12th. Moved through Charleston in a drenching rain, encamping, after 
a tramp of eighteen miles, two miles beyond. 

"December 13th. Moved to Cleveland, encamping on the Dalton Railroad, in the 
southeast portion of the town — remained there the 14th and 15th, awaiting rations 
from Chattanooga which arrived on the latter day. 

" December 16th. The march is resumed, and in a storm which excels all that have 
gone before it, we make McDonalds Gap, where we lie in mud without cover from 
the rain. 

"December 17th. Moved forward down along the Railroad past the old fight- 
ing ground of Tunnel Hill, over Citico Creek, around the base of Lookout, over 
the wood so lately picketted by the opposing forces into the old valley, and for the 
Thirty-third the campaign of a month's duration is finished. General TV. S. Sherman, 
in dissolving his command, addressed to us these words in General Orders : 

" The General commanding thanks all officers and men for the promptness with 
which all orders were obeyed, more especially for the cheerfulness exhibited under 
privations of the severest kind. Without tents, without rations, with insufficient 
clothing, almost without shoes in mid-winter, this army sprang with a generous im- 
pulse and marched to Knoxville, a distance of one hundred and twenty miles, over the 
worst of roads, and relieved from danger twelve thousand of our fellow soldiers 
besieged by a dangerous enemy." 

" General Burnside warmly thanked the troops who saved him and his important 
stronghold. During the severe fighting, and still more severe marches, the regiment 
never flinched, and well earned for itself the commendation of their Division Com- 
mander, 'Boys, you have done well.' Never have I seen or even read of troops who 
suffered like these. They endured hardships that seemed unbearable, with a cheerful- 
ness that appeared superhuman. We read of the sufferings of the patriots of '76 at 
Morristown and Valley Forge, and they were terrible ; but even this was as nothing to 
the pains endured on the road from Chattanooga. The weather often wet, still oftener 
bitter cold, the woods deep with mire or frozen into sharp jagged points — all without 
blankets, tents, and many without shoes, with no regular rations, the men pressed on 
eager to overtake Longs treet. Had the ground been covered with snow, the march of 
the Thirty-third might have been traced by the bloody foot-prints of her patriot rank 
and file." 4 



■i Colonel Mindil says of the conduct of his staff during the Knoxville campaign and 
the preceding battles : 

"Chaplain John Faull, with true zeal and exalted bravery, collected the drum corps 
on the field of battle and extricated the wounded as they fell, directing their convey- 



624 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



The regiment now established a fine camp and went into winter 
quarters, where it remained until Sherman, having completed his 
plans for a movement against the enemy, once more drew out his 
army and commenced the memorable Atlanta Campaign. 5 During 
the winter the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps being consolidated and 
designated as the Twentieth, under General Hooker, the Thirty- 
third was assigned to the Second Brigade of the Second Division, 
the latter commanded by General John W. Geary. The brigade 
having no general officer for commander, it was led in the follow- 
ing campaign by the senior Colonel, Colonel Mindil commanding 
it most of the time — Lieutenant-Colonel Fouratt, a brave and 
capable officer, having immediate control of the Thirty-third. 

The Atlanta Campaign. 
On the 4th of May, 1864, at four o ? elock in the afternoon, the 
Second Brigade, then commanded by Colonel Bushbeck, of the 
Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Regiment, b oke camp, crossed 



auce to the rear, where Doctor J. Henry Stiver dressed tneir wounds and administered 
to their comfort, under the very fire of the enemy. Tco high praise cannot be award- 
ed these officers and the gallant drum corps of little heroes, for this important service. 
None were obliged to be there. The Chaplain and drummers, in attending to the 
fallen, enabled me to keep all my able-bodied men to the work of attack, and the Doc- 
tor, by his proximity to the front and consequent early attendance upon the wounded, 
undoubtedly saved the life of many a suffering soldier, who, faint from loss of blood, 
would have perished in the conveyance to the hospital, generally, alas, too far in rear. 

"Adjutant Lambert did excellently and received commendation in the official report 
of the campaign. For " gallantry in action" he was nominated tor the Captaincy of 
Company A, vacant by the death of Captain Boggs, and Governor Parker made the 
appointment. Sergeant-Major Stephen Pierson was promoted to the Adjutancy, and 
in his new position gained marked distinction in the subsequent campaigns." 

s On the 19th of January, a new and beautiful State Flag arrived from Trenton, and 
Major-General O. O. Howard, the commander of the corps, consented to act as the 
representative of the State and present the banner to the regiment, which he did in an 
appropriate address. The men of the Thirty-third, clad in their neat, bright Zouave 
dress were mashalled as if for parade, in presence of the corps, division and brigade 
commanders, and the occasion was one of much interest. The Major, as commander 
of the regiment, replied to General Howard, Colonel Mindil being the commander of 
the brigade. About the same time, Chaplain Faull, who had held a similar position 
with Colonel Mindil in the Twenty-seventh regiment, and who was. one of the most 
devoted of his profession in the service, was presented a valuable horse by the men of 
the regiment. On the 20th of February, Lieutenant-Colonel Fouratt returned to camp 
after an absence since October 19th, being sick at Nashville with typhoid fever. His 
return was the occasion for another social gathering of the officers, who welcomed him 
back with the utmost good feeling. 



THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 625 

Lookout Mountain and the State line of Tennessee, and bivouacked 
for the night on Georgia soil, near Eossville Gap. On the 5th, the 
march was resumed, the Twentieth Corps forming the center of 
the army, and encamping on the 6th near Pea-Yine Creek. On 
the 7th, the Thirty-third crossed Taylor's Bridge, near Gordon's 
Springs, and at night occupied an advanced position on picket, on 
the Eome road, eight miles southwest of Dalton — moving on the 
day following in rear of the division as guard to the train. The 
Fourth and Twenty-third Corps being already engaged in demon- 
strating against the strong position, of Tunnel Hill and Buzzard's 
Eoost, General Geary was ordered to proceed to Dug Gap, about 
two miles south by west of Dalton, and demonstrate there by 
making a heavy assault. All these heavy demonstrations against 
impregnable mountain positions were designed by General Sher- 
man to deceive the enemy, and divert his attention and his forces 
from the main point at which it was intended to perform the first 
of the series of grand strategic flank movements. On arriving at 
Dug Gap, Geary discovered before him a huge mountain over 
which ran a narrow road through a gap in the very summit. The 
mountain was covered with a heavy growth of trees and under- 
brush, and its sides were filled with loose rocks and boulders. It 
was most difficult of access, and the task before him was vastly 
more formidable than the storming of Lookout Mountain, when 
our troops were able to advance in line or solid column. But it 
was Geary who captured Lookout, and although but ordered to 
demonstrate effectively, he determined to attack vigorously and 
seek to dislodge the foe from their Georgian Gibraltar. Accord- 
ingly, placing his rifled artillery in position, he at once commenced 
to shell the Gap, and under cover of this cannonade he advanced 
the First and Second of his brigades to direct assault. For nearly 
an hour and a half these men heroically attacked, only to be 
repelled by an unseen foe at every assault, The rebels were on 
the crest of the mountain, behind rocks, trees and rifle-pits, and 
poured a murderous fire into the ranks of Geary's men, who had 
boldly advanced up the steep sides to within ten paces of its crest. 
At length, the position being found impregnable, Geary retired his 
79 



626 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



line a few hundred yards, in order to reconnoiter again and to 
make different dispositions for a final attempt. Up to this time, 
the Thirty-third had not been engaged ; but on hearing the firing 
in his front, and fearing our force was inadequate to the task in 
hand, Colonel Mindil pushed forward with his regiment, without 
orders, feeling himself justified, especially as the train was in no 
danger, in doing so by ail the circumstances of the case. Upon 
reporting to General Geary at the front, he was ordered to make a 
detour of half a mile, then scale the ridge, endeavor to reach its 
summit and turn the enemy's left flank, while the main force occu- 
pied his attention in front. This order was at once obeyed, 
Mindil's force consisting, in addition to the Thirty -third, of the 
Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania and One Hundred and Thirty-fourth 
New York regiments. After toilsome effort, over and among 
rough, rolling boulders, the Thirty -third arrived near the top of the 
ridge, driving the enemy's skirmishers before it, when its progress 
was impeded by a long series of palisades, rising abruptly from 
the mountain sides, and which could only be passed through two 
or three small gaps, capable of admitting but one man at a time. 
Through these gaps the regiment filed, and, almost exhausted, 
formed line upon the rocks on the extreme right of our position, the 
One Hundred and Thirty-fourth New York being next on the left. 
To flank the enemy was impossible; his works extended along 
the crest of the mountain, which rose in a series of still higher 
palisades immediately in front. But one desperate hope of attain- 
ing the summit remained; that was seized, and Colonel Mindil, 
with the Thirty-third and One Hundred and Thirty-fourth New 
York, at once made disposition to carry the crest by direct assault. 
Heavy lines of skirmishers were thrown out, a storming column 
formed of the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth New York and four 
companies of the Thirty-third, the remainder of the Thirty-third 
going into position as a supporting line, to guard against pursuit 
by the enemy, if the charge should fail, or to dash forward to fol- 
low up its success. At length, all being ready, the storming party 
charged forward up the sides of the steep mountain, over treach- 
erous, moving boulders, and under heavy volleys of musketry, up 



THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 627 

to the foot of the steep palisades, which defied assault. But 
undaunted by the frowning walls, with cheers and yells the men 
gallantly endeavored to reach the summit, and despite the terrible 
obstacles, many actually reached the crest, only to fall beneath the 
murderous bullet, or to be thrust headlong on the rocks below. 
At length, finding the position invulnerable, reluctantly and still 
fighting, the men fell back to their position on the lower crest, where 
they remained until dark, resisting every effort of the enemy to 
dislodge them. After nightfall, it now being clear that the capture 
of the rebel position was impossible, orders were given to with- 
draw ; and in good order, slowly and silently, Colonel Mindil 
brought off the regiments under his command. No regiment 
could have behaved with more splendid valor than did the Thirty- 
third on this occasion. It was their stubborn attack, mainly, which 
compelled the detention of the enemy, who thus left open Snake 
Creek Gap, through which McPherson pushed without opposition, 
and Dalton, being flanked, was evacuated. The regiment lost in 
all two officers and four enlisted men killed, and two officers and 
twenty-three men wounded — several of the wounded subsequently 
dying. Among the killed was Captain Bartlett, who fell at the 
head of his column, gallantly charging upon the foe. He was an 
experienced, veteran officer, and had established a high reputation 
for coolness and courage in the battles of the Peninsula and in the 
Thirty-third. Lieutenant Joseph L. Miller, who also fell, was new 
to the service, but with his heart in the cause, he promised to 
become an excellent soldier, as he was undoubtedly one of the 
bravest of the brave. The bodies of both these officers were 
buried by the foe — the Masonic emblems on Captain Bartlett's per- 
son gaining for him a respectful burial. Colonel Mindil promoted 
the brave and dashing Cochrane, of Company K, to fill Captain 
Bartlett's place, but before the Governor's commission reached him, 
he too joined the host of martyrs, bravely falling at Pine Knob a 
month afterwards. The heavy labors of Colonel Mindil in the 
charge, leading up the mountain on foot, caused an old wound to 
re-open, and against his wishes, he was ordered to hospital for 
treatment. For his part in the action, though overlooked at the 



628 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



time, he was afterwards honored with the brevet rank of Major- 
General. 6 

The Thirty-third remained with the division encamped near the 
foot of the mountain until the morning of the 11th, when under 
the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Fouratt, it moved to the left. 
The three following days were spent in marching, intrenching and 
picket-duty, when, early on the morning of the loth, the battle of 
Kesaca was commenced, the Thirty-third becoming actively engaged 
about ten o'clock, a. m., when it charged the enemy up a gentle 
slope, covered with thick pines, four or five feet high. Being, 
however, in the second line, the regiment was not -able to fire, 
though exposed to the full force of the enemy's batteries. In this 
gallant charge, the Thirty-third planted its colors within ten paces 
of the enemy's fort, and effectually prevented his gunners using 
four pieces of artillery therein. But beyond this, the line could 
not advance without some destruction. A small ravine separated 
the Second Brigade, of Geary's Division, from Wood's Brigade, of 
Butterfield's, and this ravine was unoccupied, but was thoroughly 
commanded by the rifles of the left wing of the Thirty-third. 
About dusk the enemy assaulted Butterfield in force, and the regi- 
ment performed excellent service in pouring a destructive flank fire 
into the right of the enemy's crowded columns. Lieutenants Sut- 
ton and Cochrane, commanding Companies C and I, had charge of 
the advanced videttes of the regiment on that flank, and by their 
coolness and courage did much to encourage their men. As soon 
as it was dusk, it was determined to secure the guns which had 
been silenced, and accordingly the Thirty-third, with other regi- 
ments of the division, dug away the earth in front of the fort, and 
quietly fastening ropes to the coveted pieces dragged them into our 



6 While in Hospital at Chattanooga, undergoing- treatment, Colonel Mindil was 
reported fit for light duty (not in the saddle), and was honored with the appointment 
of President of the Examining Board for Commissions in Colored Troops, for the 
Department of the Cumberland, hy order of Major-General Thomas. He performed 
the responsible duties of this position for several weeks to the satisfaction of the 
Commander of the Army, but, deeming himself strong enough for the field, was at his 
own request permitted to resign this position for the purpose of returning to the front 
to lead his brigade in the final battle around Atlanta. In five years of service, this 
was the only period when Colonel Mindil was not actively engaged in the field. 



THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 



629 



lines — one being carried away by the Jerseymen who had shared 
the glory and danger of the charge. The loss of the regiment in 
this engagement was three men killed, one officer (Captain Bray,) 
and twenty-four enlisted men wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Fou 
ratt fought the regiment with signal ability, and on this, his first 
field of battle with the Thirty-third, gained that reputation for 
coolness and intrepidity which he ever afterwards enjoyed. 7 

On the 16th, the march was resumed, the Thirty-third crossing 
the Ostanaula and ConnasaUga rivers, and thence moving through 
Cassville, across the Etowah river towards Burnt Hickory. On 
the 2oth, after crossing Pumpkin Vine Creek, the enemy was dis- 
covered in force near Dallas, or New Hope Church, and about five 
o'clock, p. m., with the rest of Hooker's Corps, the Thirty- third 
became engaged, driving in the enemy's skirmishers and advancing 
until dark:, when they reached a strong position of the rebels, 
defended by artillery. Here, for half an hour, the enemy's fire 
was very hot, and in this position the Thirty-third remained during 
the night, exposed to a drenching rain. On the morning of the 
26th, finding farther progress impossible, the regiment constructed 
for itself without much opposition from the enemy, a small line of 
logs and earth, behind which to rest with security. During the 
night, these intrenchments were enlarged and strengthened ; and 
Hooker's Corps for seven days was compelled to remain in this 
position, during the hottest of weather, whilst Sherman was oper- 
ating elsewhere. The only duty was that of picket, and this was 
unusually dangerous and arduous, every night producing a list of 
killed and wounded as the videttes were relieved. The two lines 
were here so close that no one upon either side dared to show his 
head above the breastworks. All change of pickets and guards 
took place after dark. Here the brave and talented Captain Field 
received the mortal wound from which he died ten days afterwards 



7 All this time the Major, D. A. Peloubet, was absent sick, and subsequently resigned. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Fouratt commanded in all the four battles of Resaca, Dallas, Pine 
Knob and Peach Tree. The loss of the regiment at Resaca was greater than that of 
any other in the brigade. 



630 



NEW" JERSEY A)nT> THE REBELLION. 



at Chattanooga. 8 Probably the most wretched week of the " one 
hundred days' campaign" was that spent here ; the opposing lines 
being within one hundred and fifty yards of each other, the firing 
was incessant ; the stench from the dead bodies which could not 
be removed, was sickening and their sight discouraging ; maggots 
covered the ground in thousands, and each succeeding day only 
added to the strength of the enemy's works. Each night's rest 
was disturbed by the call to arms half a dozen times in as many 
hours, and the men were completely broken down with excitement 
and want of rest, when, at length, Logan's Corps, after repulsing 
the enemy at Dallas, arrived to relieve Hooker's troops from this 
uncomfortable position. During the first day's engagement, and 
the subsequent seven days from May 25th to 31st, the Thirty- 
third lost one officer and five men killed and twentj^-seven men 
wounded. 9 



8 "Headquarters Thirty-third New Jersey Volunteers, ) 
In the field near Aceworth, Georgia, June 12, 1864. f 
"General: I regret to notify you of the death of Captain Charles J. Field, Com- 
pany E, from wounds received in the action before Dallas, May 28th, 1864. He died in 
the hospital at Lookout Mountain, June 5, 1864. 

"His character as an officer and gentleman was without blemish. Brave, fearless 
and cool in action, he won the respect of his superiors and the confidence and love of 
his men. His memory will ever be fresh in the minds of the officers and soldiers of 
the Thirty-third New Jersey. 

"Enos Fouratt, 
Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Regiment." 

9 The following is the official report of this campaign, dated " In the field near Dal- 
las, Georgia, May 31, 1864," and addressed to Adjutant-General Stockton: 

"I have the honor to submit the following report of the services performed by this 
regiment during the present campaign up to this date, together with a list of the casu- 
alties. 

" We left Lookout Valley May 4th, Colonel Mindil commanding. We first went into 
action at Rocky-faced Ridge, on Sunday, May 8, 1864, taking part in the assault. The 
regiment did well, winning for itself a good name for steadiness and bravery. The 
attack only failed because the position was naturally impregnable. Our losses for the 
short time were severe, particularly in officers. Captain Sandford, Company B, fell, shot 
through the knee, while leading on the skirmishers. Captain Bartlett, of Company G, 
and Lieutenant Miller, Company E, were instantly killed while cheering on their men, 
and Lieutenant Smith wounded at the same time. At night we withdrew to the base 
of the hill. Colonel Mindil, by his great exertions, again rendered himself unfit for 
duty, and the next day was sent to the rear. 

" Moving through Snake Gap, we again became engaged, about one o'clock, p. m., 
of the following Sunday, May 15, 1864. With the division we charged the enemy, and 
with cheers drove them back some distance, effectually silencing four of their guns, 
our colors being the furthest in advance of any regiment. Here we lost another valu- 



THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 631 

On June 1st, the regiment was moved with the corps towards 
the left of the army, then forward towards " Big-shanty," then 
across Alatoona Creek to within three and a half miles of Acworth 
where on the 6th of June a camp was established, and a week's 
rest afforded to the men. All this time the Confederates were 
slowly retreating, fighting our army every step of the way. On 
the 14th of June the inarch was resumed, and a position taken up 
near the Fourth Corps, fronting the rebel position on Pine-Knob. 
On the afternoon of the 15th of June, Hooker advanced against 
the enemy, the Thirty-third at first being in the second or support- 
ing line. The enemy slowly and deliberately retreating towards 
his works, the first line charged forward under a heavy fire, when 
the second line, in which was the Thirty-third, was also ordered to 
pass to the front and engage the foe. Again, as on other fields, 
the Thirty-third advanced in splendid order, as if on parade, though 
under a murderous fire, and soon gained an advanced position 
within seventy-five yards of the enemy's breastworks. This posi- 
tion they held with tenacity, despite the enemy's attempt to dis- 
lodge them, but at nightfall orders were received to be in readiness 
to fall back to a more secure position. Accordingly, Colonel Fouratt 
ordered but a slight work constructed of such logs and stones as were 
convenient. Much to his surprise, and to the misfortune of the 
regiments of the first line, the expected order did not come, and 
the morning found them inadequately protected, when the night 



able officer, Captain Bray, Company A, who received a musket ball in bis thigh, inflict- 
ing a very severe flesh "wound. 

" We next went into action at this place on the evening of May 25th, ajrain charging 
and driving the enemy back some distance, until darkness put an end to our opera- 
tions. On the following day, we remained in position, but on the night began to skir- 
mish, and to the present time have been constantly at the front, under fire from the 
enemy's skirmishers. 

" The officers and men in this campaign have all done well. To Captain O'Connor, 
who has acted as field officer since we started, and to my Adjutant, upon whom I was 
obliged to depend in the battle of Resaca, Captain O'Connor having been sick for some 
days, I am much indebted for efficient aid on the field and on the march. As the sub- 
joined list shows, the regiment has lost since the opening of the campaign two officers 
killed, four wounded, ten enlisted men killed, seventy-five wounded and four missing, 
making a total loss of ninety-five killed, wounded and missing. 

"Enos Foueatt, 
"Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding." 



632 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



might have been employed in defence. The enemy was very 
strongly posted above our men, and well protected, and at once 
availed himself of our exposed position to slaughter our troops by 
a system of most accurate sharp-shooting. The losses were fright- . 
fill. The enemy's line of battle overlapping ours, he gradually 
worked it around more and more, and commenced to enfilade the 
Union line. While standing up and reconnoitering this enfilading 
flank movement, Adjutant Pierson was wounded, happily but 
slightly, so that the regiment did not lose his valuable services. 
A company of the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth New York was 
now ordered forward to check this movement, but were driven 
back with heavy loss after a gallant effort. Another force met a 
similar fate, when at last Company I. of the Thirty-third, Lieuten- 
ant John C. Smith commanding, was ordered forward, driving 
off the enemy's advance and checking his progress— Lieutenant 
Smith receiving a severe wound in the arm, which caused his 
transfer to hospital. But the work of death did not cease. Many 
of our men were killed lying behind the works by rebel sharp- 
shooters, whom we found it impossible to dislodge. The brave and 
chivalrous Captain Cochrane, so distinguished in every fight, in 
attempting, with rifle in hand, to silence one of the more accurate 
of the rebel marksmen, was himself instantly killed. So passed 
the 16th of June, a day of anxiety and inaction, with its long list 
of killed and wounded. Throughout the Thirty-third acted nobly, 
and was highly commended by Grenerals Hooker and Greary for its 
bravery. It lost in this battle of Pine Knop, June 15th and 16th, 
one officer and thirteen men killed, and one officer and forty -three 
men wounded, the total casualties of the regiment during the 
campaign thus far being eight officers and one hundred and thirty- 
nine enlisted men. The heavy loss in officers best shows how gal- 
lantly the shoulder-straps of the regiment behaved. 10 



10 The following is the official report of the regimental action, dated June 21, 1SG4 : 
"General: I have the honor to report that my regiment participated severely in 
the action of Pine Knob, Georgia, on the 15th instant. The conduct of the men under 
fire was excellent ; the line advanced under withering volleys from the enemy without 
a waver, as steadily as if on a battalion drill. No body of men could have^done bet- 



THE THIRTY-THIKD KEGIMENT. 



633 



After this engagement, the Thirty-third participated in the 
skirmishes of Nances Creek and Muddy Creek, and in protecting 
the flank of the assaulting columns of the Fourth Corps at Kene- 
saw. Moving in pursuit of the enemy by way of Marietta, the 
7th of July found the Thirty-third in camp near the Chattahoochie 
Eiver, and in sight of the steeples of Atlanta, where they enjoyed 
a ten days' rest, whilst new supplies were hurried to the front. On 
the afternoon of the 17th of July, the brigade crossed the Chatta- 
hoochie, and on the 18th passed over Nances Creek, advancing 
through the woods in line of battle towards Atlanta. On the 19th, 
Peach Tree Creek was crossed and a small line of defensive works 
constructed for the night. On the next day, the memorable 20th 
of July, the Thirty-third was ordered to advance with the rest of 
the division, the enemy having fallen back and offering no oppo- 
sition. No one seemed to be aware of the approaching storm of 
battle. Brigades and divisions were massed in columns, without 
reference to alignment or strategic position, and even the necessary 
connections were not made. The ground in front was densely 
wooded and traversed with deep ravines, intersecting each other 
in every direction. The advance had not been explored, and the 
whole rebel army might easily have laid concealed, as indeed events 
eventually proved. Johnson had now been superceded by Hood, 
a bold and reckless fighter, but still no match for Sherman. 

About two o'clock, p. m., orders from General Geary directed 
Colonel Fouratt to occupy with the Thirty -third a knoll about five 
hundred yards in advance of a small temporary line of rifle-pits, 
which had been hastily thrown up by the First Brigade, and only 
long enough to cover a single battalion. The regiment at once 

ter: well did the Thirty-third sustain the proud name the New Jersey soldiers ever 
have home. With deep regret and sorrow I announce to you the death of the gallant 
and brave Lieutenant Cochrane, Company K. He fell upon the 16th instant; brave, 
cool and ready, possessed in no small degree of talent, a glorious career was opening 
before him ; his only fault was too much bravery. For his gallantry at Dug Gap, his 
name was suggested to His Excellency the Governor for promotion, and on the day 
subsequent to his fall, his commission as Captain arrived. He is the third officer 
killed while in command of Company G, during this campaign. 

" In the action my losses were fourteen killed and forty-nine wounded ; among the 
last, my Adjutant Stephen Pierson, and Captain Charles Courtois, both slight wounds. 
Lieutenant Pierson still remains on duty. Enos Fouratt, 

"Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding." 

80 



634 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



marched over these works and formed line of battle in the road 
beyond, a line of skirmishers being deployed in front before the 
advance was made. Then came the command to "forward," and 
the movement began. Everything was still and ominous, so 
unusually so, indeed, that 'Colonel Fouratt, an old campaigner, 
expressed himself as sure of trouble ahead ; and he was right. 
The knoll was reached, arms were stacked, the skirmishers told to 
advance a little further, and rails obtained to commence the con- 
struction of a little redoubt for the division artillery. Just then a 
tremendous volley saluted the skirmishers, passing over into the 
regiment, wounding Lieutenant Childs and others. For fifteen 
minutes the enemy continued to fire rapidly, but the Thirty-third 
replied as well, and held its position. That defence was of infinite 
value ; it gave our army in the rear time to prepare, and so pre- 
vented, perhaps, great disaster. But now the enemy, discovering 
that but a single regiment replied to his fire, made a flank move- 
ment towards the regimental right, coming down a ravine, at the 
same time attacking the left with a rush and a yell. Column after 
column was closing in on the right and left and front of the Thirty- 
third, when, deeming further resistance useless, and fearing capture 
if too long delayed. Colonel Fouratt reluctantly issued the order 
for retreat. But the enemy had already occupied most of the 
ravine in the rear of the regiment, and every soldier was com- 
pelled to escape for himself, the rebels in overwhelming numbers 
rushing onward, destroying the color guard and capturing the 
State flag, the color-bearer being shot dead. But there was no 
disgrace in this repulse, for the same force which succeeded in 
driving the Thirty-third, soon drove the entire division, and almost 
annihilated the Twentieth Corps. In fact, Hood's whole army had 
attacked the Thirty-third, and it was the spirited resistance of that 
regiment which gave our army time to form and repel the savage 
and unexpected assault. The Thirty- third was soon rallied again, 
around its national flag, and once more did admirable service in 
repelling the last onset of the enein}^. 11 

11 The following official report gives the record of the regiment in this action, and a 
sketch also of its movements from the 25th of June to the 23d of July : 
"June 27th, the day of the battle of Kenesaw, we moved out in line, driving the 



THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 



635 



The battle of Peach Tree Creek was the first of three tremendous 
clashing assaults hy which Hood sought to retrieve the failing 
fortunes of the Confederacy. In all respects, it was a most desper- 
ate fight, and no regiment sustained a nobler part than the Thirty- 
third. Both Hooker and Geary again commended the bravery of 
the regiment. The loss of the regiment was over seventy in killed 



enemy's skirmishers before us, and occupying- without loss, the position to which we 
had been ordered on the right of the Fourth Corps. 

" July 1st, we were transferred two miles further to the right, and on the 3d started 
in pursuit of the retiring enemy, following them some five miles. 

" On the 5th, we again started in pursuit and pushed on until we came within sight 
of the enemy's fortifications on this side the river. From this date to the 17th, we 
remained in camp, refitting ourselves for a continuance of the campaign. 

" On the 17th, we moved on and crossed the Chattahoochie at Pace's Ferry, and on 
the 19th fortified ourselves on the south hank of Peach-Tree Creek. 

"About four o'clock p. m., on the 20th, I was ordered by General Geary to take my 
regiment to a hill at least five hundred yards in advance of our division and corps, to 
fortify and prepare it for the erection of a battery. The position was an isolated one, 
the ground intersected with deep ravines, running in all directions. I advanced and 
took the position as ordered, meeting with no opposition, and then pushed my skir- 
mish line well out on the front and both flanks, General Geary was with me, and from 
the feeble opposition our skirmishers had received, combined with the stories of some- 
rebel prisoners, he was led to believe that the enemy had no large force in close prox- 
imity. Scarcely had I completed my dispositions for the erection of the works, before 
the enemy advanced en masse, through the woods, pouring volley after volley into our 
skirmish line, forcing it back instantly, and rushed upon us with loud yells, delivering 
as they came a rapid and effective fire upon us. "We held our ground, returning their 
fire with vim. Almost immediately another overwhelming force, three lines deep, 
came down upon our right flank. I swung two companies around to protect my flank, 
but we were too weak to check them, and down they all came upon us. At the same 
time column after column could be seen swarming down upon our left. Under these 
circumstances, with such an overwhelming force against, and on three sides of us, 
with a terrific fire front, right and left, the enemy rapidly gaining on our rear, to stand 
was madness, and I gave the order to retire, fighting. The enemy with his dense 
masses came rushing down close upon us, so close that they ordered us to surrender 
our colors ; this we would never do. As we passed down a ravine along which the fire 
was terrible, the air being literally full of bullets, the bearer of our State colors fell, 
one of the color-guard was killed and one or two captured. To recover the colors was 
impossible, and with feelings of the deepest sorrow I am compelled to report that our 
State Banner fell into the hands of the enemy. At the same time we feel it to be no 
fault of ours ; we fought as long as men could fight. With one regiment we received 
the first impetus of an attack, to repel which it took the entire force of the corps, and 
even then for a moment the result seemed doubtful. The most desperate valor or 
heroic bravery could not balance those tremendous odds. Our Brigade Commander, 
Colonel Jones, and our Division Commander, General Geary, both expressed them- 
selves as more than satisfied with my success in bringing off so many men as I did, and 
my national colors. 

" General Hooker, who before complimented the regiment for its conduct under fire, 
was pleased to say to me, 'Colonel, it is no disgrace to lose a color under such cir- 
cumstances ; I only wonder that a man escaped capture.' The regiment feels sad over 
the loss of its beautiful State flag, but with all we feel glad that not a taint of cowardice 



636 



NEW JEKSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



and wounded — Lieutenants Downes, Aspen and Warren being 
taken prisoners by the foe, Aspen being badly wounded. 

The 21st was occupied in burying the dead, and on the 22d the 
regiment moved to within half a mile of the enemy's works sur- 
rounding Atlanta. Here heav} 7 " works were constructed, and the 
regiment was under constant fire for over a month, performing the 
heavy duty of the trenches and the dangerous one of picket. On 
the 2d of September, the Thirty-third, with the rest of the brigade, 
under Colonel Mindil, was among the first troops to enter Atlanta. 

The Thirty-third left Chattanooga with over five hundred mus- 
kets, and entered Atlanta with a few over one hundred. Three 
hundred out of the five hundred men were either killed or 
wounded. It is believed that no regiment of that army can show 
a similar record. 

The March- to the Sea. 
Upon entering the city of Atlanta, the Thirty-third was assigned 
a permanent camp to the right of the McDonough road, about a 
mile and a-half from the court house. In this camp it remained, 
devoting the time to drills and parades, and receiving complete 
outfits of clothing and camp and garrison equipage, until Sherman 
had completed his preparations for the March to the Sea. Its 
experiences in that campaign are' thus narrated in Colonel Mindil's 
report : 

" Headquarters Thirty-third New Jersey Volunteers, ) 
Savannah, Georgia, December 26, 1864. \ 
"Captain N. K. Bray, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Second Brigade : 

"Captain: I have the honor to submit the following official report of the move- 
ments of my regiment, from the 2d of September to the 21st of December, 1864: 

"Upon entering the city of Atlanta, the regiment was assigned a permanent camp-to 
the right of the McDonough road, about one and one-half miles from the court house. 



or dishonor attends its loss. No regiment was more proud of its flag than the Thirty- 
third, none ever fought more desperately to preserve it — but it was impossible. After 
reaching our lines, I re-formed my line and joined the brigade. Soon after dark the 
enemy retired, repulsed, leaving his dead in our hands. 

"My loss in this action was fifteen men killed, three officers and seventeen men 
wounded, three officers and thirty-four men missing. The missing are probably all 
captured. 

"Onthe22d, we entered the enemy's works on our front, and pushed on to our 
present position very near the city of Atlanta, Georgia. 

" Enos Fouratt, 
"Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding. " 



THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 



637 



In this camp it remained, devoting the time to drills and parades, and receiving com- 
plete outfits of clothing and camp and garrison equipage. 

"On the 5th of November, camp was broken, and the regiment moved with the bri- 
gade at three o'clock, p. m., out upon the McDonough road, camping two and one 
half miles from the city. On the 6th of November we returned to our old quarters. 

" November 15th. Broke camp at seven o'clock, a. m., moved out upon the Decatur 
road. Camped at twelve o'clock, p. m., near Stone Mountain. 

"16th. Moved at eight o'clock, a. m. ; led the corps. Marched fifteen miles, cross- 
ing Yellow river at Rock Bridge, and halting for the night five miles beyond it on the 
Sheffield road. 

"17th. Moved at half-past six o'clock, a. m., marching through Sheffield, over the 
Ulcofauhatchie, and encamped two miles from Social Circle. 

"18th. Moved at half-past five o'clock, a. m., passing Rudden, and camped at half- 
past five o'clock, p. m., one mile from Madison. 

" 19th. Moved at five o'clock, a. m., passing through Madison. Halted for dinner 
at Buckhead Station, and continuing the march to within one and one-half miles of 
Oconee river, on Georgia Railroad, tore up track afternoon and evening. 

"20th. Moved at seven o'clock, a. m., towards Eatonton, passing Park's Bridge and 
Slade's Cross Roads. Camped near Dunning's tannery, at six o'clock, p. m. 

" 21st. Moved at six o'clock, a. m., towards Eatonton. 

"22d. Struck Eatonton Branch Railroad, and passing through Milledgeville and 
over the Oconee river, camped two miles beyond it. 
"23d. In camp. 

"24th. Moved at ten o'clock, a. m., on road to Hebron. 
"25th. Passed through Hebron. 

"26th. Entered Sandersville, and passed on to Tennille, on railroad, and camped 
three miles beyond it. 

"27th. Moved at seven o'clock, a. m., and tore* up seven miles of railroad, and 
marched to Davisborough. 

"28th. Brigade detached to guard the corps headquarters train. Marched to Spear's 
Station on railroad. 

"29th. Brigade again detached. Moved by by-road to Station Ten and a Half. Tore 
up railroad to bridge over Ogeechee river, and 

"30th. Burned the bridge, and then marched to Louisville, via Watkin's Bridge, 
reaching camp of division at twelve- o'clock, p. m. 

"December 1st. Moved at eight o'clock, a. m., and camped beyond Birdsville. 

" 2d. Moved at six o'clock, a. m., toward Millen. Camped at Buckhead Creek. 

"3d. Moved at ten o'clock, a. m., crossed Augusta and Millen Railroad; camped 
six miles beyond, on the Sylvania road. 

" 4th. Moved at half -past seven o'clock, a. m. ; camped at Horse Creek. 

"5th. Marched fourteen miles and camped, leaving Sylvania to our left. 

"6th. Continued the march toward Springfield; roads very soft and marshy. 
Camped after a tedious march of six miles. 

' ' 7th. Still continued the march toward Springfield, and camped for the night near it. 

" 8th. Passed Springfield and marched twelve miles, camping near Zion's Church. 

"9th. Moved at ten o'clock, a. m., and struck Savannah road. First Division, 
Twentieth Army Corps, on our front, skirmished with the enemy, who had a battery 
in position covering the road. Camped for the night sixteen miles from Savannah. 

"10th. Pushing on, passed Harrison's plantation and the Fourteenth Army Corps; 
Struck Savannah and Charleston Railroad nine and one-half miles from the city, and 
camped five and one-half miles from it that night. 

" 11th. Placed in position as reserves, on banks of Savannah river, opposite Hutch- 
inson's Island, and confronting the enemy's right flank, being in rear of Third Brigade. 

" 12th-20th we remained in the same position. 

" 2lst. Entered the city of Savannah at eight o'clock, a. m., and were assigned to 
camp on the parade of the city. 



638 NE"W JERSEY AND THE REBELLION, 

"During the entire campaign, the troops have subsisted upon the country, and found 
food of all kinds in abundance ; never suffering from scarcity of provisions. In front 
of Savannah they were unprotected by breastworks, being in the reserve line, and sub- 
ject to a heavy fire of shrapnel and shell from the opposing batteries of the enemy in 
our front, and to a heavy and provoking fire from a confederate gunboat in the far 
channel, round Hutchinson's Island. 1 am happy to state but one casualty occurred, 
namely, the slight wounding of private Terence Sweeney, of Company D. 

" Before leaving Atlanta, I received one hundred and thirty-sis substitutes, nearly all 
being raw recruits, many of them foreigners and unable either to write or speak the 
English language; and, owing to physical disability caused by the exhaustion attendant 
upon so severe a campaign to new soldiers, many were compelled to leave the ranks at 
times, and by becoming separated from the regiment during its night marches, and 
being unable to intelligibly define their wants and ask the location of their regiment, 
have as yet failed to return, and are reported absent without leave. The larger part of 
them, it is to be hoped, are with some of the other corps, and will soon find their way 
into camp. The command needs a complete outfit of clothing, shoes, etc., and will 
then be ready for a new campaign, as both health and esprit are excellent. 

" G. W. Mindil, 
" Colonel Commanding Thirty-third New Jersey Volunteers. 1 ' 



Campaign of the Carolinas. 

The armies of Tennessee and Georgia, constituting the invading 
column of General Sherman, rested at Savannah for about one 
month, when the grand, march through the Carolinas was com- 
menced. The Thirty-third Regiment was commanded by Colonel 
Fouratt, and was in the Second Brigade (Second Division, Twen- 
tieth Corps), commanded by General Mindil. After a campaign of 
six weeks Goldsborousrh was reached. The marching averaged 
fifteen miles per day, the troops subsisting entirely upon the coun- 
try, and being mostly employed in the destruction of bridges and 
railroads, manufactories, rebel storehouses, and cotton. The Army 
of Georgia, commanded by General Slocum, (with which the Thirty- 
third was identified,) was assigned the left flank of the column, 
being that in the direction of the enemy. The Thirty-third 
marched North from Savannah about forty miles, and then crossed 
over into South Carolina, at Sister's Ferry, moving via Robertville 
and Lowtonville (villages which the troops completely destroyed), 
to the Salkahatchie Swamp. Here, after many days labor in bridg- 
ing and corduroying and some skirmishing, a crossing was effected 
and the march resumed towards Blockville, a small village and sta- 
tion onthe Augusta and Charleston Railroad. Here, while Kilpatrick 
was fighting at Aiken on the left, and Howard on the crossing of the 



THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 



639 



Edisto on the right, Mindil's Brigade was employed in the destruc- 
tion of about half a mile of railroad track. The ties and sleepers 
were burned to cinders, while the rails — after being intensely 
heated — were bent and broken or twisted into spiral coils, rendering 
them altogether useless. The most of February was very wet, and 
the troops were constantly employed in rendering passable for our 
immense trains, the miserable roads through the wet and damp 
Carolina swamps. The army was now approaching Columbia, the 
Thirty-third moving on the Lexington road. The country was 
full of swamps, and the rebel cavalry was constantly in our front, 
but the men toiled slowly forward both night and day. Finally, the 
North and South Forks of the Edisto were crossed after driving off 
the enemy, who made a stand with artillery and cavalry — the 
Thirty-third, however, sustaining no loss in these encounters. The 
army under General Howard having entered Columbia, just as the 
Second Brigade approached it from the left, the course of the latter 
was still further deflected, the commandant being ordered to pontoon 
the Saluda and Broad Eivers, and proceed up the railroad towards 
Salisbury, North Carolina. This movement was but a feint, de- 
signed to induce the rebels to mass on our left, while the right wing 
moved rapidly under this diversion, via Camden and Cheraw into 
Eastern North Carolina. The Second Brigade advanced to Winns- 
boro', South Carolina, destroying the railroad from there to 
White-oak Station, about five miles ; other troops being engaged 
in a similar duty to the southward. The rebels had retired to a 
point behind Chesterville, and on demonstrating, in that direction 
with cavalry, they crossed the Catawba determined there to impede 
our progress — Sherman having totally blinded the enemy respecting 
his intentions and destination. The army was now ordered to 
make a rapid right wheel, our left flank moving east and northeast, 
crossing the Catawba near Eocky Mount, and the Pedee near Che- 
raw. The Thirty-third then crossed the border into North Caro- 
lina and struck a coal railroad to Wilmington near Lumberton, 
where it destroyed about a mile of track. It now moved through 
a deserted country, hardly affording supplies for the men, and 
reached Fayetteville, where connection was formed after five weeks 



640 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



absence, with. Terry at Wilmington, by means of light draught 
gun-boats, which had ascended the Cape-Fear. 

The rebels had now comprehended our purpose, and as Schofield 
was advancing from Newbern they determined by a desperate 
blow to prevent the fatal junction. Goldsborough was the objective 
both of Sherman and Schofield, and after the former left Fayetteville 
to resume his march, Johnson rapidly massed his troops at Averys- 
borough and Bentonville, determined to make a last effort for the 
defence of the tottering Confederacy. At Averysborough a few 
divisions of the rebel army engaged the First and Third Divisions 
of our Twentieth Corps, but after a brilliant fight were compelled 
to retire, when the army was advanced cautiously, on near and 
parallel roads, and the trains heavily guarded. The weather was 
wet and stormy, and the marches through the swamps and bogs 
most exhausting. Mindil frequently marched his troops both night 
and day in constant rain, felling and splitting timber most of the 
time, so as to build roads upon which the trains might pass in 
safety. At times, leaving camp at four o'clock in the morning, 
working and toiling all day, midnight found the regiment but six 
miles in advance. But the troops maintained cheerful spirits, 
determined to overcome all obstacles. At Bentonville, Joe Johntson 
struck Slocum, while on the march, when a desperate and unde- 
cided battle ensued, lasting all day. Sherman ordered the right 
wing of the army to Slocum's support, and after gallant fighting 
they made the necessary connection, when Johnston, without wait- 
ing for the dawn of day, retreated during the night in the direction 
of Raleigh. During the engagement, the Second Brigade was 
assigned to the hazardous duty of convoying to a place of safety 
the immense trains of the army; a service which was highly 
appreciated by the superior officers. The army reached Grolds- 
borough in safety, having traversed the entire length of the State 
of South Carolina, destroying all the principal railroads connecting 
Lee's army with its base, and consuming the greater part of the 
provisions, means of subsistence and forage in that hitherto inac- 
cessible region of the South. Besides this, Sherman was within 
easy marches of Grant, and the theater of war became narrowed to' 



THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 



641 



a district but a few hundred miles in extent. The campaign of 
Georgia and the Carolinas virtually decided the fate of the Con- 
federacy. 

At length, Grant being ready for his final move, the campaign 
of Ealeigh, the last of the war, was opened. Moving in rapid 
pursuit of Johnston, Sherman's veterans, at Smithfleld, North Caro- 
lina, received the gratifying intelligence of Lee's surrender, hailing 
it with jubilant demonstrations. Near Smithfleld, and for an entire 
afternoon, the Thirty-third regiment successfully fought the retreat- 
ing rebel cavalry, and there fired the last shots of the war. John- 
ston's surrender soon followed, and about a week after the home- 
ward march was resumed, by way of Weldon, Five Forks, Eich- 
mond and Fredericksburg, the Thirty-third reaching Washington 
in time to participate in the grand review of the Armies of the 
Republic. The Thirty-third was retained in service until August 
2d, lying near Alexandria, when it was ordered to be mustered 
out, and proceeded to Newark. 

This regiment, in a little less than two years, traversed a distance 
of two thousand five hundred miles, over one thousand seven 
hundred of which were accomplished by marching. It fought in 
eight battles, and engaged in over a dozen skirmishes. Although 
but two years in service, the losses of battle and campaign were 
such that the regiment was twice filled. That the Government 
highly appreciated the services of the regiment, the number of 
brevets conferred upon its officers clearly shows. 



81 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 



THE THIRTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 

The Thirty-fourth Regiment was raised during the summer and 
autumn of 1863, principally from the counties of Mercer, Salem, 
Burlington and Camden, with numerous recruits from all parts of 
the State, and a plentiful addition, from the neighboring cities of 
New York and Philadelphia, of men attracted by the large boun- 
ties then being paid. The term of enlistment was for three years. 
The first place of rendezvous was Beverly, where the regiment was 
under the command of Colonel E. B. Grubb, formerly of the 
Twenty-third. About the 25th of October, the regiment was 
removed to Camp Parker, near Trenton, where the complement of 
men was obtained and mustered in. The Colonel was William 
Hudson Lawrence, a Captain in the Fourteenth Regular Infantry, 
who had obtained leave of absence from the Secretary of War, to 
take a volunteer command. The Lieutenant-Colonel was Timothy 
C. Moore, formerly of the Fifth New Jersey Volunteers. The 
Major was Grustavus N. Abeel, of the First New Jersey Infantry, 
and who had been serving for a year before on the staff of General 
Torbert, then commanding the First Brigade. The staff and line 
officers were as follows : 

Adjutant, James Graham ; Quartermaster, Abel H. Nichols ; Surgeon, J. B. Bowen ; 
Assistant-Surgeons, Charles H. Suydam, David G. Hetzell; Chaplain, Archibald Beatty. 
Company A — Captain, Edmund G. Jackson; First Lieutenant, Elisha V. Glover, Jr; 
Second Lieutenant, Richard Moore. Company B — Captain, Jesse Cogswell; First 
Lieutenant, Charles H. Seamen; Second Lieutenant, Isaac T. Agar. Company C— 
Captain, Robert M. Ekings ; First Lieutenant, Martin L. Haines ; Second Lieutenant, 
Augustus W. Grobler. Company D — Captain, William Nippins ; First Lieutenant, 
Thomas T. Taylor ; Second Lieutenant, Daniel Buckley. Company E — Captain, Joseph 
R. Horner; First Lieutenant, William H. Gibson; Second Lieutenant, John Schwartz. 
Company F— Captain, Henry P. Reed; First Lieutenant, Alexander L. Cullin; Second 
Lieutenant, Smith Bilderback. Company G— Captain, James S. Hugg; First Lieu- 
tenant, "William H. Myers ; Second Lieutenant, Julian P. Weight. Company H — Cap- 
tain, Forrester L. Taylor ; First Lieutenant, Arthur H. Smith ; Second Lieutenant, 
William Stanley. Company J— Captain, William O. Blood ; First Lieutenant, Albert 
C. Fuller ; Second Lieutenant, Isaac Hugg. Campany AT— Captain, Samuel Bolton ; 
First Lieutenant, William P. Johnston ; Second Lieutenant, John B. Wright. 



THE THIRTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 



648 



After unavailing efforts on the part of Colonel Lawrence to have 
the regiment attached to the Army of the Potomac, it was ordered 
to Eastport, Mississippi, to report to General W. T. Sherman, and 
in pursuance of this order, left Trenton on the morning of the 16th 
of November. 1863, for Philadelphia, its strength for duty being 
eight hundred. Passing through Philadelphia, by way of the 
Pennsylvania Bailroad to Pittsburg, and thence to Jefferson ville, 
Indiana, it there took steam -transports down the Ohio Eiver to 
Paducah. During this trip about seventy men, who belonged to a 
class with which all the later regiments were embarrassed, were lost 
by desertion. They enlisted for the bounty, and having obtained 
it, left at the first opportunity. The main material of the regiment 
was good, and had it been permitted to take a more active part in 
field operations, it certainly would not have failed to sustain the 
high standard of New Jersey troops. 

On the way down the Ohio, on the 21st of November, 1868, 
Lieutenant-Colonel Moore was placed in arrest, from which, he was 
not released until the 3d of July, 1864. After remaining at Padu- 
cah a day, the same transports conveyed the Thirty-fourth, in com- 
pany with the Second New Jersey Cavalry and the Thirty-fifth 
New Jersey Infantry, three hundred miles up the Tennessee Eiver 
to Eastport, Mississippi. About five thousand troops had been col- 
lected there for the purpose of keeping, open communications and 
to co-operate with forces in the interior, but a change of plans gave 
rise to an order involving the removal of the whole force from 
Eastport to Columbus, Kentucky, and in pursuance of this order 
the 12th of December found the regiment on its way down the 
Tennessee. It arrived at Columbus, a town situated about thirty 
miles below Cairo on the Mississippi, on the 20th day of December, 
and immediately proceeded to Lmion City, Tennessee. Here it 
became part of the command of Colonel Waring. General A. J. 
Smith was in command of the district, with his headquarters at 
Columbus. At Union City, the Thirty-fourth and Thirty -fifth New 
Jersey were encamped side by side. 

On the 20th of December, General Smith arrived from Columbus, 
organized his command of about six thousand men into brigades, 



644 



NEW JEESEY AND THE EEBELLION. 



and on the 22d of the same month took up his line of march 
towards a town in the interior of Tennessee, for the purpose of 
meeting Forrest, who had advanced across the Hatchie Eiver with 
a large force. After a march of several days, the expedition 
reached Huntingdon, Tennessee. The cavalry was sent forward to 
Jackson, but with no better result than to see the heels of Forrest's 
flying troops, who retreated southward more rapidly than General 
Smith cared to follow. Forrest being out of the country, the com- 
mand retraced its steps, by way of Paris, Tennessee, and the State 
line road. The march was a severe one. At one time the Thirty- 
fourth, officers and men, slept upon the snow, which was several 
inches deep, without blankets or tents to shelter them, the ther- 
mometer registering ten degrees below zero. 

On the 21st of January, 1864, the Thirty-fourth returned to 
Columbus, Kentucky. General Smith and the rest of the com- 
mand moving away, down the Mississippi, the regiment was left 
at that point as a permanent garrison. Colonel Lawrence was 
placed in command of the post, and Major Abeel in command of 
the regiment. The men' were housed in comfortable barracks, and 
advantage was taken of this opportunity to thoroughly drill the 
battalion and fit it for active service. The Inspector of the Depart- 
ment, about this time, complimented it as the best drilled, equipped 
and ordered regiment in his inspection district. 

During the winter of 1864, a company of the regiment was 
mounted under command of Lieutenant Julian Wright, a gallant 
officer, who succeeded in breaking up and capturing various preda- 
tory bands of guerillas or " wild- cavalry." These bands fre- 
quently appeared in such force as to require the support of the 
whole regiment, and often upon these occasions, both officers and 
men gave evidence of superior courage and efficiency. 

One incident in the history of the regiment about this time is 
recorded in the report of General Grant, and deserves special notice. 
Speaking of Forrest's raid into Kentucky, he says : 

" During the months of March and April, 1864, this same force, under Forrest, an- 
noyed us considerably. On the 24th of March it captured Union City, Kentucky, and 
its garrison, and on the 24th attacked Paducah, commanded hy Colonel S. G. Hicks, 
Fortieth Illinois Volunteers. Colonel H., having but a small force, withdrew to 



THE THIKTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 



645 



the forts near the river, from where he repulsed the enemy and drove him from the 
place. 

"On the 13th of April part of this force, under the rebel General Buford, summoned 
the garrison of Columbus, Kentucky, to surrender, but received for reply from Colonel 
Lawrence, Thirty-fourth New Jersey Volunteers, that, being placed there by his gov- 
ernment, with adequate force to hold his post and repel all enemies from it, surrender 
was out of the question." 

The facts as to this affair are briefly these : On the morning of 
the 13th of April, a brisk skirmishing commenced on the picket- 
line ; presently the enemy appeared in considerable force, and the 
command prepared for action. Soon, however, the firing ceased, 
on the appearance of a flag of truce bearing a letter from General 
Buford, commanding a portion of the Confederate forces, in which 
he stated that he desired to avoid the useless effusion of blood, 
and demanded an immediate and unconditional surrender of the 
Post. Colonel Lawrence's prompt and gallant reply is given above. 
After a desultory skirmish for some hours, the enemy withdrew, 
foiled in his purpose to carry the position. 

During the month of May, a spirited engagement took place at 
Hickman, Kentucky, between a detachment of the Thirty-fourth 
and some rebel cavalry. ISTo prisoners were taken, but several of 
the enemy were killed. Lieutenant Johnston distinguished him- 
self by a hand to hand contest with some of the enemy, whom he 
finally dispatched with his pistol. 

On the 9th of July, the regiment was ordered to proceed into 
the interior for the purpose of dispersing the command of Colonel 
Outlaw who was plundering the country with a force of some five 
hundred men. The enemy was encountered in force near Clinton, 
Kentucky, and after a sharp action of two hours, he was defeated 
with a loss of five killed, thirty wounded, and seventeen prisoners, 
including the notorious Captain Kesterson, who was executed 
shortly after. 

During two months following, Captain Ekings' Company was 
stationed upon Island Number Ten, where it rendered efficient 
service. On the 15th of August, the regiment was ordered by 
General Payne, then in command of the District of Western Ken- 
tucky, to proceed up the Ohio Eiver to a place called Uniontown, 
Kentucky, to join other troops in an expedition in quest of the 



646 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



rebel Generals Johnston and Adams, who had " raided" into Ken- 
tucky. The command was organized in brigades, of which Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Moore commanded one, including the Thirty -fourth, 
under command of Major Abeel. After a march of several days 
without discovering the enemy, the force was broken up, and the 
Thirty-fourth returned to Columbus. On the 28th of August, the 
regiment was ordered to Mayfield, Kentucky, where it remained 
several weeks, engaged in constructing an elaborate fortification, 
but was finally withdrawn to Paducah. Here Lieutenant-Colonel 
Moore met with an accident which disabled him for duty. Major 
Abeel was detached from the regiment at one time as president of 
a Military Commission, and afterwards as permanent officer of the 
picket. Colonel Lawrence was placed in command of a cavalry 
brigade, the regiment being under the command of Captain 
Ekings. 

About the 25th of December, 1864, the regiment was ordered to 
join General A. J. Smith's Corps (the Sixteenth), and proceed to 
Nashville. It arrived there too late for the battle — and accord- 
ingly returned to Paducah on the 10th of January, 1865. Major 
Abeel here resigned, and the regiment, under command of Colonel 
Lawrence, left Paducah on the 11th of January, for Eastport, 
Mississippi, with the Eleventh Army Corps. Here they suffered 
keenly for want of food, having nothing to eat for four days except 
parched corn. On the 7th of February, the regiment left Eastport 
with the rest of General Smith's command, the latter having been 
ordered to report to General Canby at New Orleans. The com- 
mand reached the latter city on the 22 d of February. The capture 
of Mobile having been determined upon, on the 17th of March the 
regiment left New Orleans with the whole command for Dauphin's 
Island. On the 8th and 9th of April it took part in the assault and 
capture of the Spanish fort, Forts Hugar, Tracey and Blakeley, in 
which action it lost three killed and fifteen wounded. At Fort 
Blakeley the regiment was in the center of the assaulting line ; on 
its right was the Eleventh Wisconsin and on its left the One Hun- 
dred and Seventy-eighth New York, the brigade being under the 
command of Colonel Wilson. Colonel Lawrence led the regiment 



THE THIRTY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 



647 



gallantly, and both officers and men conducted themselves with 
distinguished courage, not a man flinching from the fierce rain of 
shot and shell poured out from the fort. They were not the first 
over the walls, only because they had a longer and harder road than 
the other regiments of the brigade. 

After the capture of Mobile, the regiment was sent to Montgom- 
ery, Alabama. There it remained for several months, doing pro- 
vost duty and supporting the Freedmen's Bureau. During the fail 
and winter of 1865, detached companies were stationed at Monte- 
vallo, Talladega, Gainesville, Tuscaloosa and other towns on the 
Alabama and Tennessee River Eailroad. In the month of October, 
1865, Colonel Lawrence resigned, when Lieutenant-Colonel Moore 
became Colonel, afterwards receiving the brevet of Brigadier-Gen- 
eral. The regiment was mustered out on the 10th of April, 1866, 
and reached Trenton on the 80th of April, where it was paid off 
and disbanded. 

The Thirty-fourth New Jersey, serving as it did two thousand 
miles from home, attracted less attention than those New Jersey 
troops who were more nearly under the eye of the State. Going 
to the "Western army, it encountered the prejudice which existed 
in that army against Eastern troops, but it served long enough to 
live down that prejudice, to wring expressions of admiration from 
unwilling lips, and to carry the fame of New Jersey soldiers into 
the valley of the Mississippi. 

The regiment was unfortunate in not having been sooner ordered 
into the field with the larger armies, but when it did encounter the 
enemy, it never failed to do its entire duty. It had the honor of 
striking one of the' last blows at the rebellion, and of beino- the 
last volunteer regiment from New Jersey to quit the service of the 
Union upon the- conclusion of the war. 



CHAPTEE XXIX. 



THE THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT. 

The Thirty-fifth Kegiment, recruited chiefly in the Counties of 
Essex and Hunterdon, was mustered into service at Flemington, 
in September, 1863, and soon after proceeded to Washington. 1 
Thence, it was transferred, some weeks later, by way of Wheeling 
and Cincinnati, and JefTersonville, Indiana, to Paducah, Kentucky, 
whence, in company with the Thirty-fourth Eegiment, it was con. 
veyed by transports up the Tennessee Eiver to Eastport, Missis- 
sippi, where a force of troops was collecting with a view of guard- 
ing the communications of our army in the interior. Other orders, 
however, being received, the regiment, early in December, was 
removed to Columbus, Kentucky, and thence to Union City, Ten- 
nessee, where it went into winter quarters, Colonel Cladek having 
for a time command of the post. About the middle of January, 
1864, the regiment returned to Columbus, and with, the rest of the 
Command proceeded down the Mississippi to Yicksburg. Moving 

1 The original roster of the regiment was as follows : 

Colonel, John J. Cladek; Lieutenat-Colonel, Willian A. Henry; Major, Austin H. 
Patterson ; Adjutant, J. Augustus Fay, Jr. ; 'Quartermaster, Lemuel K. Young ; Sur- 
geon, George E. Summers; Assistant-Surgeons, Richard G. Taylor, John T. Lanning; 
Chaplain, Nathaniel L. TJpham. Company A — Captain, Charles A. Angel ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Andrew L. Day ; Second Lieutenant, James McMillan. Company i?— Captain, 
William H. Williams ; First Lieutenant, Robert Rea ; Second Lieutenant, Edwin G. 
Smith. Company C— Captain, George E. Dayton; First Lieutenant, Samuel H. Pen- 
nington, Jr. ; Second Lieutenant, Stephen D. Soule. Company D— Captain, Richard 
D. Cook; First Lieutenant, David Pierson; Second Lieutenant, David S. Oliphant. 
Company Captain, John B. Sine ; First Lieutenant, Charles B. Cornish ; Second 
Lieutenant, James Vanover. Company F— Captam, IraC. Carman, Jr. ; First Lieuten- 
ant, Abraham J. Beekman ; Second Lieutenant, Samuel J. Beekman. Company G— 
Captain, Louis Helmer ; First Lieutenant, Frank S. Taylor ; Second Lieutenant, J ohn 
N. Rose ; Jr. Company .2— Captain, William Spain ; First Lieutenant, J ames W. Chris- 
tie; Second Lieutenant, Lawrence Farrell. Company I— Captain, Augustus Dusen- 
berry; First Lieutenant, Samuel J. Harman ; Second Lieutenant, John R. Ross. Com- 
pany K— Captain, John T. Rowell ; First Lieutenant, Henry A. Speeler ; Second Lieu- 
tenant, Charles F. Cole. 



THE THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT. 



649 



out from that point, it participated in the Meridian expedition in 
February, having several skirmishes and losing a few men, being 
absent altogether thirty-two days. Returning to Yicksburg, it 
was now transferred to Cairo, whence, after a week, it was sent 
to Sherman's army, then preparing around Chattanooga for its 
memorable campaign against Atlanta. Here it was attached to the 
First Brigade. Second Division, Sixteenth Corps, and without 
delay addressed itself to the work of preparing for the formidable 
encounters justly supposed to lie before it. 

The first engagement of any importance in which the regiment 
participated, occurred on the 13 th and 14th of May, before Eesaca, 
Georgia, to which the rebel army under General Johnston had 
fallen back from Dalton. On the morning of the 18th. the Thirty- 
fifth, which belonged to the Fourth Division of the Sixteenth 
Corps, was ordered to advance, which it did for a distance of some 
fiveiniles, when line of battle was formed, and the advance was 
renewed, -the troops pushing over hills and through ravines, until 
the extreme front was reached. The regiment was new in an open 
plain, with the enemy only some two hundred yards distant, con- 
cealed by bushes, from which he at once opened fire. The fire, 
however, was promptly returned, compelling the rebels, numbering 
two regiments, to abandon their position in some disorder. The 
Thirty -fifth, then obtaining the cover of the woods (but pursuit 
being deemed imprudent), was ordered to the left as a support to a 
battery. Here the men were peculiarly exposed, being not only 
in line of the shots of the enemy, but liable to be crushed by 
the falling branches of trees severed hy the balls and shells of 
our own guns. The regiment, however, stood bravely at its 
post, holding the ground during the night — having lost during the 
day one man killed (Rudolph P. Cain, of Company K.) and thirteen 
wounded. On the morning of the 14th, the enemy again opened 
fire, no reply, however, being made by our line. About noon, the 
Thirty-fifth was ordered up as a support to a storming party, and 
being obliged to move along a narrow road and across a bridge, 
suffered some loss from the musketry of the rebels, of whom there 
were two brigades in front. The regiment, however, bravely per- 



650 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



formed its part, and being afterwards ordered to the right to assist 
in checking an advance of the rebels, successfully executed that 
duty also, repulsing the enemy and holding and intrenching the 
ground it had occupied. Here, behind the hastily constructed 
works, the command remained during the whole of the following 
day, repelling all assaults and inflicting serious damage on the 
enemy. Kesaca being evacuated, on the 15th Captain Angel, with 
two companies, was sent into the town, where he captured thirty 
prisoners and took two mails. Among the wounded in these two 
days' operations were Lieutenants S. J. Harman and E. Gr. Smith. 
The total casualties amounted to two men killed, two officers and 
twenty men wounded. 2 

2 The following is Colonel Cladek's report of this action as made to Governor 
Parker : 

"Sir: I have the honor to report to your Excellency, the part taken by my regi- 
ment, under my command, in the action of Resaca, Georgia, on the 13th, 14th, and 
15th of May, 1864. 

" Between the hours of three and four o'clock, p. m., May loth, the regiment formed 
in the third line of "battle on the right of General Morgan L. Smith's command, 
advancing in line over fences and up a wooded hill, crossing ravines hardly passable 
lor mounted officers. My regiment cleared the fences and wood-land at double-quick 
time, coming out on an open plain facing the river Oostenaula, about two miles above 
the town of Resaca, Georgia. The regiment had hut cleared the woods, when two 
rebel regiments opened a brisk fusilade fire on us. I immediately gave the command 

commence firing," not, however, before I had three or four men wounded. Two 
lines of battle were before me when I entered the woods, but somehow, through the 
nature of the ground I got to the extreme front ; the firing lasted about fifteen min- 
utes, when both the rebel regiments gave way and ran, when I withdrew my regiment 
under cover of the woods, on account of a regiment to my left giving way, and I think- 
ing myself flanked — otherwise I would have charged upon the retreating rebel regi- 
ments. In this day's action I lost one killed and thirteen wounded ; my own and Lieu- 
tenant (Acting Adjutant) Pierson's horses were wounded. The enemy giving way in 
this quarter, we were ordered to the left to support some of our batteries, but in such 
a position as to be under two fires, the enemy's shells bursting over us, and our own 
shot tearing limbs of trees to splinters above our heads, which became dangerous for 
my men. Here I lost several men wounded, as two of my companies, E and I, were 
out skirmishing with the rebels, under command of Captain Charles A. Angel, my 
Acting Major, on the river front. 

"Early on the morning of the 14th, we left our position of supporting batteries for 
Resaca. We crossed a bridge under the rebel works where we received a deadly fire 
from artillery and infantry, under cover of rifle-pits. Here I lost one man killed and 
one wounded, and would have lost many had I not immediately, seeing the danger, 
ordered my men under cover. Shortly after an order came to return to our brigade, 
ordered to the rear for refreshji^nt and rest. But at that moment our right center 
under General Morgan L. Smith being repulsed, I was ordered with my regiment to his 
support, passing through the right under the rebel works. 

"After arriving on the new position assigned me, the Thirty-fifth gave three rousing 
cheers, tending to inspire our troops in front with fresh energy, when the rebels opened 



THE THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT. 



651 



The enemy having withdrawn, our army at once pressed forward 
in pursuit, capturing Rome and Kingston, appearing in the vicinity 
of Dallas on the 25th. The country traversed was very rugged, 
mountainous and densely wooded, with few and obscure roads, and 
the march was attended by many discomforts ; but the troops sub- 



a cross-fire of shot, shell and cannister upon us as we advanced, but fortunately, -we 
escaped with one man wounded. At half past nine o'clock, p. m., we were ordered to 
throw up intrenchnients, which we did, and at three o'clock, a. m., the 15th, we were 
safely behind them, where we lay safe all the following day — delivering a murderous 
fire, and repulsing every attempt made by the rebels to advance, the enemy's fire tak- 
ing no effect upon us. Some time during the night the rebels evacuated Resaca, and 
Captain Angel, with the two companies under his command, was ordered to enter the 
town, which duty he performed admirably, capturing thirty rebels and two mails, one 
to, and one from their army, which they did not have time to assort. 

" In respect to the behaviour of my regiment in this action I cannot find words to 
express my satisfaction. Officers and men tried to outdo each other in gallant beha- 
viour, especially Captain Charles A. Angel, Acting Major, and Lieutenant David Pier- 
son, Acting Adjutant. To both those officers great honor is due. I not alone recom- 
mend them to your excellency, but the whole regiment to a man, acting like a body of 
soldiers grown old in battles. I feel as proud of them as Napoleon did of his ' Old 
Guard.' They have earned and won for themselves a gallant name among our Western 
troops in the Department, and Army of the Tennessee. 

"John J. Cladek, 
" Colonel Commanding Regiment." 

The following correspondence between General Woods and General Dodge, Com- 
manding the Left Wing of the Sixteenth Army Corps, is of interest in this connection: 

"Headquarters, First Brigade, First Division, Fifteenth Corps, ) 
Near Kingston, Georgia, May 21, 1864. ) 
"General: * - * General Smith wishes me to speak most approvingly of the 
conduct of the Thirty -fifth New Jersey Infantry, sent to him when his troops were 
hard pressed. On ascending the crest of the hills they gave three rousing cheers which 
inspired my troops with fresh vigor. Although a small regiment, they acted nobly, 
as my support on the 14th of May, and until the enemy retired. 

" I am, General, your obedient servant. 

" Charles R. Wood, 
" Brigadier General Commanding. 
"To Brigadier General G. W. Dodge, Commanding Sixteenth Army Corps." 

"Headquarters, Left Wing, Sixteenth Corps, ) 
" Near Kingston, Georgia, May 21, 1864. j 
"Brigadier General Charles R. Woods, Commanding First Brigade, First Division, 
Fifteenth Corps : 

" General : I take great pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of your communica- 
tion of this date, in relation to the Twenty-fifth Wisconsin and Thirty-fifth New Jer- 
sey Infantry. It has been forwarded promptly to them, and will receive their hearty 
response. 

"Please accept my thanks for your prompt and generous acknowledgment of their 
services. 

"I am, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"G. W. Dodge, 
"Brigadier General Commanding." 



652 



NEW JEKSEY AND THE REBELLION". 



mittecl cheerfully to all fatigues. At Dallas, Johnston had concen- 
trated his forces with a view of checking our further advance, his 
intrenched lines extending from Dallas to Marietta, over a most 
difficult region. Here two days were spent, amid skirmishing and 
fighting, in making careful approaches — a fierce engagement taking 
place on the 25th, near New Hope Church, four miles north of 
Dallas, between Hooker's Corps and a part of the rebel force. On 
the 27th, Johnston struck our right at Dallas, but was repulsed 
with loss. On the same day, the Thirty-fifth was again engaged, 
two companies under Captain Angel (Acting Major) being deployed 
as skirmishers, and charging the enemy with great gallantry, 
driving him from an eminence which other regiments had entirely 
failed to carry. Subsequently, however, the rebels advancing two 
lines of battle, the Jersey men were obliged to fall back, which they 
did in good style. During the two following days the regiment 
was almost constantly engaged on the skirmish line, losing 
altogether four men killed, eight wounded and- one missing. The 
killed were Michael Furry and Theodore Case, of Company E, 
George Pratt, of Company F, and "William Cordham, of Company I. 3 
On the 1st of June, moving his army to the left along the rebel 
front and enveloping Altoona Pass, Sherman compelled the enemy 
to evacuate that position, and also to fall back from the intrench- 
ments covering New Hope Church and Ackworth. Altoona Pass 
was promptly garrisoned and made a secondary base of supplies, 
and the communication between that point and others in the rear 
being fully restored, Sherman again moved forward. On the 5th, 
the Thirty-fifth regiment was ordered to the flank, and after con- 
structing an earthwork, was advanced to Ackworth and thence to 
Big Shanty, where our forces were rapidly concentrating, prepara- 



3 The following is an extract from Colonel Cladek's official report: 
"On the 27th of May, Company I, Captain Dusenbury, and Company E, Captain 
Sine, were deployed as skirmishers, under command of Captain C. A. Angel (Acting 
Major), and charged the enemy in splendid style, driving them from a very strong posi- 
tion, and from which other regiments had tried in vain to dislodge them. 

" The behavior of the officers and men engaged is worthy of all praise, although they 
were compelled to relinquish the hill, lor which they fought so gallantly, as two of the 
enemy's lines of battle advanced against them. Several regiments tried for the nest 
three days to gain the hill, but did not succeed." 



THE THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT. 



658 



tory to a fresh demonstration. Kenesaw mountain, with its almost 
equally formidable neighbors, Pine and Lost mountains, now stood 
in Sherman's path. On the peak of each of these mountains the 
enemy had his signal stations, and in front of the points not impreg- 
nable by nature, Johnston had arrayed strong lines of battle, the 
left resting on Lost Mountain and the right extending across the 
Marietta and Ackworth road. By the 11th of June, Sherman's 
lines were close up, and he made dispositions to break the enemy's 
lines between Kenesaw and Pine mountains. On the 14th and 
15th, while Hooker and Howard were pushing the enemy, the 
Thirty -fifth Eegiment was engaged on the skirmish line, losing 
seven men killed and eight wounded — Captains Courtois and Frazer 
being among the latter. On the 16th it marched to Kenesaw and 
participated in the movements against that position until, after con- 
stant battering and murderous fighting extending over a fortnight, 
Sherman determined to throw his whole army rapidly by the right to 
threaten Nickajack Creek and Tanner's Ferry, across the Chatta- 
hoochee. This movement compelled Johnston to abandon Kene- 
saw, and on the 3d of July it was in our possession. 4 On the 2d, 
while advancing upon the rebel works near ISTiekajack Creek, the 
skirmishers of the Thirty-fifth had another smart engagement, 
during which Acting Major Angel, while only thirty yards from 
the rebel position, was killed. No officer in the regiment had dis- 
jDlayed higher soldierly qualifications or was more generally beloved ; 
and his death was sincerely lamented, not only in his own com- 
mand, but throughout the entire brigade. 

Immediately upon Johnston's withdrawal, our whole army 
pressed forward in pursuit. On the 8th, the Thirty-fifth entered 
Marietta, proceeding thence to the Chattahoochee, which it forded 
on the 9th. Intrenching strongly, the regiment, with the rest of 
the armj^, rested for some days, Johnston meanwhile taking up a 
new line covering Atlanta, but being superceded in command by 
General J. B. Hood only a day or two after. On the 19th, the 



* The loss of the regiment during the operations at Kenesaw was thirteen men 
wounded. 



654 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Thirty-fifth, having resumed its advance, reached Decatur, pro- 
ceeding the day following to the front some three miles, but return- 
ing on the 20th, and participating on the 22d in the engagement at 
that place. At this time, three regiments of the brigade, with an 
aggregate strength of fourteen hundred effective fighting men, 
were posted in different parts of the town as a garrison, being 
commanded by Colonel Sprague of the Sixty- third Ohio. About 
noon on the 22d, the command was attacked by an overwhelming 
force of infantry and cavalry, and the men being so scattered as to 
render prompt co-operation impossible, successful resistance seemed 
out of the question. The Thirty -fifth, however, promptly formed 
and moved to the right and front to support a line of skirmishers, 
who, as it reached the position designated, were already retiring in 
confusion. But the men of the Thirty-fifth moved steadily into 
line of battle, and at once opened on the rebels, checking them for 
some minutes. Soon, however, they advanced with added force, 
and the regiment, vastly outnumbered, gradually fell back for a 
distance of thirty yards, when it again turned and poured a deadly 
volley into the ranks of the pursuers, causing them in turn to fall 
back. But their repulse was but for a moment. Promptly rallied 
by their officers, the rebels once more advanced, and although the 
Thirty-fifth a third time turned upon them and held them for half 
an hour, it was at last compelled to retire finally to the town, 
Here the regiment was joined by the rest of the brigade, but the 
enemy coming in on all sides, the entire command continued the 
retreat, suffering severely from the fire of the pursuers — the casu- 
alties in the Thirty -fifth numbering one killed and sixteen wounded, 
with a loss of two officers and thirty-seven men missing. The 
picket line during the day was in charge of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Henry, who displayed great coolness, but many of the men being 
cut off, fell into the hands of the enemy. Among the captured 
were Captain A. Dusenberry and Lieutenant David S. Oliphant. 

On the 23d, the enemy having withdrawn, the Thirty-fifth re- 
entered the town and intrenched, but on the day following moved 
to the front, taking position in the rifle-pits in front of Atlanta. Here 
the army was confronted by a strong line of rebel works, two miles 



THE THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT. 



655 



from the city, and heavy fighting had already taken place at various 
points in front of the position, resulting in a rebel loss of seven or 
eight thousand men. Sherman, resorting again to strategy, on the 
night of the 26th shifted one of his corps from our extreme left to 
the extreme right, initiating a general movement to flank Hood 
out of Atlanta by cutting the railroads in his rear. This move- 
ment, although detected by the enemy, was substantially accom- 
plished, and our men were hastily covering their new front with a 
wide breastwork when, on the 28th, Hood poured out in strong 
force on the west side of Atlanta, striking our right, held by Logan's 
(Fifteenth) Corps, with great violence. The Thirty-fifth regiment 
at this time, having the previous day driven in the rebel skirmish- 
ers, had taken position in the line to the left of the Fifteenth Corps ; 
but as the enemy, after a fierce cannonade, advanced on our right, 
it was moved forward to the support of Smith's Brigade of the 
corps assailed. The advance was made under a sharp fire from the 
rebel guns, but the men, cheering lustily, moved steadily into posi- 
tion and soon became hotly engaged. The regiment being posted 
in the edge of a woods and somewhat protected by a barricade of 
logs and rails, had an advantage in position, and it improved it 
fully. Seven distinct times the enemy advanced to the assault, and 
as often was bloodily repulsed. As the day waned, other regiments 
came to. the support of the Thirty-fifth, but they were not needed, 
the position being held until the enemy, broken and vanquished, 
finally withdrew, leaving his dead upon the field. In this engage- 
ment, the flag of the regiment was riddled with bullets and the State 
standard was twice shot down but as many times replaced. The 
loss of the command was very slight, only five men being wounded. 

This was the last serious engagement in which the regiment par- 
ticipated in this campaign. On the 1st of August, the Thirty-fifth 
advanced its position and took possession of a line of partially 
completed rifle-pits, which it held until the 11th, meanwhile assist- 
ing in the construction of works at the front. On the 10th, a shell 
from the enemy's guns exploded in the camp of the regiment, kill- 
ing one and wounding six men, two of whom subsequently died. 
On the 11th, being ordered on the skirmish line, the regiment drove 



656 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



the enemy's pickets out of their pits and took possession, losing two 
men wounded in the movement. On the 25th. the regiment was 
detailed to guard the train of the Sixteenth Corps, and continued 
on this duty until September 8th. Atlanta meanwhile had been 
evacuated, and our forces were in possession, so that, the arduous 
work of the campaign having been completed, the Thirty -fifth, 
having reported for orders, was sent into camp near East Point — 
having fairly earned, by gallantry in action and endurance on the 
march and in the trenches, the rest which it was now to enjoy." 



s The following is the official report of this campaign, dated "Near East Point, 
Georgia, September 11, 1864 :" 

"In compliance with orders from brigade headquarters, I herewith submit a report 
of the part taken by this regiment in the campaign just brought to a close. 

"On the 1st day of May, the regiment marched from Decatur, Alabama, to Wood- 
ville and thence by railroad to Chattanooga, Tennessee, whence it marched to Resaca, 
Georgia, and on the 9th advanced on that town and about six o'clock, p. m., marched 
to camp, where we arrived at ten o'clock, p. m., and on the 13th, 14th and loth took 
part in the engagement before that town, losing two men killed, two officers and 
twenty men wounded and one missing. 

" On the 16th we marched forward, and after several days marching arrived at Dallas 
on the evening of the 27th, and was engaged with the enemy on the 28th. Captain 
Charles A. Angel, in command of Companies E and I, advanced up the heights, and 
after holding it a short time was compelled to retire. The regiment took part in the 
line of skirmishers in all that occurred at Dallas, losing four men killed, eight wounded 
and one missing. 

" On June 5th, we were ordered to the flank and intrenched ourselves, building a 
circular earthwork. 

" On the 6th we were relieved and marched to Ackworth, from thence we marched 
to Big Shanty and while on skirmish line on the 14th and 15th, lost seven men killed and 
eight wounded. We then marched to Kenesaw mountain and took part in the move- 
ments at that place, losing thirteen men wounded. 

" On the morning of July 2d marched from Keuesaw, and on the 4th of July, while 
advancing on the enemy's works near Nickajack Creek, Captain and Acting Major 
Charles A. Angel was killed, thus losing to the service a valuable and accomplished 
officer. From thence we marched to the right, and on the 8th we marched to Marietta 
aud from thence to Chattahoochee river, which we forded on the 9th and intrenched 
and rested for some days ; we again marched, and on the 18th arrived at Decatur, and 
marched to the front the next day. The day following we returned to Decatur, and on 
the 22d took part in the engagement at that place. We lost one man killed and sixteen 
wounded, two officers and thirty-seven men missing. Companies I and D being on 
picket duty, were cut off and were nearly all captured. 

" On the 23d we re-entered the town and went to " Camp Conscript," where we in- 
trenched. 

" On the 24th we marched to the front of Atlanta and took position in rifle-pits, and 
on the night of the 26th we were again on the march to the center, where we arrived 
on the evening of the 27th, and after skirmishing with the enemy took position. We 
lost on this occasion one man killed. 

" On the 28th we were ordered to reinforce the Fifteenth Army Corps and arrived at 
scene of action about two o'clock, p. m., and at once became hotly engaged with the 



THE THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT. 



657 



Daring the month of October the Thirty-fifth participated in the 
movement of a portion of the army to Marietta, Big Shanty and 
other points menaced by the rebels under Hood, but was only once 
actively engaged, namely, at Kesaca, on the 15th, where the regi- 
ment lost twenty-five killed and wounded. During the month, 
the regiment marched in all two hundred and twenty-one miles. 
In the early part of November, Sherman concentrated his forces 
around Eome and Kingston, Georgia, and on the 14th r , having 
completed all his plans, cut loose from his base, and set out on his 
march to the sea. The Thirty-fifth, still attached to the Sixteenth 
Corps, broke camp on the 15th, and during a considerable portion 
of the march was employed in destroying railroads, guarding 



enemy, who advanced upon us some seven times and each time was repulsed, owing 
no' doubt to the fact that we were posted on the edge of the woods and intrenched 
behind logs and rails. Our loss was very light, having but one officer and four men 
wounded. After the fight we returned to our former encampment, and on the 1st of 
August advanced our position and finished rifle-pits, which we found partially com- 
pleted. 

" On the night of the 8th we were ordered to the front to throw up works, and after ' 
working all night, were relieved and returned to camp. 

" On the 10th, a shell from the enemy exploded in our camp, killing one and wound- 
ing six men, two of whom have since died. 

" On the 11th we were ordered on skirmish line, and also to advance the line, which 
we did, driving the enemy's pickets out of their pits easily. We lost ten men wounded. 

" On the 25th we marched out in charge of the Sixteenth Army Corps wagon trains 
as guard. Owing to some mistake in orders, we found ourselves on the night of that 
day entirely outside of our extreme right flank pickets, where we encamped with thirty 
wagons. I caused trees to be felled forming an abattis, and extra pickets to be posted, 
and otherwise taking all precautions that I deemed necessary to insure our safety. 

"On the 26th, we retraced our steps and joined the main train with which we con- 
tinued to do duty until relieved September 8th, on which day I reported to brigade 
headquarters for duty. 

"In conclusion,.! would state that the conduct of the officers and men of this com- 
mand has been all that could be desired. In the hour of danger and battle they always 
have shown the most determined bravery and cheerful obedience to orders which is so 
necessary to insure success. 

"Of Colonel Cladek (now absent on duty) in command of the regiment through most 
of the campaign, I must say that his good judgment, habits of discipline, cheerfnl 
attention to the wants of those under his command and his cool, determined bravery on. 
the field of battle (thus giving a noble example to his officers and men), has proved 
him to be an efficient and accomplished officer, of whom his officers and men will ever 
feel proud. 

Recapitulation : Killed, seventeen ; wounded, eighty ; missing, forty-one ; one man 
killed on the 11th of August, not in body of report. 

"Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"William A. Henry, 
"Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding Regiment.'' 1 

83 



658 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



trains and foraging on the country — marching during the month 
two hundred and eighty-two miles in all. On the 2d of December 
the command struck the railroad at Millen, formerly a rebel prison 
camp, whence the prisoners had been removed on the approach of 
our cavalry. On the 5th, the regiment was engaged as a support 
to the cavalry advance, but suffered no casualties. On the 9th, 
the regiment again came up with the enemy, and being deployed 
as skirmishers advanced over very difficult ground, driving the 
rebels before them, and keeping up a running fight for a distance 
of four miles — our men passing through two lines of the enemy's 
works. During the day, Corporal Williams was killed by a 
torpedo, and three or four privates wounded. Only one member 
of the regiment was wounded during the skirmish. The road 
being found to be planted with torpedoes, a number of the rebels 
who Were captured were compelled to dig them up, which they did 
with some reluctance. On the 10th, when within six miles of 
Savannah, the regiment was again formed in line of battle in front 
of the first line of the enemy's defensive works, but later in the 
evening breastworks were thrown up, and the men permitted to 
enjoy a brief rest. On the llth, firing was kept up all day 
between the opposing forces, but the Thirty-fifth being moved to 
the rear, did not participate therein. On the 13th, Fort McAllister 
on our left was taken, and Sherman having got up heavy guns 
wherewith to bombard the city, on the 21st compelled its evacu- 
ation, our forces marching in on the following morning. While these 
operations were in progress, the Thirty-fifth remained on picket 
duty, but on the 3d of January, I860, 6 it moved through Savannah 
to the Savannah Eiver, where it embarked on the steamer S. E. 
Spaulding and proceeded to Port Eoyal, whence, with other troops, 
it was pushed forward to Pocotaligo. At length, on the 1st of 
February, the floods which had for a time impeded operations 
having abated, the entire army again moved in a northerly direc- 
tion. In this advance, the troops were obliged to wade swamps 
several miles in width, often covered with water to the depth of 



G During the month of December the regiment marched one hundred and nine miles. 



THE THIRTY-FIFTH REGIMENT. 



659 



three or four feet. In one dase, the brigade to which the Thirty- 
fifth was attached, advanced through a deep morass, in the face of 
a terrific fire, driving the enemy from his works — the men of the 
Thirty -fifth being engaged daring the fight in carrying ammunition 
through the swamp to the troops, who in some places fought up to 
their arm-pits in water. On the 12th, the regiment reached and 
passed through the town of Orangeburg, and four days after 
reached the city of Columbia, moving thence by way of Winns- 
boro to Cheraw, where it did provost duty for several days. Still 
moving forward, Fayetteville, North Carolina, was reached on the 
11th of March, where a halt of two days was made. On the 13th, 
the army again moved forward, a part advancing towards Averys- 
boro, and the right wing marching towards Goldsboro. The 
Thirty-fifth, moving with the latter column, did not participate in 
the fighting at Bentonville, where the Thirteenth Eegiment ren - 
dered such important service, but was not idle, being employed in 
guarding the wagon trains and caring for the sick and wounded — 
Colonel Cladek having command of the whole. Goldsboro being- 
reached, and the enemy having retreated on Raleigh, the army 
again encamped, the men being reclothed and furnished other long- 
needed comforts. The march from Savannah had been one of 
great severity, and the suffering of the troops had been very great, 
but they had submitted to all without complaint. From first to 
last, the Thirty-fifth exhibited the hardiest endurance, with a com. 
mendable readiness for any duty which might be imposed ; and 
its reputation was deservedly high throughout the entire corps to 
which it belonged. 

On the 3d of April, Captain Dusenberry, who had been taken 
prisoner on the 22d of June, rejoined the regiment with one hun- 
dred and twelve substitutes, and was heartily welcomed by officers 
and men. On the 10th, Richmond having fallen, Sherman impelled 
a determined advance against Johnston, who, with some forty thous- 
and men, still remained near Smithfield. This town was entered 
the following day, the enemy retreating to Raleigh, and thence 
towards Greensboro. The news of Lee's surrender being received, 
Johnston at once asked a suspension of hostilities, and this being 



660 



XEW JEESEY AND THE KEBELLION. 



granted, negotiations were entered upon which, on the 26th, resulted 
in the surrender of his army upon the terms already accorded to 
Lee. The Thirty-fifth had fired its last gun in this grand contest 
for national unity, and all that now remained was to march home- 
ward, rich in the honors it had won. 

On the 29th, the regiment moved out from its camp towards 
Petersburg, which was reached May 8th. Thence, passing through 
Kichmond, it marched by the usual route to "Washington, arriving 
in that vicinity on the 19th. Here the men were supplied with a 
new Zouave uniform, and some weeks later being mustered out, pro- 
ceeded to Trenton (July 22d). where their campaigns terminated in 
a cordial welcome from the populace. 



CHAPTER XXX, 



THE THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT— (Third Cavalry). 

The Thirty-sixth Regiment (or Third Cavalry) was recruited dur- 
ing the winter of 1863-4, and mustered into the United States ser- 
vice February 10, 1864, as the " First United States Hussars" — a 
name, however, which was not long retained. 1 The regiment left 
Trenton on the 29th of March, one thousand and two hundred 
strong, marching by way of Philadelphia and Wilmington to Per- 
ryville, Maryland, where it embarked on steamers and proceeded 
to Annapolis, being there attached to the Ninth Army Corps. Here 
it remained about a fortnight, when it marched to Alexandria, Vir- 
ginia, whence on the 27th of April, it moved with the corps in the 
'direction of the field towards which Grant was preparing to advance. 
Reaching a point three miles south of Bristow Station on the night 
of the 29th, it was posted along the Orange and Alexandria Rail- 



1 The original roster of the regiment was as follows : 

Colonel, Andrew J. Morrison; Lieutenant-Colonel, Charles C. Suyclam; Majors, 
Siegfried Von Forstner, William P. Robeson, jr., S. V. C. Van Rensalaer; Adjutant, 
William J. Starts ; Quartermaster, John H. Bailey; Commissary, George Patten; 
Surgeon, William W. Bowlby ; Assistant Surgeons, Lawrence O. Morgan, Samuel A. 
Phillips ; Chaplain, John H. Frazee. Company A— Captain, T. Malcolm Murphy ; First 
Lieutenant, John S. Hough; Second Lieutenant, John T. Tomlin. Company B— Cap- 
tain, Albert S. Cloke ; First Lieutenant, Alexander A. Yard; Second Lieutenant, 
Augustus C. Stickle. Company C— Captain, John B. Hartman ; First Lieutenant, 
William Lechleider; Second Lieutenant, William Reeves. Company D— Captain, 
Michael Mitchell ; First Lieutenant, James H. Donnelly; Second Lieutenant, George 
R. Wadleigh. Company E— Captain, Daniel R. Boice ; First Lieutenant, Daniel Buck- 
ley; Second Lieutenant, James O' Sullivan. Company F— Captain, Charles D. Morri- 
son ; First Lieutenant, Henry A. Vanness ; Second Lieutenant, Michael T. Dwyer. 
Company G— Captain, Thomas R. McClong ; First Lieutenant, William M. Scott; Sec- 
ond Lieutenant, Gilbert Tice. Company II— Captain, Ethan T. Harris ; First Lieutenant, 
Baruet Birdsell; Second Lieutenant, John Bamford. Company i^-Captain, Albert 
Hertzberg ; First Lieutenant, William Stulpnagel ; Second Lieutenant, Oscar Kramer. 
Company K— Captain, Frederick W. Schafer; First Lieutenant, Otto Siebeth; Second 
Lieutenant, August Bulow. Company! — Captain, Frederick W. K. Knoblesdorf ; First 
Lieutenant, Emil Walpel ; Second Lieutenant, Adolph Bulow. Company M— Captain, 
John Skill ; First Lieutenant, Henry S. Skill ; Second Lieutenant, James V. Gibson. 



662 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



road, where it remained, engaged in scouting and guard duty, until 
the 5th of May, when, operations in the Wilderness having already 
commenced, it marched southward, crossing the Eappahannock and 
Rapidan, and bivouacking three miles beyond Germania Ford — on 
a line parallel with the battle-front along which the conflict was 
already fiercely raging. Later in the night, however, the regi- 
ment re-crossed the Rapidan, and encamped on a hill overlooking 
the ford on the north side of the river — performing, on the 6th, 
most important service by scouting that entire side of the Rapidan 
for many miles in either direction. This duty, which was of the 
most arduous character, having been performed to the satisfaction 
of the General commanding, the regiment, on the afternoon of the 
7th, was ordered to move as a rear-guard to a pontoon train about 
to be transferred to a lower ford, and it accordingly marched to 
Richmond's Ford (on the Rappahannock), and thence crossing at 
United States Ford to Chancellorsville. Here it again found em- 
ployment in patrolling, watching fords, and bearing despatches. 
Two companies, under Captains Cloke and Boice, were detached from , 
the command, and nearly one hundred of the men were detailed for 
duty as orderlies, some thirteen of whom were wounded at various 
times, but none seriously. On the 8th, when lying seven miles 
from Fredericksburg, a rumor reaching camp that our wounded 
who had been sent to that city were being arrested and sent off 
towards Richmond by the rebel citizens, Major Robeson with 
his battalion boldly dashed into the town, where, upon trustworthy 
information, he arrested a number of the citizens and at once put 
a stop to the proceedings complained of. On the following day 
the town was again visited with a stronger force, it being designed 
to arrest the Mayor, a notoriously odious secessionist ; but that offi- 
cial had fled. Two noted scouts, however, were secured, and other 
troops arriving, a provost marshal was appointed, and the necessary 
public and private buildings promptly seized for the accommoda- 
tion of the wounded, who now began to pour in by hundreds and 
thousands. 2 



2 The writer of these pages reached Fredericksburg, as an agent of the Christian 
Commission, on the 13th of May, 1864, and at that time there were from eight thousand 



THE THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT. 663 

The enemy being gradually compelled to fall back before the opera- 
tions of Grant, the Third Cavalry pushed forward with its brigade — 
Third Brigade, First Division, Cavalry Corps — sharing in the opera- 
tions at Ashland, Old Church, and other points, and showing the 
highest soldierly qualities in all the combats in which it participated. 
Beaching the vicinity of City Point early in June, it was placed in 
position on the extreme left of the army, and for over a month 
was engaged in picketing, losing during the time two officers and 
ten privates by capture. Up to the middle of July, the total losses 
of the regiment in killed, wounded and missing, amounted to 
seventy-six. On July 16th, the command was transferred to Light- 
house Point, whence, on the 25th, it returned to its old position, 
where, on the 27th, it lost several men from guerillas while on 
picket — one being killed, two wounded and two captured. The 
men were ambuscaded while patrolling, and were all shot from 
behind, some of them being stripped of all their clothing and 
effects, and exposed to every possible indignity. 

On the 5th of August, General Grant having determined to 
transfer two cavalry divisions to the Shenandoah Yalley, to assist 
in checking the rebel operatio is in that quarter, the Third Jersey — 
now attached to the First Brigade, Third Cavalry Division — left 
its position in front of Petersburg and proceeded to Washington, 
whence- — the men, numbering over four hundred, being supplied 
with, new Spencer repeating carbines— it marched on the 12th in 
the direction of Winchester, which place it reached on the 17th, 
just in time to participate in an engagement with the enemy, who 
was vigorously pressing Sheridan's troops as they fell back towards 
Harper's Ferry. The Third Eegiment was at once ordered to a 



to nine thousand wounded accumulated in the town. Every church, store and other 
commodious building was occupied, and even the yards attached to private residences 
were in some cases crowded with the sufferers. The Surgeons established their ampu- 
tating tables in the basements of some of the churches, and there, for days and weeks 
the knife and saw did their ghastly work. Here and there, as we passed along the 
streets, rows of dead were found lying in dilapidated outhouses, and night and day, 
stretchers with dead and dying drifted to and fro along the streets. Among the first 
persons we met on reaching Fredericksburg were the Lieutenant-Colonel and Surgeon 
of the Third Cavalry, which regiment, as we have seen, was the first to enter the town 
and initiate measures for bringing order out of chaos. 



664 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



hill south of the town, to act as support to a batten', and soon 
became hotly engaged, the first battalion, under Major Robeson, 
being sent out as skirmishers on the right. The fight growing 
earnest, the third battalion, under Major Alstrom, was sent in to 
relieve the first, the remainder of the men (Companies A, B C and 
D) being soon after thrown in, dismounted, on the left, led by 
Lieutenant-Colonel Suydam. The position held by the command 
was a critical one ; occupying the advanced skirmish line, most of 
the heavy fighting fell to its share, but the men for the most part 
carried themselves with great gallantry, repelling desperate assaults, 
and only falling back, long after dark, when surrounded b}^ an 
overwhelming force of the enemy, including some of Brecken- 
ridge's veteran troops. So impetuous was the final charge of the 
rebels, that for a time the assailed and assailants were mingled pro- 
miscuously, and the Jerseymen were obliged to suspend firing, lest 
they should injure their friends. 3 The conduct of Lieutenant- 
Colonel Suydam, who led the reserve at a critical moment, and 
stubbornly resisted the rebel onslaught, taking up three positions 
during the fight, as well as of Majors Robeson and Alstrom, was 
especially commended as cool and courageous in the last degree. 
The total loss of the regiment was one hundred and thirty men, 
the killed including one Captain and one Lieutenant. 4 

After this engagement the command fell back, with the rest of 
the troops, on the 18th, to Summit Point. On the 21st, while on 
picket, it was again attacked by Breckenridge's Corps, which, 
advancing in strong force, struck the line front, right and left, 
sweeping it back to the regimental skirmish line. For three hours 
the latter steadily bore the pressure, gradually falling back until, 
the wagon trains having been safely forwarded, the worn and jaded 
men fell within the supporting lines of the Second Brigade, and 
the whole column continued its march to Chaiiestown. Here it lay 



s At one time, so close were the combatants, that Lieutenant-Colonel Suydam, seeing 
a rebel capture and lead off one of our men, coolly seized a "grayback" and marched 
him to the rear, by way of exchange. 

^ One report puts the casualties at three killed, nine wounded and forty-eight miss- 
ing, but we give the figures as recorded in the diary of the commanding officer. 



THE THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT. 



665 



in comparative quiet until the next morning, when the enemy 
opened along the lines with great energy, and the division fell back 
to Harper's Feny, where, with ample infantry supports, it escaped 
further molestation. In these operations, the Third Jersey lost six 
killed, twenty-five wounded and fourteen missing. After falling 
back, the regiment was allowed two days to recruit, when, on the 
morning of the 25th, with the rest of the brigade, under General 
Mcintosh, it again moved out, going westerly. After marching a 
few miles, it was joined by the entire cavalry force, and the whole 
moved cautiously forward. About ten o'clock, the Third Jersey 
was called upon for scouting parties, and these, deploying into the 
woods, soon discovered the enemy in force. The action which 
ensued was a spirited and stubborn one. The enemy lay in the 
rear of a piece of woods, strongly covered by a stone wall, and 
although at one time driven a little by our troopers, the latter, 
being without infantry supports, could not dislodge him from his 
position. Meanwhile, other regiments of the brigade had become 
engaged, but without any favorable result, and it being apparent 
that the enemy was in strong force, a general withdrawal was 
ordered, being effected in good order. In this engagement, as in 
many others, General Mcintosh displayed the greatest gallantry, and 
the men of the Third Jersey fought with their accustomed bravery. 
The loss of the regiment in wounded and missing was thirty men. 

After falling back to Harper's Ferry, at ten o'clock the same 
night the command crossed the Potomac, and marched to Boons- 
boro, Marj'land, whence, after a night's rest, it moved in an irregu- 
lar circle, passing the field of Antietam, and recrossing the Potomac 
at Shepherdstown Ford, finally reaching Charlestown on the night 
of the 28th. Here almost constant skirmishing was kept up with 
the enemy, but no serious fighting was had. Sheridan was maturing 
his plans for a vigorous campaign against the enemy ; and until he 
was ready to strike, the cavalry troopers were not called to any 
severe combat. But the season of comparative repose was brief. 
On the evening of the 12th (of September), General Mcintosh 
received an order to take his brigade at an early hour the next 
morning and reconnoiter on the Berryville and Winchester pike, 
84 . 



666 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



to discover, if possible, the strength and position of the enemy, 
but to go only so far as to meet the enemy's infantry, when he was 
to retire. Accordingly, on the morning of the 13th, the Second 
Ohio Cavalry was thrown out as advance guard and skirmishers, 
the Third Jerse} r , now and for some time after commanded by 
Lieutenant-Colonel Suydam, coming next in line, and the whole 
advancing on the road designated. The Jerseymen first met the 
enemy's cavalry pickets about three miles out of Berryville, and 
from this time on kept up a running fire for two miles, charging 
them whenever they attempted to make a stand, until finally they 
were driven across the Opequan. Here they endeavored to rally, 
but having become badly demoralized, the Ohioans and Jerseymen 
pushed right forward, charging across and up the hill against their 
barricade of rails (which had evidently been hastily thrown up), 
driving and checking them in all directions. Still pursuing, giving 
them no time to rest, the regiment forced them finally inside of 
their infantry supports. A halt was now ordered, while General 
Mcintosh advanced to the top of a hill and examined the rebel 
position. Present^, an order came for a squadron of the Third. 
Jersey to charge up the road, and on the instant, a column dashed 
forward, sweeping up with flashing sabers right into the midst of 
the enem} T , one hundred and forty-three of whom were taken 
prisoners. This, however, was not the only result of the charge. 
A whole regiment of South Carolina infantry (the Eighth), cut off 
from their main body by the exploit of the Jerseymen, were sur. 
rounded and captured, with their colors and battle-flag, by the 
Second Ohio and Third Jersey. 5 By this time, the enemy was 

5 The Chaplain of the regiment, Rev. J. H. Frazee, in a letter to the Newark Adver- 
tiser, says of this affair : 

" The result of our charge was the capture of the Eighth Carolina Regiment, with 
its Colonel and all its line officers, numbering eighteen. The companies composing 
the squadron that made the charge were Company G, commanded hy Captain Thomas 
R. McClong, of Cumberland County, and Company F, recruited in Newark, and under 
the command of First Lieutenant M. T. Dwyer, of the same city. Lieutenant-Colonel 
Suydam, with the remaining battalions of the regiment, moved promptly to our sup- 
port when we made the charge. The accompanying congratulatory order was issued 
hy Brigadier-General Wilson : 

a PIeadqearters Third Cavalry Division, ) 
September 15, 1864. f 

" General Order No. 40. 
" ' The Brigadier-General commanding takes great pleasure in commending the dash, 



THE THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT. 



667 



seen marching down with heavy columns of infantry, showing that 
he was still in force, and Mcintosh, having accomplished the object 
for which he was sent out, accordingly ordered a retreat, which 
was accomplished in a safe and orderly manner. The affair, which 
was a brilliant one throughout, was conducted very expeditiously, 
the brigade reaching its camp in less than five hours from the time 
it left it. The loss of the regiment was one killed, and of the 
brigade three killed and one hundred and one missing. 

After this affair, the regiment lay quiet until the 19th (one of the 
remarkable days of the war), when at two o'clock in the morning, 
it moved out on the Winchester pike, driving the enemy's cavalry, 
and charging and turning the right of his infantry. After getting 
into position, the command was held in hand until late in the after- 
noon, when, the enemy being in retreat, it charged down the pike, 
sweeping past Winchester and reaching Karneystown. Here it suf- 
fered some loss, but not sufficient to disturb the elation over the 
grand achievements of the clay. Subsequently the regiment moved 
up the Yalley past Stony Point, across the Shenandoah, through 
Front Eoyal and up the Luray Yalley, through wdiich it endeav- 
ored to effect a passage, but without success, owing to the opposi- 
tion of the enemy. On the 21st, it was again engaged at Front 
Eoyal, losing some men. On the 28th, being in the cavalry ad- 
vance, it once more encountered the enemy at Waynesboro where 
it suffered a loss of ten men killed and wounded, but fought with 
its accustomed gallantry. In the retrograde movement which fol- 
lowed this advance of our forces — a movement designed to draw 
the enemy once more within effective striking distance — the Third 
Jersey once more proved its efficiency at Bridge water, October 2d, 
losing nine men ; at Brock's Gap on the 6th, and at Tom's Brook, 



gallantry and good conduct of the First Brigade, as well as the judicious management 
and promptitude of its commander, Brigadier-General Mcintosh, in the recent affair on 
the Berryville and Winchester pike. The charge of the squadron of the Third New 
Jersey Cavalry, which resulted in breaking the rebel infantry line, is especially worthy 
of mention ; it effectually opened the way for surrounding and capturing the rebel 
regiment encountered. * * * 

" By command of Brigadier-General Wilson.' " 

The Eighth Carolina Regiment, captured in this affair, was one of the oldest in the 
rebel service, and had never before suffered any serious mishaps. 



668 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



where, on the 9th, it had a severe engagement with the now pur- 
suing foe. Its loss in this last affair was eight men. Finally reach- 
ing Cedar Creek, it went on picket, where it remained until the 
13th, when it had a sharp fight at Cupp's Mills, losing ten men. 
In the memorable battle of the 19th, described in the narrative of 
the First Brigade, the regiment was early placed in position, but was 
only moderately engaged. In the subsequent operations in the 
Yalley, it had an honorable part, being engaged on the " Back 
Boad," on November 12th, and at Mount Jackson, November 22d. 
At the latter point, the enemy occupied a very strong position on 
Hond's Hill, and it was found to be impossible, after considerable 
skirmishing, to dislodge him. In withdrawing from the field, the 
Third Jersey covered the Second New York Regiment. The loss 
of the command in this affair was ten men killed and wounded. 6 
On the 28th, the enemy having attacked and carried our position, 
held by a small garrison, at New Creek, on the Baltimore and 
Ohio Railroad, twenty-two miles west of Cumberland, the Jersey 
regiment was dispatched on an expedition in that direction, pro- 
ceeding to Moorefleld, Hardy County, West Yirginia, where a day 
was spent in exploring the country and discovering the position of 
the enemy — after which it returned to its camp below Winchester — 
the march being one of great difficulty and suffering to the ex- 
hausted men. 

There being now a lull in operations, the regiment went into 
winter quarters, where it remained until ordered to rejoin the army 
in front of Petersburg. Here it was variously employed until the 
last grand assault upon the enemy, when, at Five Forks, fighting 
again with the scarred veterans who had swept Early clean out of 
the Shenandoah, it displayed conspicuous gallantly, sharing in all 
the perils as well as the splendid achievements of that memora- 
ble and glorious day, on which the power of the rebellion was 
finally and forever broken. The loss of the regiment was only 
eight wounded, including Lieutenant-Colonel Robeson. Joining in 
the pursuit of the flying foe, on the 6th it had two officers wounded 



About this time, Major Robeson was made Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment. 



THE THIRTY-SIXTH REGIMENT. 



669 



in a skirmish, but was not again heavily engaged. In due time, 
Lee having surrendered and the rebel armies dissolved, it proceeded 
to Washington, and thence to Trenton, where it was mustered out. 

The Third Jersey deserved a far higher place in the estimation 
of the people of the State than it enjoyed while in the field. Unfor- 
tunate in its commandant, when first entering the service, it was 
ever after, with singular injustice, judged in the light of this fact ; 
no adequate allowance being made for its subsequent improvement 
in efficiency and discipline. No regiment was ever more efficiently 
officered than this after the suspension of the original Colonel, and 
none ever more rapidly achieved a high reputation than did this 
command when once brought face to face with the foe. In the 
Shenandoah, it participated in some thirteen engagements, in all of 
which it showed the finest soldierly qualities, winning the special 
commendation of its commanders, as well as the confidence of all 
its comrades of the cavalry corps ; and in the story of the war, 
when fairly and fully written, its deeds will have a place side by 
side with those of the bravest and best of that invincible army 
which Sheridan led always to victory. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 



THE THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 

Ox the 16 th of May, 1864, Governor Parker issued a proclama- 
tion calling, " by desire of the President," the militia of the State 
into active service, for the period of one hundred days, to date from 
muster into the United States Service, to be armed, equipped, and 
paid as other United States Volunteers, " to serve in fortifications 
or wherever their services may be required, within or without the 
State." No bounty was to be given, nor even their services to be 
credited upon any draft. These troops were to be infantry exclu- 
sively, and the Governor urged that at least five regiments might 
be raised and forwarded with all convenient speed. In accordance 
with this proclamation, recruiting began without delay, and the 
nuclei of two regiments were speedily established — one in the south- 
ern part of the State to be called the Thirty-seventh, and another 
at Camp Frelinghuysen, near Newark, to be called the Thirty-eighth 
Regiment — the latter to be commanded by John S. Barlow, and the 
former by E. Burd Grubb, of Burlington, a gallant and dashing 
soldier of whom honorable mention is made elsewhere in this vol- 
ume. It was thought advisable and hoped that the different Mili- 
tia and Rifle Corps regiments should, if possible, embrace this 
opportunity to go into the movement, rank and file, in a body ; 
thus preserving their regimental organizations and preventing the 
many dekys incident to and consequent upon the organization and 
officering of new regiments. This expectation, however, was not 
realized. Recruiting becoming languid, local bounties were offered 
by different cities, but notwithstanding this, and every other induce- 
ment offered, it began to be apparent that neither of the two regi- 
ments would be enabled to fill its ranks, and consolidation must be 
effected. This was accordingly done at Camp Delaware, Trenton, 



THE THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 



671 



and, on the 23d of June the consolidated regiment, under the name 
of the Thirty-seventh New Jersey Yolunteers, was mustered into the 
service of the United States. The following were the officers : 

Colonel, E. Burd Grubb ; Lieutenant-Colonel, John S. Barlow; Major, John Dan- 
forth; Quartermaster, J. W. Kinsey; Surgeon, Henry C. Clark; Assistant Surgeons, 
M. Robinson and E. P. Hancock ; Adjutant, Parker Grubb. Company A — Captain, 
Roderick B. Seymour; Eirst Lieutenant, C. Holt; Second Lieutenant, William Muir- 
heid. Company I?— Captain, D. J. Pierman; First Lieutenant, H. H. Walters; Second 
Lieutenant, Theodore Douglass. Company C— Captain, James Withington ; Eirst 
Lieutenant, Peter Wilkes; Second Lieutenant, John Earrell. Company D — Captain, 
M. Devinney; First Lieutenant, C. Goldenburg; Second Lieutenant, M. C. Stafford. 
Company E— Captain, W. F. Riker ; First Lieutenant, John Kelt; Second Lieutenant, 
L. C. G rover, Jr. Company F— Captain, N. N. Hancock; First Lieutenant, J. Schrei- 
ner ; Second Lieutenant, T. P. Munn. Company G — Captain, G. Eggers ; First Lieu- 
tenant, J. T. Crane; Second Lieutenant, J. Kraus. Company II— Captain, G. Smith; 
First Lieutenant, J. Maguire; Second Lieutenant, W. H. Stiles. Company 7— Captain, 
L. A. Rites; First Lieutenant, H. C. Woodward; Second Lieutenant, N. H. Johnson. 1 

The regiment left Trenton on the 28th of June, seven hundred 
strong, direct for Baltimore, where steamer was taken for City 
Point. Upon reporting to General Grant, the regiment was ordered 
to report to General Butler, at Bermuda Hundred. Landing at 
Point of Bocks, July 1st, they went into camp about three miles 
from that landing. Here, the regiment furnished detachments for . 
fatigue duty of various kinds, such as unloading vessels, working 
on fortifications, &c, being assigned to Berry's Brigade, Third 
Division, Tenth Army Corps (General Q. A. Gilmore's), and 
brigaded with other one hundred days' regiments from Ohio. From 
this last camp, the regiment was ordered to Bedoubt Converse, on 
Spring Hill, near the Appomattox River, where, for another month, 
the regiment was scattered — one detachment at Broadway Landing, 
loading and unloading vessels; another at Corps Headquarters, 



1 The personnel of the regiment was not altogether encouraging. The medical exam- 
ination was by no means searching, and as a result there were many with only one eye ; 
several with less fingers than the regulations allowed ; a few, long since past the age at 
which military service terminates ; and scores of mere hoys from fifteen years of age 
upwards. As a detachment were working in the woods, near Bermuda Hundred, sev- 
erel huge Vermonters passing by, stopped ; and, after looking at the youthful faces 
with some amazement as well as amusement, inquired who they were, to which the 
response was given, " Thirty-seventh New Jersey." "Oh!" said the questioner, "I 
thought it was some school-house broke loose" — to the disgust and mortification of the 
"boys." It was found, however, that these mere striplings were quite as serviceable 
as any in the regiment. They endured longer and harder work, felt less fatigue on the 
march and at "fatigue duty," and took to their various duties as soldiers as well, if not 
better, than the older, stronger and apparently more able men. 



672 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



doing duty in the ambulance corps ; another at Point of Eocks, in 
charge of a commissary station ; a fourth doing picket duty, and 
the remainder garrisoning the fort. While in this fort, occurred, on 
the 11th of August, the death of the Adjutant, Parker Grubb, 
from malarious fever, and September 12th, that of Lieutenant- 
Colonel Barlow, from consumption. William Muirheid was after- 
wards promoted to the position of Adjutant, and Major Danforth 
to be Lieutenant-Colonel. At length, August 28th, the regiment 
was again gathered together, and marched to the extreme front at 
Petersburg, being brigaded with the Twenty-second United States 
colored troops and the Eighth United States colored troops, under 
the command of Colonel J. B. Kicldoo, of the former regiment. 
Here the command encamped in the rear of the "Hare House 
Battery," so called from the ruins of " Hare House," near by. [This 
was formerly a fashionable place of resort for the elite of Eichmond 
and Petersburg.] The regiment remained here until their term of 
service had nearly expired, doing duty in the trenches in "the 
front," and contributing their quota to the fatigue parties working 
on the fortifications in that vicinity. On the 25th of September, 
the Tenth Corps retired from the front, being relieved by the 
Second Corps, and moved towards Deep Bottom, to take part in 
the movement upon Chapin's Bluff, which took place a short time 
afterwards. The same day, the following highly flattering general 
order was promulgated : 

"Headquarters Tenth Army Corps, Army of the James, / 
Before Petersburg, Virginia, Sej)tember 25, 1864. \ 
" General Order No. 34. 

" The Thirty-seventh New Jersey Volunteers, on the 26th instant will leave for Tren- 
ton, New Jersey, reporting to the Superintendent of Recruiting Service of the State, 
to be mustered out of service, at the expiration of its enlistment. 

"The Major-General commanding cannot part with this regiment of one hundred 
days 1 men without expressing his gratification and satisfaction with their conduct. 
They have endured fatigue, encountered the rebel foe like good soldiers, and have 
gained the esteem of the veterans of this corps. 

"He is confident that, when they return to New Jersey, a State that has furnished 
such soldiers as Kearney, Mott andTorbert, they will continue to sustain the veterans 
they have left at the front, doing what Sherman advised, " fighting this out like men." 

" The Major-General commanding will be pleased to assist the commanding officer 
of this regiment in re-organizing it to aid in the finale of the rebellion in conjunction 
with this corps. 

"The Quartermaster's Department will furnish transportation. 

"By command of Major-General D. B. Birney. 

"Edward W. Smith, Assistant Adjutant-General. 



THE THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 



678 



It was an unusual occurrence ibr the commandant of a corps to 
issue a general order so complimentary in its tone, upon the muster 
out of a single regiment which had done nothing more than this 
one had to distinguish itself. But, remembering that this was a 
perfectly raw regiment — composed of men of all ages and degrees 
of imperfection, and in no small degree of mere boys — that it 
arrived, in three days after leaving its camp at Trenton, within the 
range of rebel cannon, and there remained until its return home — 
the men going into the "glory holes" in the immediate front at 
Petersburg, and there doing their duty like veterans — with very 
few opportunities for drill or improvement — it is not remarkable 
that the Major-General commanding the corps should deem them 
worthy of the compliment which he bestowed upon them. The 
regiment was engaged in no battles, but, in the dangerous duty of 
the trenches and rifle-pits, five were killed and twenty-nine 
wounded. In addition, there were thirteen other deaths, mostly 
from typhoid fever. Thirty-two were left in hospital, sick, and 
twenty-seven re-enlisted and remained behind. The regiment was 
mustered out on the 1st of October, 1864. Many of the officers 
and men afterwards re-enlisted in the volunteer and regular service. 
Some were killed in the last hours of the rebellion, in Virginia 
and Texas, and some in Indian fights, on the Plains. 



85 



CHAPTER XXXII. 



THE THIRTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT. 

•The Thirty-eighth Regiment was raised in the summer and fall 
of 1864 1 , Colonel William J. Sewell accepting its command on the 
30th of September, and completing its organization in fifteen days 
thereafter. Colonel Sewell had served with distinguished credit in 
the Second Brigade, but had been compelled to quit the service 
during the Wilderness campaign, owing to prostration resulting 
from exposure. Partially recovering, however, and with his patri- 
otic ardor unabated, he gladly embraced the opportunity afforded 
by the formation of the Thirty-eighth to return to the field, employ- 
ing all his energies to make it an organization worthy of the State. 
Upon leaving the State, the regiment was ordered to City Point and 
thence to Bermuda Hundred, whence it was sent to Fort Powhatan, 
on the James river, some fifteen miles below City Point. The 
troops at this point consisted of the Thirty-eighth, a squadron of 

i The original roster of the regiment was as follows : 

Colonel, William J. Sewell ; Lieutenant Colonel, Ashhel W. Angel; Major, William 
H. Tantum ; Adjutant, Edwin G. Smith; Quartermaster, Israel Wells ; Surgeon, Rich- 
ard Thomas, Jr. ; Assistant Surgeons, Israel Hart, William S. Combs ; Chaplain, 
Charles R. Hartranft. Company A — Captain, Thomas J. Swannell ; First Lieutenant, 
Joseph E. Jones; Second Lieutenant, John Grant. Company i?— Captain, George W. 
Day; First Lieutenant, Charles W. Kitchen; Second Lieutenant, Henry Dubs. Com- 
pany C— Captain, Henry S. Spaulding; First Lieutenant, L. Clinton McMahon; Sec- 
ond Lieutenant, William D. Jackson. Company D— Captain, Jacob D. Wilson ; First 
Lieutenant, John N. Cottrell ; Second Lieutenant, Joseph T. Hayes. Company ^—Cap- 
tain, William W. Abbott; First Lieutenant, William M. Craft; Second Lieutenant, 
Green Vanderbilt. Company F— Captain, George Gilson ; First Lieutenant, Andrew 
Brown ; Second Lieutenant, John N. Anderson. Company G— Captain, James B. 
Minturn ; First Lieutenant, Luzerne Bartholomew ; Second Lieutenant, Sylvester J. 
Shuck. Company H — Captain, Abraham M. Browning; First Lieutenant, Daniel P. 
Yates; Second Lieutenant, Joseph N. Stanford. Company 7— Captain, George W. 
Cubberly; First Lieutenant, John Worthley; Second Lieutenant, George B. Bergen. 
Company AT— Captain, Thomas Cunningham; First Lieutenant, Albert E. Hand; Sec- 
ond Lieutenant, Isaac Wooliver. 



THE THIRTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT. 



675 



cavalry and a battery of artillery — the duty consisting in keeping 
open the river and protecting a line of land telegraph for a distance of 
some forty miles. In the performance of this duty, skirmishes with 
guerillas were of frequent occurrence, but no general engagement 
was brought on. The regiment remained at this point until the 
surrender of Lee, when it was ordered to City Point, whence it was 
mustered out, reaching Trenton on the 4th of July, 1865. 

Though never called upon to grapple in stern encounter with 
the foe, or to face the deadly perils of the field, the Thirty-eighth 
faithfully performed all the duties laid upon it in more peaceful 
spheres, and, doubtless, had occasion offered, would have acquitted 
itself in actual combat with the same efficiency and courage as more 
famous commands. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 



THE THIRTY-NINTH REGIMENT. 

The Thirty-ninth Regiment, recruited under the call of July 
1864, for five hundred thousand men, left Newark early in October 
of the same year — five companies leaving on the 4th, and the 
others a few days subsequently. 1 Arriving at City Point, it 
was temporarily employed on the breastworks, moving thence 
to Poplar Grove Church, on the left of the TVeldon Railroad, 
a few miles south of Petersburg, where it was attached to the 
First Brigade, Second Division, Ninth Army Corps. While 
here, it participated with, the brigade in the expedition against 
the Southside Railroad, but was not actually engaged. Returning 
to camp, it remained until the last day of November, when, the 
corps relieving the Second, then holding the center of our line, 



1 The original roster of the regiment was as follows : 

Colonel, Abram C. Wildrick; Lieutenant-Colonel, James H. Close ; Major, William D. 
Cornish; Adjutant, George S. Smith; Quartermaster, Corra Drake; Surgeon, George 
R. Sullivan ; Assistant Surgeon, George W. Douglass ; Chaplain, Edward D. Crane^ 
Company A — Captain, Herman Reutter ; First Lieutenant, Sedgwick R. Bennett; Sec- 
ond Lieutenant, Charles Sidel. Company B — Captain, Charles Bruere ; Lirst Lieuten- 
ant, William H. Ogden ; Second Lieutenant, Sigmond Guam. Company C— Captain, 
Edwin W. Hedges; First Lieutenant, Joseph H. Jenkins; Second Lieutenant, Albert 
R. Marsh. Company D — Captain, Fowler Merrill; First Lieutenant, Charles C. Mc- 
Coy ; Second Lieutenant, Alasco C. White. Company JE— Captain, Peter F. Rogers ; 
First Lieutenant, Henry M. Heinold ; Second Lieutenant, John J. Sloate. Company 
F— Captain, John Hunkele ; First Lieutenant, William H. Behrens ; Second Lieuten- 
ant, Charles Sange. Company Q — Captain, James Peters ; First Lieutenant, Henry 
Reynolds ; Second Lieutenant, Charles Marsh. Company H— Captain, George W r . 
Harrison ; First Lieutenant, Joseph W. Nason ; Second Lieutenant, Peter Clute. Com- 
pany I— Captain, Gustavus Dupins; First Lieutenant, Richard M. Johnston; Second 
Lieutenant, Andrew J. McManus. Company E— Captain, David S. Allen ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Jacob McConnell ; Second Lieutenant, John Shippee. 

Colonel Wildrick had been an officer in the Regular Army, and was peculiarly qual- 
ified for the position of commandant. From first to last, his record was that of a 
thorough soldier, and the efficiency of the regiment when finally brought to the test, 
was in a very large degree owing to the influence of his example and careful teaching. 



THE THIRTY-NINTH EEGIMENT. 



677 



the Thirty-ninth moved into position before Petersburg, sending 
one hundred men on picket on the first night of its arrival. On 
the day following, the command went into open camp in the rear 
of Fort Sedgwick, and here it remained until the middle of Febru- 
ary. It was then placed in Fort Davis, which it garrisoned until 
the night preceding the 2d of April. 

On that night, most memorable of all in the history of the rebel- 
lion, the Thirty-ninth was moved out at eleven o'clock and placed 
in the rear of the picket-line, where it was held until the hour 
designated for the assault upon the enemy's works. Opposite Fort 
Davis the enemy held Fort Mahone, with a picket-line in front. 
This fort the Jerseymen were directed to assault, and at four o'clock, 
moved forward to their work. Capturing and sweeping away the 
opposing picket, they pressed up to the fort, some perishing in the 
ditch as they essayed to cross, but the body of the command reach- 
ing the works, heedless of the pitiless fire to which they were ex- 
posed. The Color-Sergeant, James Jarvis, mounting the parapet, 
planted the colors in the face of the foe, and though subjected to a 
storm of bullets, held his position bravely until wounded in the 
arm, when with forty-three bullets in the flag and the staff broken, 
he was compelled to withdraw. Twice the gallant regiment, fight- 
ing desperately, entered the works, only to be driven out, owing 
to the failure of its supports ; but a third time it forced its way into 
the works, and was not again expelled, holding the position with a 
tenacity which defied all attempts to dislodge it. The fighting 
from first to last was of the most stubborn and murderous charac- 
ter. At one time, the rebels made a desperate effort to break 
through our line with a view of turning our right, throwing all 
their spare troops on that part of the line, and compelling our 
troops to recede a short distance. But their advantage was only 
temporary, and for hours the fight went on, the enemy receiving 
reinforcements, but each fresh assault being repulsed, until at last 
the day was at all points ours. The loss of the Thirty-ninth, to 
which belongs the credit of capturing one of the most formidable 
rebel works around Petersburg, was very severe, amounting to 
some ten killed and about seventy-five wounded, several officers 



678 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



being included among the latter. 2 Captain George W. Harrison, 
of Company H, who had previously served in the Twenty -sixth 
Eegiment, and was highly esteemed, together with Lieutenant 
Nason, of the same company, a fearless and efficient officer, were 
among the killed. The first man wounded was Captain Allen, of 
Company K. 

The army of Lee having been driven from its stronhold, the 
Thirty-ninth joined in the pursuit, but v/as not again actively 
engaged. Its last important service was the performance of provost 
duty, for some two weeks, at Farmville. After the rebel surren- 
der, it proceeded to Alexandria, where it remained in camp until 
June, when it was ordered to Newark and finally disbanded. It 
had performed well and faithfully all the duties to which it was 
assigned, and the greeting extended to it upon its return was neither 
more cordial nor general than it deserved. 



2 A person who witnessed this engagement, writes : " The fire which rained on the 
ground and aronnd the fort was of the most fearful character, and to stand and see 
our men advance on a run through the very thickest of it, many of them heing torn 
to pieces and lost to sight before they crossed half the distance, was a sight not soon 
to he forgotten." 



CHAPTEE XXXIY. 



THE FORTIETH REGIMENT. 

The Fortieth Kegiment was organized under the immediate 
superintendence of Colonel Stephen R Gilkyson, under General 
Orders No. 243 (series 1864) of the War Department, and forwarded 
to the field by companies, the last company being mustered in on 
the 10th of March, 1865. 1 Upon reaching the field, the companies 
were attached to the First Brigade, the regiment proving courageous 
and efficient in all the engagements in which it participated. In 
the last fight before Eichmond it displayed conspicuous gallantry, 
the men fighting with the steadiness of veterans. Its record here 
is brief, since its term of service covered only the latter period of 
the war ; but, in the estimation of Jersey men, it deserves a place 
among the best and worthiest of our regiments. 



1 The original roster of the regiment was as follows : 

Colonel, Stephen R. Gilkyson ; Lieutenant Colonel, Samuel J. Hopkins ; Major, J. 
Augustus Fay, Jr. ; Adjutant, George W. Breen ; Quartermaster, J. Warren Kinsey ; 
Surgeon, Charles E. Hall ; Assistant Surgeons, Harmon Heed, Elias Wildman. Com- 
pany A — Captain, John Edlestein ; First Lieutenant, Charles A. Galluba; Second 
Lieutenant, Gustavus L. Freche. Company I?— Captain, Samuel W. Down ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Jonathan Maguire ; Second Lieutenant, Edwin Hedden. Company C— Cap- 
tain, George Eg&ers ; First Lieutenant, Henry C. Woodward ; Second Lieutenant, 
Joseph F. Mount. Company D — Captain, Maurice C. Stafford; First Lieutenant, Har- 
rison Shaff ; Second Lieutenant, Samuel Phillips. Company i?— Captain, Joseph A. 
Schnetzer; First Lieutenant, George W. Breen; Second Lieutenant, James Phillips. 
Company F— Captain, Charles E. Grant; First Lieutenant, Chauncey Holt; Second 
Lieutenant, T. Fletcher Jacobs. Company G— Captain, Elwood Lippincott; First 
Lieutenant, John B. Lyman ; Second Lieutenant, John M. Peters. Company H— Cap- 
tain, Andrew J. Mandeville; First Lieutenant, Samuel W. Downs ; Second Lieutenant, 
George A. Beldin. Company J— Captain, Ezra Stewart ; First Lieutenant, William H. 
Stiles ; Second Lieutenant, Stephen H. Marsh. Company K— Captain, John W. Good- 
enough ; First Lieutenant, Walker A. Newton ; Second Lieutenant, Peter Rudranff. 



CHAPTEE XXXY. 



BATTERY A— (First Artillery). 

Battery A, First New Jerse}^ Artillery, Captain William Hes- 
amer, was mustered into service August 12, 1861, at Hoboken, 
which place it left eight days after for Washington. Captain Hex- 
amer had for months impatiently awaited an opportunity to enter 
the service, and only failed to reach the field with our first contin- 
gent, because of the indisposition of the Government to accept of 
volunteer artillery. Whether it was supposed that this arm of the 
service was already sufficiently strong, we cannot tell ; but it is 
certain that so far as New Jersey was concerned, it was found for 
a time altogether impossible to secure the acceptance of artillery 
organizations. Many men, having encountered the rebuffs to which 
Captain Hexamer was exposed, would have abandoned the effort 
to obtain recognition as utterly useless ; but he was not to be so 
shaken off ; pertinacious, earnest and animated by a sturdy and 
invincible patriotism, he pursued his purpose with ceaseless and 
importunate determination, and at length, as we have seen, achieved 
success — being mustered in as a participant in the grand struggle 
for the vindication of the flag he loved. Eeaching Washington on 
the 21st of August, the battery, after being filled up and supplied 
with the necessary horses, equipments and arms, proceeded (Sep- 
tember 6th) to Fairfax Seminary, where it was attached to Kear- 
ney's Brigade. The battery at this time numbered one hundred 
and fifty-one men and five officers — one Captain, two First Lieu- 
tenants and two Second Lieutenants. At a later period, the number 
of men was increased to one hundred and sixty-four, several being- 
transferred to the battery from the First Eegiment of Infantry. 

The first battle in which the battery was engaged was that of 
West Point, on the 7th of May, 1862, where it displayed great 



BATTERY A — (FIEST ARTILLERY). 



681 



gallantry, winning the highest encomiums. The official report of 
the engagement shows that at nine o'clock on the day named, Cap- 
tain Hexamer, under orders from General Newton, placed the left 
section (howitzers) of his battery in position opposite the woods 
near the landing — the right and center sections being soon after 
placed on the right of the line of battle formed by Franklin's 
Division. What followed is thus told in the report: "Skirmish- 
ing between our troops and the enemy had already commenced in 
the woods directly in front when I reached the designated ground. 
General Newton ordered me not to begin firing until the enemy 
should show himself outside the woods, which was done at twelve 
o'clock by the Fifth Alabama Eegiment, who fired on my battery 
with rifles, wounding some of my men. I then opened fire with 
my ten-pounder Parrotts, and threw spherical c*ase into the lines of 
the enemy, causing the retreat of the Alabama troops. I then 
commenced shelling the woods in the direction where I knew the 
enemy to be located (guided by the smoke rising from the dis- 
charged muskets), until the firing of the infantry in the woods in 
front of us ceased entirely. * * * The effect of our fire must 
have been good, judging from his speedy retreat and the reports of 
some men of our brigade who were pursuing him in the woods. 
The men behaved well, executing all movements as accurately as 
on the drill-ground." 

The battery was next engaged at Mechanicsville, before Rich- 
mond, on the 31st of May, 1862. On the 27th of June, it partici- 
pated in the severe engagement at Gaines' Mills, having reported 
to Colonel Taylor, commanding the First New Jersey Brigade, and 
being by him placed on the right of the brigade — Prince de Join- 
ville, of McClellan's staff, accompanying the command to its 
position — in an open field some two hundred yards from the woods 
occupied by the rebels, and in which an infantry fight was in 
progress. Immediately upon the battery coming into position, the 
enemy opened upon it, killing and wounding seventeen horses 
before it was able to fire a single shot ; the men, however, received 
the fire without trepidation, and as soon as possible replied with 
vigor. Captain Hexamer's report of the day's action, as made to 



682 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Colonel Taylor, says Gf the operations of the battery subsequent 
to this assault from the enemy : " After half an hour's rest, during 
which time the musket balls of the enemy reached us in great 
numbers, I received an order by Adjutant de Joinville from 
General Porter, to advance fifty }~ards towards the \roods and 
open fire at eleven hundred yards distance, where the rebels were 
supposed to be in line. We threw about thirty rounds, when the 
musket fire in our front ceased, and I received an order by the 
same Adjutant to discontinue firing. We were kept in rest about 
twenty minutes, when suddenly the firing in our front and all 
along the woods was renewed and raged for about half an hour 
with the greatest fury. The musketry came nearer e very moment, 
and finally our infantn- left the woods, followed closely by the 
enemy. At this ^noment I received your order to open fire 
with spherical case and canister, which was at once complied 
with. Simultaneously the battery on my left opened fire, and 
after about fifteen minutes' firing, we had silenced entirely the 
musketnr of the enemy in front of us. The smoke hanging- 
over the .field now rendered it quite impossible to observe any 
movements of the rebels. Suddenly we received a volley of 
musketry from our left, followed by an incessant firing of the 
infantry, which had already advanced upon the battery on the left 
of us, taking it with the bayonet. Not being supported, I found 
it necessary to limber and retire to the next hill in rear of our 
position. One driver of the left section was shot down, while two 
horses of the same pieces, three of the caisson horses, and one 
sergeant's horse, were disabled. The piece, the horses of which 
were shot, could not be brought forward, and fell into the hands 
of the enemy, who took possession of it immediately. Besides 
the driver, four other men were wounded in this engagement. 
Eeaching the hill before mentioned, General Slocum ordered me 
to go into battery and fire to the rear, which I did, answering the 
firing of a rebel battery brought into action about one thousand 
yards from us. We continued firing until the battery opposite us 
ceased, and at eleven o'clock I received orders to return to camp. 
During the day we fired one hundred and sixty-five rounds — 



BATTERY A — (FIRST ARTILLERY). 



683 



spherical case, shot arid shells. During the whole day my men 
stood well to their work — notwithstanding we were for hours 
under the heaviest musketry and cannon fire — manoeuvering, 
loading and firing, quite without excitement." 

The testimony here borne by the gallant commandant to the 
courage and endurance of his men, was no more than just. 
Throughout the entire battle, they displayed the utmost coolness 
and indifference to danger, eliciting from all who witnessed their 
conduct the warmest commendation. Prince de Joinville, witness- 
ing the intrepidity with which the battery met the rebel attack, 
spoke in glowing terms of their bravery, and in a letter afterwards 
published in a Paris journal, declared that he had never seen, any- 
where, soldiers who received an attack so coolly as the German 
battery which was under his orders during the battle of Gaines' 
Mill. 

The services of Battery A in this campaign did not end with this 
engagement. When, our army being driven back, the enemy 
pushed forward in pursuit, this was the first battery which opened 
fire upon the pursuers, and it was in no small degree owing to its 
active services that the advance was checked and opportunity given 
to our exhausted infantry to make good their escape. During the 
retreat, so great was the confusion, and so entangled were the in- 
fantry and artillery, that Captain Hexamer was obliged to dismount 
his drivers, and use them, when he again opened, together with the 
officers, in serving the guns. 

Upon the withdrawal of the army to Harrison's Landing, the 
battery went into camp, where it remained until about the 26th of 
August, when it embarked for Ale^Pandria, where it arrived on the 
29th, marching on the same day with General Franklin's troops to 
Fairfax Court House. Pope was at this time desperately engaged 
with a large force of the enemy. Hexamer at once found active 
work, being posted during the fight at Chantilly on the road between 
that place and Fairfax Court House, on the right of General Kear- 
ney's Division. After the battle, the battery returned to its old 
camp near Alexandria, whence it marched on the 3d of September 
into Maryland, reaching Sugar-loaf mountain on the 10th. Thence 



684 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



it followed the retiring rebels through Burkettsville to Cramp ton's 
Pass, participating in the attack upon the enemy at that point, and 
winning fresh honors by its gallantry. Reaching the top of the 
mountain, the battery remained until the 17th, when it proceeded 
to Antietam, where it again performed distinguished service. At 
the time when the battery was ordered into action, the battle on 
the right had become desperate in the last degree, the contending 
armies struggling with a courage scarcely paralleled for the position 
about the Dunker Church. Near this church, standing on the edge 
of a woods skirting the east side of the road running north from 
Sharpsburg. the enemy had several batteries which seriously annoyed 
our infantry, who held another belt of woods several hundred yards 
west of the church. In front of this latter woods, stretched an 
open field, across which our columns had already advanced, only, 
however, to be repulsed. It was three o'clock in the afternoon (of 
the 17th) when Hexamer was ordered to advance and take position 
in this field, at a distance of some seven hundred yards from the 
church, behind which the enemy were gathered in force. At this 
time a battery of heavy rifled guns (twenty pounder Parrotts) was 
in position and throwing shells and shrapnel among our infantry, 
posted about one thousand five hundred yards distant. Hexamer 
at once opened upon this battery with shells, and so accurate was 
his aim, that after firing one hundred and fifty rounds, he effectually 
silenced it, the operation occupying less than half an hour. 1 Soon 
after this, a second battery (of twelve-pounder howitzers) came into 
position in front of Hexamer, and commenced unlimbering at a 
distance of seven hundred yards. He at once opened vigorously 
upon the intruders, firing some thirty rounds of shrapnel, when, 
without firing a gun, the rebel, finding himself in hot quarters, 
reconsidered his purpose to attack and hurriedly withdrew out of 
range. 

About this time, Hexamer received orders to report to General 
Hancock, and proceeding to the position designated, was ordered 



1 Officers of high rank, who saw this affair, have informed the writer that it was in 
every respect one of the handsomest they ever witnessed. 



BATTEL A — (FIEST ARTILLERY). 



685 



to fire upon two rebel regiments, drawn up about one thousand 
yards distant. At once opening with shell and shrapnels, and 
pouring a rapid fire into the rebel flanks he speedily caused them 
also to retire, leaving, however, not a few of their number behind, 
dead and wounded. The enemy now fell back to an orchard, 
which Hexamer shelled vigorously for about half an hour, when a 
battery opened upon him on the right flank at about nineteen hun- 
dred yards distance — the enemy at the same time advancing and 
opening with musketry at a range of two hundred yards. Thus 
sharply assailed, Captain Hexamer "ordered the left-half battery," 
we quote the langnage of his report, " to fire with canister in the 
direction of the infantry, and the right- half battery to fire with 
shells towards the battery on the right flank. This was imme- 
diately done, causing the infantry to fall back a second time from 
their position. I then ordered the left-half battery to direct its fire 
also against the battery on our right, which had our exact range 
and was throwing shells and shrapnel among my men and the 
infantry in our rear, killing two of my horses, and wounding and 
killing many of the infantry. I continued firing until we had 
expended all the ammunition contained in the limber-chests of the 
pieces, whereupon I was relieved by another battery. I used, 
during the action, two hundred and eighty shells, two hundred 
shrapnels, and fifteen canisters. The officers and men behaved 
extremely well.'' 2 

During the night of the 18th, the battery was again ordered to 
the front, where it remained until Lee had withdrawn, when it 
joined in the pursuit. Subsequently it went into camp at Bakers* 
ville, where it was considerably strengthened, Company K, of the 
First Regiment Volunteers, also from Hoboken, being transferred 



2 In a private note, Captain Hexamer says : 

"When we returned from the front near the church, where we silenced two rebel 
batteries, the First Division of the Sixth Corps, which vras laying on the ground behind 
us, rose and gave us three cheers. During the battle I had only eighty men present 
for service, and was obliged to change the cannoneers with the drivers to keep the 
battery going. While we were on the center with General Hancock, we had to call 
for infantry to help us serve the guns. W r e fired near one hundred rounds with each 
gun from three o'clock, v. m., to six o'clock, p. m/' 



686 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



to the battery, and the men in hospital returning to duty, giving 
it the full number of effective men. After some weeks, moving 
with the Sixth Corps to Warrenton, and thence to the vicinity of 
White Oak Church, the battery went into camp until the 11th of 
December, when it advanced with the infantry to the Eappahan- 
nock, crossing on the following day with General Brooks, of the 
First Division of the Sixth Corps. The rebel batteries on the 
heights in rear of Fredericksburg opening on the position held by 
Hexamer, he vigorously replied, firing until nightfall. During the 
three following days, he remained in the same position, doing 
effective service, finally withdrawing on the 15th, with the rest of 
the army. 3 



The following letter from Reverend Norman W. Camp, (Chaplain of the Fourth Regi- 
ment, New Jersey Volunteers,) to Captain Hexamer, is of interest in connection -with 
the account of this battle : 

"Whilst I was on duty at a field hospital near the battle-field of Antietam, Mary- 
land, I was asked one day by a wounded rebel officer (a Captain,) who was in the hos- 
pital, to find and bring you to see him. I thought the request rather a singular one, 
so I pressed him to tell me why he was so anxious to see you. His reply was in sub- 
stance as follows : 

" ' I want to see the Captain of a battery, which we fear more than any other battery 
in your army. His battery did us more damage than any two batteries you had in the 
recent battle (Antietam). I cannot help having great respect for such a powerful bat- 
tery, and as I am here wounded and probably shall die, it would afford me great satis- 
faction to see its Captain. We fear Captain Hexamer' s Battery just about as we fear 
your General Kearney in the infantry.' 

" In order to satisfy such a curiosity, and which I thought to be a very reasonable 
one, I tried to find you but could not, and at the end ot the week he was paroled and 
sent to the hospital at Frederick City. This officer said he was from North Carolina, 
and had charge of the battery which opened on us one very dark and stormy night at 
Harrison's Landing in July last. 

"I mentioned this request of the rebel officer to see you, in presence of Major- 
General Franklin, General Slocum and General Newton, in General Franklin's tent. 
They were all very much interested in my narration of this circumstance, and all 
concurred in saying that you were a gallant and brave officer and that your battery 
did more effective service in the battle at Antietam than any other on the field." 

3 The following is the official report : 

" Camp White Oak Church, December 26, 1862. 

" Sir : I herewith submit to you the following report, concerning the part taken by 
my battery in the action near Fredericksburg, December 12th-loth. 

"The battery crossed the Rappahannock on the lower bridge in real 4 of General 
Brook's Division, (First Division Sixth Corps) on the 12th of December, and advanced 
in the field below Fredericksburg, with the infantry of the said division to the road 
leading from Fredericksburg in a southeasterly direction. The battery rested near 
said road, during the time our infantry advanced through the ' deep run' towards the 
hills held by the enemy, until the batteries posted on said hill opened on the infantry 
and on us, at which time we received the order to commence firing. We fired until 



BATTERY A — (FIRST ARTILLERY). 



687 



The battery was now unemployed until the 12th of January, 
1863, when it participated in the " Mud Campaign." In this 
movement, Hexamer's was the only battery which came punctually 
into position at the front. It was also the only battery which 
effected a return to camp without the aid of infantry, all the 
others finding it necessary to call in assistance to move the heavy 
pieces over the miserable roads. The promptness and efficiency 
exhibited by the battery in this movement elicited the warmest 
praise from General Brooks and others. 

The battery now remained at White Oak Church in winter 
quarters until the 28th of April, when, Hooker initiating the 
Chancellorsville campaign, it moved to the Eappahannock and 
went into position to cover Franklin's crossing. Engaged in this 
duty until May 2d, it crossed the river and took position with a 
view of engaging the rebej batteries on Marye's Heights. On the 
morning of the 3d, the engagement opened with great vigor, the 
artillery on both sides displaying tremendous activity. About 
noon, the enemy having been driven from the Heights, Battery A 
advanced through Fredericksburg, and over the Heights, some 
three miles in the direction of Chancellorsville. Here, in the 
vicinity of Salem Church, where the First Jersey Brigade had 
encountered the enemy in force, the battery at once took position, 
and becoming engaged, fought until nightfall with its accustomed 



the batteries opposite us ceased firing, with good effect on the rebel batteries. On the 
13th, we were ordered to the same place we held on the 12th, with the instructions to 
fire on the enemy's batteries on the hill in front of us as soon as said batteries should 
open their fire, which took place at about twelve o'clock. We answered the fire of 
three or four batteries on the hill until they discontinued their fire. 

" We remained in the same position on the 14th and 15th, and fired from time to 
time. 

" On the 15th, we opened on a working party of the enemy, which was throwing up 
earthworks in front of us. In the night of the 15th, we were ordered to recross the 
Rappahannock and to go in position on the hill north of the river. 

" On the 16th we fired from this position on a large mass of infantry of the enemy, 
which we could observe marching on the south side of the Rappahannock. The dis. 
tance of the enemy's batteries in front of my battery on the field south of the Rappa- 
hannock, on which we fired on the 12-15th, was from two thousand seven hundred to 
three thousand two hundred yards. 

" Most respectfully, 

"William Hexamer, 
" Captain Commanding Battery A, First New Jersey Artillery." 



688 



NEW" JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



gallantry and efficiency. On the following day, being posted on 
the left of the turnpike, Hexamer was again actively engaged, 
falling back, however, at night to Banks' Ford, where it covered 
the crossing of our troops who, despairing of victory, were quitting 
the bloody field where they had so bravely but so vainly fought. 
At midnight, the battery also crossed, and after remaining three 
days near the river, proceeded to its old camp — having in the 
several engagements fired about twelve hundred rounds. 

On the 12th of May, the battery was transferred from the Sixth 
Corps to the Artillery Eeserve, remaining in camp until the 5th of 
June, when it moved to a new position near the Eappahannock, 
whence, however, it soon after marched to Fairfax Court House, 
where it remained until the army commenced its movement into 
Pennsylvania in pursuit of Lee. Eeaching Edward's Ferry, on 
the Potomac, on the 24th (after a march of thirty-two miles on 
that day), the battery assisted in covering the crossing of our 
troops, when, on the 27th, it marched to Frederick, Maryland, and 
thence with the army to Gettysburg, where it arrived on the 
morning of July 2d, going into position on the turnpike, but not 
becoming engaged, although exposed to the shells of the enemy. 
On the 3d, changing position to the left center of the line of battle, 
upon which Lee was concentrating all his artillery, the battery 
opened and maintained a heavy fire, fighting until evening. The 
contest on this part of the line was of the most desperate character, 
the enemy advancing to the very mouths of our guns, and strug- 
gling with the most stubborn intrepidity to gain possession of the 
elevation occupied by our troops. At one time during the engage- 
ment, the rebels, pressing impetuously forward, were within ten 
yards of Hexamer's pieces, but not a man flinched for a moment. 
Indeed, never before had these sturdy German artillerists exhibited 
a grander courage, or a sublimer indifference to danger, than on 
this occasion, when menaced, apparently, with utter destruction. 
So terrible was the rebel fire that one of their shots killed two 
men and wounded seven others serving one of Hexamer's pieces. 

Upon the retreat of Lee, Battery A joined in the pursuit, and 
crossing the Potomac at Harper's Ferry, marched to Warrenton, 



BATTERY A — (FIRST ARTILLERY). 689 

proceeding thence to Culpepper, where it encamped until October 
11th. It then participated in the various movements of the army, 
finally encamping on November 8th, near the Eappahannock. 
Subsequently it participated in the Mine Run demonstration, 
returning to camp at Brandy Station, where it remained during 
the winter, receiving before the spring campaign some eighty 
recruits. 

On the 4th of May, 1864, General Grant having matured his 
plans for an advance against the enemy, Battery A marched to 
Chancellorsville, moving on the following morning to the right of 
that point, passing Robertson's Tavern. Thence it was moved on 
the 7th to Pine Grove Church, where it remained, in reserve, until 
the 10th, when it marched to Tabernacle Church, and thence to 
Fredericksburg, returning to the Sixth Corps. On the 18th, it 
again advanced, and on the 19th reached the river Po, where it 
participated in a heavy fight. In the advance from this point, the 
battery covered the rear of the Sixth Corps — passing the North 
Anna on the 24th, the Pamunkey on the 28th, and reaching Cold 
Harbor shortly after noon on June 1st. Here it was at once sent 
into position, taking part in the bloody engagement of that day — 
firing in all five hundred and ten rounds. In the evening it 
advance! some two hundred yards, and early on the following 
morning renewed its firing, keeping it up, though greatly annoyed 
by sharpshooters, for several hours. About noon, the rebels 
making an attack, the battery suffered the loss of Lieutenant 
Jaeckele wounded, Quartermaster-Sergeant Hagelber and another 
sergeant killed — several horses being also killed. Towards eve- 
ning, being ordered to report to the Eighteenth Army Corps, 
Hexamer withdrew his command, but on the following day was 
again engaged with that corps — the fighting being of the heaviest 
description. In this engagement, a division under General Brooks 
being driven out of the woods temporarily occupied by them, the 
rebels sharply followed, opening fire with canister. Hexamer was 
ordered to check the enemy's batteries, and did so, although 
exposed to a canister fire at a distance of only two hundred yards. 
During this day's fighting, five hundred and seventy-seven rounds 
87 



690 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



were fired. Captain Hexamer had one of his shoulder-straps shot 
away, but escaped actual injury. During the evening, the camp 
of the battery was under the fire of the enemy, several horses 
being killed and two men wounded. On the 4th, the battery again 
moved to the front, being posted behind earthworks under the fire 
of the rebel sharpshooters, but was not again actively engaged 
until the night of the 5th, when the position being attacked, fire 
was opened and continued at intervals until the evening of the 
9th, when the command retired to camp. Here it remained until 
the 12th, when, after a brief engagement, it marched with the 
army to the James Kiver, crossing on the morning of the 15th, 
and reaching the front of Petersburg on the night of the 16th. 
On the 19th, going into position at a peculiarly exposed point, 
with rebel batteries on the right, left and front, and rebel sharp- 
shooters only one hundred yards distant, it became hotly engaged, 
three men being wounded and four horses killed. In this position 
the battery remained, firing from time to time, until the night of 
the 21st, when it marched to the left of Petersburg and went into 
camp. During the following week, though several times sent into 
position, the command was not called into action. On the 30th, 
it marched to Beam's Station, returning two days after and going 
into camp. Here it remained until July 9th, when it proceeded to 
City Point, remaining until the 26th. Upon returning to Peters- 
burg, Captain Hexamer was placed in command of the Sixth 
Corps Artillery Brigade — Lieutenant A. Parsons taking charge of 
Battery A. This, on the 31st, was ordered to return to Trenton 
for muster out, its term of service having expired. Lieutenant 
Parsons, however, remained with a portion of the men, and during 
the winter the battery was again filled up, but was not afterwards 
actively engaged. Upon the termination of hostilities it returned 
to the State and was finally dissolved ; but the record of its gallant 
services still remains, and while valor and constancy in duty are 
appreciated and esteemed, will deservedly be held in honor among 
men. Composed largely of adopted citizens — of Germans in 
whose breasts the love of Liberty amounted to a passion — it 
fought from first to last with a heroism, a loftiness of purpose, and 



BATTERY A — (FIRST ARTILLERY). 



691 



a spirit of noble consecration wliich none, among all the volunteer 
organizations of the war, ever surpassed ; and its survivors, in 
whatever spheres of action thej may now be employed, may well 
wear their scars with pride, and rejoice in the memories of their 
service as in hid treasure. 

The following is the register of the commissioned officers actually 
in service of Battery A : 

Captain— William Hexamer, mustered in August 12, 1361; mustered out August 
12, 1864. 

First Lieutenants — John Pingerlin, mustered in August 12, 1861; resigned No- 
vember 30, 1861. Christian Woerner, mustered in August 12, 1861 ; resigned Octo- 
ber 8, 1862. John I. Hoff, mustered in August 12, 1861 ; resigned November, 1862. 
George W. B. Wright, mustered in August 1, 1862; resigned March 28, 1863. Augus- 
tin Parsons, mustered in July 11, 1862 ; took the command August 12, 1861. William 
Yeagle, mustered in April 21, 1863. 

Second Lieutenants— Herrman Lentz, mustered in August 12, 1861; resigned Septem- 
ber 1, 1S61. Adolph Palois, mustered in' May 15, 1862 ; resigned July 13, 1862. Wil- 
liam Hausemann, mustered in 1862; resigned July 30, 1862. Philip Phildius, mus- 
stered in 1863; resigned November 12, 1S63. Samuel P. Wheeler, mustered in June 
23, 1863 ; mustered out August 12, 1864. William 0. Bonin, mustered in December 
15, 1S63; mustered out with the battery, 1865. 



OHAPTEE XXXYI. 



BATTERY B— (Second Artillery.) 

Batteey B, Second New Jersey Artillery, was organized in 
August, 1861, by Captain John E. Beam, and was composed prin- 
cipally of members of Company F, First (three months) Regiment, 
who had just been discharged. The company was mustered into 
the United States service September 3d, at Trenton, but owing to 
the want of quartermaster's stores, did not leave for Washington 
until the latter part of the month. Soon after reaching the capital, 
it received its guns and horses, and was ordered to report to Gen- 
eral Heintzelman, commanding the Third Corps, when it went into 
camp on the Mount Yernon road, two miles south of Alexandria, 
and prepared for winter quarters. The winter was spent in drill 
and preparations for the spring campaign, the monotony being occa- 
sionally broken by a reconnoissance in the direction of the enemy, 
then lying about Manassas. 

In March, 1862, the battery embarked for Fortress Monroe, 
arriving on the 24th and moving with the army to Yorktown. 
Here it had its first opportunity to test its guns, being twice 
engaged, but without other casualties than the loss of three horses. 
The enemy evacuating Yorktown, the battery moved forward to 
Williamsburg, where it was again engaged. In the continued 
movement up the Peninsula, the battery suffered greatly, with the 
rest of the army, in the low grounds of the Chickahomhry, one- 
third of the men being at one time in hospital. In the battle of 
Seven Pines, the battery did splendid service, and at Peach Orchard, 
where the left of the command was under Lieutenant A. J. Clark, 
it received special mention in orders for its gallantry, being directed 
to inscribe "Peach Orchard" upon its colors. In this engagement, 
several charges of the enemy were bloodily repulsed, and the men 



BATTERY B — (SECOND ARTILLERY). 



693 



displayed throughout the most obstinate intrepidity. While in 
front of Kichmond, the battery performed almost constant picket 
duty. During the retreat, it was engaged at Malvern Hill, suffer- 
ing the loss of Captain Beam killed and two men wounded. Cap- 
tain Beam was a brave and efficient officer, and his loss was sin- 
cerely mourned by the command. While at Harrison's Landing, 
the battery suffered the loss of many of its best men. from scurvy 
and camp disease, and all were rejoiced when the army was ordered 
to Washington. The vessel on which the battery was embarked 
getting aground in the Potomac, it did not reach Alexandria in 
time to move up to the assistance of General Pope, then righting 
desperately with Lee's veterans, nor, being left in the defences of 
Washington, did it take part in the battle of Antietam. This, 
however, was the only battle of the Third Corps in which it did 
not participate. 

While at Harrison's Landing, Lieutenant A. J. Clark succeeded 
to the command of the battery, and under his vigorous direction, 
it was speedily brought to as high a state of efficiency as before the 
Peninsula campaign, being now rated among the very best batte- 
ries in the service. The Fall of 1862 was spent in marching and 
reconnoissances without any decided results until December, when 
the command was again brought into action at Fredericksburg. 
During the winter it was employed in marching, participating in 
several cavalry reconnoisances, which tested the endurance of the 
men, if they did not result in any marked gains to the cause. In 
May, 1863, when Hooker moved against the enemy, the battery 
was desperately engaged at Chancellorsville — Captain Clark here 
commanding the First Division Artillery. Perhaps the command 
never fought more magificently than on this occasion. At one 
period in the engagement, the enemy advancing in heavy column, 
succeeded in seizing all the caissons, the forge and battery wagon, 
but the men stood bravely to their work and repulsed the assail- 
ants, though not without loss. When the Eleventh Corps broke, 
and the enemy pressed forward exultantly into the breach, Battery 
B, with two others — one being Bramhall's, composed of Jerseymen 
— held the column in check, pouring canister right into their faces 



694 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



at short range, and piling the dead in heaps. The Battery lost four 
men killed, five wounded, and two taken prisoners. One of its 
caissons was blown up, and one captured, while thirteen horses 
were killed. It again received special mention for its efficiency, 
and its celebrity throughout the army was from this day perma- 
nently established. 

Being again repaired and recruited, the battery marched with the 
army into Pennsylvania, doing picket duty at night at the various 
gaps in the Blue Bidge on the left of the line of march, and moving 
rapidly, in order to keep up with the main column 3 in the daytime. 
This severe duty told heavily on the men and the condition of the 
horses, but the command pushed steadily forward, reaching Gettys- 
burg late on. the night of July 1st, and taking position on the left 
of our line. At ten o'clock on the following morning it was 
thrown forward with the First Brigade, Second Division, Third 
Corps, to feel the enemy, and for some six hours vigorously shelled 
bodies of the enemy forming on our front and left. At four o'clock, 
p. m., the rebels, annoyed by the fire, opened four full batteries on 
the Jersey men, at the same time advancing a large force of infantry. 
The reserve artillery, however, promptly moved to the assistance 
of Battery B, and the action became general, the cannonade of the 
enemy being for a time of the most fearful character, one hundred 
and sixty guns pouring their storm of missiles over and around our 
position. At six o'clock, p. m., the enemy advanced in columns of 
Division, forty thousand strong, meaning to crush and sweep away 
the Third Corps, then only nine thousand strong. Their ranks 
swept by canister, they still firmly advanced, fighting desperately 
and bravely, at last compelling the corps to give way and retire, 
the center withdrawing nearly a mile. Battery B, in withdrawing, 
left several of its caissons, being unable, before the headlong 
advance of the rebels, to draw them off, but none of its guns were 
lost, being thus more fortunate than the batteries on its left, which 
lost everything, all their horses being killed. The entire loss of 
the command was five killed and twenty-two wounded, forty-seven 
of its horses being also killed. During the day it fired in all one 
thousand three hundred and twenty rounds of ammunition, and so 



BATTERY B — (SECOND ARTILLERY). 



695 



rapid was the firing that the iron vent-plugs of the guns (ten- 
pounder Parrott's) were burnt out. During this engagement, Cap- 
tain Clark commanded the Corps Artillery, after the wounding of 
the officer in command (Captain Eandolph) at the commencement 
of the action, a position which he retained until the latter had re- 
covered. The enemy being subsequently forced back to his old 
lines, the battery recovered its caissons, and the disabled guns dur- 
ing the night being exchanged for others, and supplies of ammuni- 
tion obtained, at ten o'clock on the morning of the 3d, Lieutenant 
Tuers reported the battery again ready for duty. No further loss, 
however, was sustained in this day's fight, and the enemy having 
withdrawn, the command was ordered to Crampton's Pass, by way 
of Fredericktown, where it remained until Lee had re-crossed the 
Potomac, when it joined the army in the return march to the Eap- 
pahannock. In December, it accompanied the army to Mine Run, 
having participated in three skirmishes, at Auburn, Kelley's Ford 
and Thoroughfare Mountain. 

In the latter part of the winter of 1863-4, the Third Corps was 
broken up, and as one division united with the Second Corps. In 
the last grand campaign against Eichmond, commenced in May 
1864, Battery B was engaged in the battles around Spottsylvania, 
with the troops of the Second Corps, and at North Anna, Tolo- 
potomy, and Cold Harbor, at the latter place being under fire for 
ten days. The losses in these several engagements were nine men 
in killed, wounded and prisoners. From Cold Harbor, the battery 
marched by way of Charles City Court House to Jones' Landing, 
on the James Eiver, being with the rear guard nearly all the way 
to that river. From the James, it marched with the leading 
division to Petersburg, arriving there on the morning of the 16th 
of June, and being the first battery of the Army of the Potomac 
to take position. Here the command was engaged on the 16th, 
17th and 18th, marching four days later to the left of the line, and 
on the 23d, being sharply engaged at Jerusalem plank road, with 
the loss of one man killed (Corporal Nash) and two wounded — 
several horses being also killed. At Deep Bottom and Eeam's 
Station, subsequently, it again showed its excellent fighting quali^ 



696 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



ties — Captain Clark at both places commanding the Corps Artil- 
lery. At Sutherland's Station, it was the only battery mentioned 
for gallantry and efficiency in the report of General Humphreys, 
the corps commander. 

In all the closing actions of the war, in which Battery B partici- 
pated, it displayed the same conspicuous courage which secured it 
recognition in earlier engagements. Always vigilant, steady, brave, 
it won on every field fresh honors for our ISTew Jersey troops, and, 
when at length the last gun had been fired, turned its face homeward, 
sure of a proud and hearty welcome from the State and people it 
had so nobly represented. Captain Clark, subsequent to his return, 
was given a highly honorable and responsible position under the 
municipal administration of Newark, for which his military experi- 
ence had peculiarly qualified him. 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 



BATTERY C— (Third Artillery). 

Battery C, Third New Jersey Artillery, was mustered into 
service on the 11th of September, 1863, with Christian Woerner 
as Captain, John I. Bargfield as First Lieutenant, and Peter 
Ludwig as Second Lieutenant. Captain W oerner had served witli 
marked gallantry and efficiency in connection with Hexamer's 
Battery, and was eminently qualified for the responsibilities of 
command. Proceeding to Washington, the battery went into camp, 
where it remained until May 11, 1864, when it was transferred by 
steam transports to Belle Plain Landing, where it arrived on the 
12th. At this time, Grant was still fighting Lee's army in the 
Wilderness, and large numbers of prisoners were being daily sent 
to the rear. On the 13th, seven thousand five hundred rebels, 
mostly captured in Hancock's brilliant charge at Spottsylvania the 
day previous, reached the Landing, and no provision having been 
made for their transportation to Washington, were placed under 
guard of Abercrombie's Provisional Brigade, to which the Third 
Battery was attached. In this important service, the men of 
the battery proved themselves at once vigilant and efficient — being 
well supported by the Forty-sixth New York and two Pennsyl- 
vania regiments of infantry. On the 24th of May, the brigade 
was ordered to Port Eoyal, and thence to White House Landing, 
on the York river, where it arrived June 4th. About this time 
the army moved up to invest Petersburg, having White House as 
its depot of supplies. It was therefore of the highest importance 
that the place should be held, but the force left in occupation was 
singularly insignificant, consisting of some four hundred infantr}^, 
a few invalids and dismounted cavalry, and Woerner's Battery. 
The enemy, appreciating the value of the post, and covetous per- 
88 



698 



NEW JEESEY AND THE KEBELLIOK 



haps of its ample supplies, determined to capture it if possible, and 
accordingly on the 20th of June impelled a large force of infantry 
and cavalry against it, the whole under command of Generals 
Fitz-Hugh Lee and Pemberton. In the assault, the enemy's 
cavalry appeared in advance, shortly after six o'clock in the 
morning, but Captain Woerner, who had been ordered to hold his 
position at all hazards, proved fully equal to the emergency. 
Opening promptly with solid shot, he soon checked the advancing 
cavalrj^, who, finding their welcome much warmer than they had 
anticipated, after receiving four or five shots, withdrew in con- 
fusion. The assault, however, was not abandoned. Two hours 
later, the enemy, having gained a better knowledge of the ground, 
posted a battery on the left of our position, and opened a vigorous 
fire on Woerner's command. At the same time, under protection 
of the rebel cavalry, another battery was placed in position in 
front, and joined in the assault. Woerner's position, thus vehe- 
mently assailed, was one of extreme danger, the shell and solid 
shot of the assailants falling thickly among his men, but there was 
no sign of faltering or fear. His guns, served accurately and 
rapidly, replied defiantly to the rebel challenge, and the gunboats 
lying in the river presently joining in the action, the enemy was 
again speedily repulsed. Just before the rebel fire was silenced, 
one of Woerner's shots — about the last fired — exploded one of the 
enemy's limbers, shattering it into splinters, and killing thirty-four 
men, some of whom were so mutilated that their clothing, when 
found on the following day, was torn in shreds. The repulse was 
complete, and that the position was securely held was mainly due 
to the obstinate courage of Woerner and his men. The battery 
had two horses killed, but suffered no other casualties. 

On the night of the 20th, General Sheridan reached White 
House with a large cavalry force, whereupon the Third Battery 
was ordered to march with his command to Charles City Court 
House, where a severe engagement was had with the rebels, Sheri- 
dan losing one battery and several hundred men. Woerner being 
stationed in the center of the line, was not in the action, though 
prepared to open fire at any moment. On the night following the 



BATTERY C — (THIRD ARTILLERY;. 



699 



engagement, the battery was ordered into position in front of 
Sheridan's headquarters, where it remained until the march was 
resumed. On the 24th the column reached White Oak Landing, 
where it crossed the James to Windmill Point, and was ordered to 
join the Second Corps — the battery on the 29th reporting to the 
Corps Chief of Artillery. A month later, on the 27th of July, 
the Third Battery proceeded with two divisions of the Second 
Corps to Deep Bottom, where it participated in an assault upon the 
enemy. Captain Woerner, reporting to General Mott, was at first 
posted on the right of a wood occupied by our infantry, but sub- 
sequently, the enem}^ having got two batteries in position, he 
moved forward his battery some four hundred yards, and opening 
fire, quickly silenced all the hostile guns, which, the infantry now 
advancing, were captured. This exploit of the battery elicited 
warm commendations, and was fortunately accomplished without 
any loss whatever. Returning to Petersburg, the command 
remained encamped for some days in the breastworks on the left, 
being subsequently moved to and fro, occupying various positions, 
until the 23d of August, when it participated in the expedition to 
Ream's Station, and two days later was vigorously engaged. On 
the morning of that day, the battery was in position in the breast- 
works near the Station, on the right wing of our position, having 
on its right McKnight's Twelfth New York Battery — where it 
remained until three o'clock in the afternoon. At that hour, says 
Captain Woerner, in his report, ' ; I was ordered to move the bat- 
tery through a little grove to an open field of some twenty acres, 
on our center. Here the first section, under command of First 
Lieutenant Bargfield, was brought in position in front of the woods, 
and towards the left. The second section was brought in position 
in the center of the open field towards the left from where the 
enemy was expected to appear. At about four o'clock, p. m., a 
rebel battery opened a heavy concentrated fire on the second sec- 
tion of my battery, in position in the field, which I returned, 
silencing some of their pieces. The rebel infantry attacking and 
approaching veiy near to our position, I changed it about one hun- 
dred yards to the rear, and fired with canister against them. When 



700 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



near dark, I changed my position again to the front of the woods, 
where I kept up firing until night, when the troops were with- 
drawn, it being impossible to hold the place during the night. 
During the engagement, I fired forty-eight shell, one hundred and 
eighty-four spherical case, one hundred and sixteen solid shot, 
seventy-four canister, making a total of four hundred and twenty- 
two rounds, of which three hundred and eighteen rounds were of 
my own ammunition, and the rest from ammunition abandoned by 
some other battery. I had four men killed, left on the field, seven 
men wounded, five horses killed and six wounded. I also lost a 
caisson body, which it was impossible to bring off the field. When 
returning from the battle-field, I was informed that some of the 
pieces and caissons abandoned by the batteries might be saved, 
when, at a favorable place, I brought my battery to a halt, returned 
with my horses and brought off in safety several pieces and caissons 
of the Twelfth New York Battery." 

This report of Captain Woerner, characteristically brief and 
modest, scarcely portrays with the emphasis and clearness it 
deserves, the magnificent action of his whole command during this 
severe engagement. Cotemporaneous accounts 1 all concurred in 



1 A correspondent of the Philadelphia Enquirer, said of the "battery and its action : 
"This battery was organized by Captain C. Woerner, at Hoboken, New Jersey, in 
August, 1863. The Captain was previously Lieutenant of the First New Jersey Artil- 
lery, with which rank he served through the Peninsula campaign, and showed him- 
self a brave and competent officer. In the engagement at Ream's Station the Third 
New Jersey Battery was posted to the right of the Third Division, but subsequently 
occupied a position on the left. In the general assault at half-past four oclock, p. m., 
the line was pressed back and the Union batteries captured and turned on the Third 
New Jersey Battery. At this critical moment Captain Woerner' s command displayed 
conspicuous bravery. The men stood to their guns resolutely. They received shell 
and shot from the right, left and centre, but remained firm, and only fell back at the 
command of a staff-officer, who complimented the men on the spot for their gallantry. 
All the pieces were brought off in good order, and also the pieces of the Twelfth New 
York Battery. The boys are anxious for another trial of skill and courage with the 
rebels. 

"The number of casualties was small considering the battery's exposed position. 
Killed— Mahon, Young, Falk and Dike. Wounded— Kies, Thomas, Fry, Relarius, 
Sergeant Koer and W. Shulz, of Nazareth, New Jersey." 

A correspondent of the New York Herald, said : 

" Woerner's Third New Jersey Battery occupied several positions about the center 
of the circle, and fired in different directions, wherever the enemy appeared. All the 
officers and men are Germans. Lieutenants Bargfeld and Trebel were in charge of the 
sections. This battery lost five men killed and seven men wounded. Hancock said, 



BATTERY C — (THIRD ARTILLERY). 



701 



ascribing the very highest credit to the battery, and the government 
promptly recognized the efficiency of the commandant by making 
him Major by brevet for "'gallant and distinguished services" on 
this occasion. 

Returning to the Artillery Brigade before Petersburg, the battery 
remained in position, before Fort Hell and elsewhere, until the 1st 
of October, when it was posted in front of Battery Number Sixteen. 
Two weeks later it was placed in Fort Alexander Hays, and dur- 
ing the remainder of the fall and winter was stationed as follows : 
From November 1st to November 22d, in Fort Alexander Hays ; 
from the 23d of November to the end of January, 1865. in Fort 
Haskell ; during February and March, two guns in Fort Sedgwick 
and four in Fort Haskell. Daring this time the battery was fre- 
quently engaged, but never seriously. On the 25th of March, 
however, it was again called to exhibit its high soldierly efficiency. 
At that time the situation of the enemy was every day growing 
more critical, and it had become necessary that he should, if possi- 
ble, shake off the tightening grasp of our army upon his position.' 
Accordingly, selecting a point of attack on the extreme right of 
our lines on the south side of the Appomattox, where the slope of 
the ground afforded excellent facilities for rapidly intrenching in 
case of success. General Lee quietly concentrated his best troops 
and a large number of guns in proportion, for an assault, meaning, 
if he could, to obtain command of the line of our military railroad, 
and possibly render our whole position untenable, at the same time 
releasing Petersburg from our clutch and Eichmond from its pre- 
carious situation. Early on the morning of the 25th, having 
massed a heavy force on that part of our front commencing at the 
south bank of the Appomattox, and extending about one mile 
south, the enemy suddenly advanced, and capturing a part of our 
picket line, at once charged with two brigades upon our main line, 



' tliat battery fought splendidly ; it fired every way/ Captain A. J. Clark, acting com- 
mandant of artillery in the absence of Major Hazzard, was slightly wounded in the 
face. Thus the artillery performed important service in the battle yesterday, and con- 
tributed much to cover the ground in front of our works with the masses of killed 
and wounded which the enemy left upon the field." 



* 



702 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



The attack was so skilfully planned and promptly executed, that 
before our troops could be got ready, the assailants were within our 
works, compelling ns to abandon Fort Steadman with scarcely an 
effort at resistance. Once in the fort, the rebels seized upon the 
guns and turned them upon our men. Batteries Ten and Eleven, 
two small redoubts close to Fort Steadman, on either side, had to 
be abandoned as soon as the fort was taken, as had also the lines of 
works connecting them. Our men were hardly out of these posi- 
tions when the rebel gunners took possession and opened fire upon 
the retiring lines. They next made a dash at Fort Haskell, a large 
work further to the left, but here they met a welcome other than 
they expected. Major Woerner was in command of the garrison 
in this work, and through his vigilance, the intruders were 
promptly brought to a dubious pause. The One Hundredth 
New York, which was in the fort with the Third Jersey Artillery, 
instantly mounted the parapets and poured upon the shrinking 
column a murderous shower of bullets, compelling it to immedi- 
ately retire towards Fort Steadman. On perceiving this repulse, 
the rebel gunners in the latter fort turned three guns upon Fort 
Haskell, and for half an hour poured shot and shell into it as rapidly 
as the pieces could be worked. The gallant Woerner was not to 
be outdone in compliments of this character, but replied with 
equal rapidity and remarkable accuracy, and the garrison nobly 
kept the rebel assaulting column at bay with their volleys of mus- 
ketry, aided occasionally by a discharge of canister into the ene 
my 's midst. Meanwhile another rebel column had filed through 
the breach at Fort Steadman, and, turning to the right, was moving 
towards the Friend House, General Wilcox's headquarters. Still 
another formed into line of battle, and were driving our skirmish- 
ers slowly back immediately to the rear of the place of entrance. 
Presently, however, the Eleventh Massachusetts Battery, and 
Companies C and I, of the Fifth United States Artillery, suc- 
ceeded in getting their guns ready, and opened upon the jubilant 
enemy, who was apparently having everything his own way, except 
the seizure of Fort Haskell. The interruption occasioned by this 
increased cannonading to the onward movements of the rebels, 



BATTERY C — (THIRD ARTILLERY). 



703 



fortunately allowed our skirmishers a breathing spell, while also 
enabling the troops who had been driven from their tents to form 
and assist them, but our position was still far from secure. 
Soon, however, a fresh Division was advanced against the foe, and 
after a desperate contest, in which all the batteries within reach 
participated, the enemy began to waver, then to break, and finally 
sought shelter in Fort Steadman and the two redoubts on its flank, 
whence, however, he was speedily driven with immense loss, the 
men being followed with a pitiless fire until they gained the shelter 
of their own embankments. Our victory was complete, the enemy 
losing some two thousand and three hundred in prisoners, over 
four hundred of whom were wounded ; and to no command was 
the success more largely due than to the Third Battery. Its casual- 
ties amounted to one man killed, and two commissioned officers and 
five men wounded. 

On the 29th of March the rebels again assailed Forts Steadman 
and Haskell, but the battery sustained no casualties, though actively 
engaged. During the final struggle, from the 1st to the 4th of 
April, it was stationed in Fort Haskell, moving on the 5th into 
Petersburg, and thence moving with the army in pursuit of the 
foe, reaching Ford's Station on the 7th, where it remained until 
the 14th. Then proceeding to Wilson's Station, it remained until 
the 20th, when it commenced the return march, on the 22d reach- 
ing City Point, whence it departed on the 30th for Washington. 
The battery was mustered out June 19, 1865. During its term of 
service, Major Woerner was frequently complimented by his supe- 
riors and the State authorities upon the efficiency of his command, 
and its distinguished services on critical fields fully justified the 
high eulogiums bestowed upon it. 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 



BATTERY D— ( Fourth Artillery). 

This battery, which achieved a high reputation by its distin- 
guished services, was recruited principally in Essex, Mercer and 
Monmouth Counties. The first detachment of recruits went into 
quarters at Camp Perrine, at Trenton, under charge of Sergeant 
John Otto, about the middle of August, 1863 — just after the terri- 
ble battle of Gettysburg, when the whole country, awakened to a 
fresh appreciation of the necessity of energetic action, was address- 
ing itself with enthusiasm to the work of supplying three hundred 
thousand additional volunteers, as called for by the President. The 
quota of Xew Jerse}' under this call included three batteries of 
light artillery, in addition to two previously furnished by the State. 
This branch of the service having always been the favorite with 
recruits and veterans alike, little difficulty was experienced in filling 
the ranks of the artillery, notwithstanding several regiments of 
infantry and one of cavalry were at the same time in process of 
formation. 1 



1 The following were the officers of Battery D, from the muster in to the muster out 
of the organization : 

Captain, George T. Woodbury, of Newark. Served as Second Lieutenant in the First 
Regiment New J ersey Militia, during the first three months' campaign. Commissioned 
Second Lieutenant of Beam's Battery (B), September 3, 1861; after Captain Beam was 
killed at Malvern Hill, was promoted (in August, 1862) to First Lieutenant. In August 
1863, he was commissioned Captain of Battery D, which position he held until he was 
injured by a fall from his horse at Bermuda Hundred, Virginia, which, together with 
the debilitating effect of the climate, rendered it necessary for him to resign his com- 
mission, in August, 1864.' He was soon after appointed Inspector in the United States 
Ordnance Department, and stationed at Springfield, Massachusetts. In this capacity 
he served until the close of the war. 

Captain Charles R. Doane, of Spottswood, New Jersey. Served in the New York 
Marine Artillery, during the first year of the war, as Second Lieutenant, First Lieu- 
tenant and Captain, in North Carolina. Resigned in June, 1863; and accepted the 
commission of First Lieutenant in Battery D, which position he held until the resigna- 



BATTERY D— (FOURTH ARTILLERY). 



705 



Batteries C, D and E went into camp at Camp Perrine, and left 
for Washington, almost simultaneously. Battery D, taking its 
name from its commandant, was at that time more familiarly known 
as "Woodbury's Battery," and subsequently as the " Fourth New 
Jersey Battery," being so reported at the War Department and 



tiou of Captain Woodbury, when he became Captain of the battery. Was mustered 
as such at Chapin's Farm, in front of Richmond, in October, 1864. 

First Lieutenant James B. Morris, of Freehold, New Jersey. Enlisted as a private 
in Beam's Battery (B), September 3, 1861 ; remained with the battery up to the time of 
the seven days' battles in front of Richmond, on the Peninsula, under McClellan ; was 
taken prisoner at Malvern Hills during the battle, and rescued with about two hundred 
others, on the field, by a cavalry charge of a Pennsylvania regiment on the Confederate 
guard. Reached James river, at Harrison's Landing, on the 3d of July, having eaten 
nothing during five days and nights of marching and fighting, except two cakes of 
"hard tack." Was sent north on a hospital boat, very ill, and entirely exhausted. 
Upon his final recovery, was commissioned Second Lieutenant of Battery D. Took 
command of Camp Perrine about 25th of August, 1863, and continued in command 
until relieved by superior officers a few weeks afterward. Commissioned First Lieu- 
tenant in December, 1863, which position he held until the muster out of the battery. 

First Lieutenant Reuben V. King, of Olean, New York. Enlisted as a private in the 
Eighty-fifth New York Yolunteers, afterward received the commissions successively of 
Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Captain and Major, in the same regiment; com-, 
manded the regiment, with the rank of Major, seventeen months. Served through 
McClellan's Peninsula campaign, was wounded at Fair Oaks, and resigned his commis- 
sion of Major, after participating in the battles on the Blackwater river, in Virginia, 
and Kingston and Goldsboro, in North Carolina. Enlisted as a' private in Battery 
D, in September, 1863; was appointed Corporal; afterwards Sergeant, Sergeant-Major 
of the post, Second Lieutenant and First Lieutenant, which rank he held on the mus- 
ter out of the battery. 

Second Lieutenant Thompson B. Pollard, of Newark. Enlisted as a private in 
Beam's Battery (B), September 3, 1861; and was appointed Corporal, which position 
he held until November, 1863, participating in all the campaigns in which the Army of 
the Potomac was engaged during that time, when he was promoted to be Second Lieu- 
tenant of Battery D. Resigned his commission at Washington, in February, 1864. 

Second Lieutenant John H. George, of Newark. Enlisted as a private in Beam's 
Battery (B), September 3, 1S61. Appointed Corporal, January, 1S62. Appointed Ser- 
geant after the Peninsula campaign. Commissioned Second Lieutenant of Battery D, 
December, 1863. Declined further promotion, which was offered him, and resigned 
his commission at Chapin's Farm, in front of Richmond, Yirginia, December, 1S64. 

Second Lieutenant David A. Pollard, of Newark. Enlisted as a private in Battery 
D; appointed Quartermaster's Sergeant, which position he held until January, 1865, 
when he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, and held that rank until the muster 
out of the battery. 

Second Lieutenant Morris C. Cole, of Yicksburg, Mississippi. Served in the New 
York Marine Artillery as private, Corporal and Sergeant ; afterwards appointed Hospi- 
tal Steward and Assistant-Surgeon to the fleet at Newbern, North Carolina. Enlisted 
in Battery D on its organization, as a private ; was appointed First Sergeant, which 
position he held until he received an appointment in the War Department. Commis- 
sioned Second Lieutenant of Battery D, January, 1865. Attached temporarily for 
duty to Battery D, First United States Artillery. Accompanied that battery to Texas, 
and was mustered out of service at New Orleans, Louisiana, in June, 1865. 

89 



706 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



carried on its rolls. Beaching Washington on the 30th of Sep- 
tember, 1863, the battery, after a night's rest proceeded to Camp 
Barry, the artillery camp of instruction, about a mile northeast of 
the Capitol, on the Bladensburg road, where, upon reporting to the 
commandant of the post, quarters were assigned for the officers and 
men. The month of October was occupied in dismounted drills ; a 
battery of six twelve-pounder bronze Napoleon guns, with horses, 
harness and equipments complete, was then issued to the command 
from the Washington Arsenal, and the men entered upon the more 
direct work of preparing for the campaign of the coming summer — 
the entire winter being diligently employed in active drill. At 
one time during the winter, thirty -three batteries were gathered 
at Camp Barry, and the weekly reviews and parades were very 
attractive and interesting. Members of Congress and of the Cabi- 
net were frequently present on these occasions, and expressed their 
satisfaction, not only at the grandeur of the display, but also with 
the perfection to which this most important arm of the service had 
been brought. 2 Indeed, at this time, all the troops around Wash- 
ington had been brought, under the vigorous command of General 
Grant, into an admirable state of discipline, and were prepared as 
they had never been before for service in the field. 

On the 16th of April, orders were issued for three of the batte- 
ries — Fourth New Jersey, Captain Woodbury, Fifth New Jersey, 
Captain Warren, and the Thirty-third New York, Captain Wheeler 
— to hold themselves in readiness to march at an hour's notice. 
Every arrangement was immediately made to comply with the 
order, but it was not until the night of the 22d that positive orders 
were received. On the following morning the battery left camp, 
and with the bugles sounding a farewell march, moved out to the 
work before it. 

Embarking on a waiting steamer, the battery proceeded down 
the Potomac, and on Sunday morning, the 24th, reached Fortress 
Monroe, where directions were received from General Butler to 



2 General Barry, after an inspection of the camp on the 8th of October, said he "had 
not seen a more soldierly or better looking body of men, since the beginning of the 
war, than the Third, Fourth and Fifth New Jersey Batteries. 1 ' 



BATTERY D — (FOURTH ARTILLERY). 



707 



report at Yorktown for orders. During the afternoon, the battery 
was disembarked at Gloucester Point, and went into camp on the 
bluff, that point having been designated as the rendezvous of the 
Tenth Army Corps, to which the Fourth and Fifth Batteries were 
assigned. The greater part of the corps was brought up from the 
vicinity of James and Morris Islands, and ISTewbern, North Caro- 
lina. The Eighteenth Army Corps was in rendezvous on the 
opposite side of the James Kiver. The two corps were destined to 
operate in unison, though this fact was not then generally anticipa- 
ted. On the 3d of May the troops of the Tenth were all embarked 
on transports, and at daybreak on the morning of the 4th, the 
entire fleet was in motion. It was a magnificent sight. The 
weather was clear and fine, the air balmy and full of the pleasant 
odors of spring, and the Roads covered with craft of every 
description — transports loaded down with troops and batteries, 
floating docks, pontoons, gunboats and monitors, all with flags 
flying and bands playing, presented a spectacle which inspired ail 
beholders with animation and pleasure. 

It was generally supposed that, since it would be impossible to 
entirely deceive the enemy, the expedition would, at least after 
passing up the river some fifty miles, encounter opposition ; and as 
the fleet advanced, the interest and speculation of the troops became 
almost painfully intense. About three o'clock in the afternoon, 
Fort Powhatan, or "'Fort Nonsense," as it was called in army 
parlance, was reached, but although an excellent position for a 
stubborn resistance, not a shot was fired. A regiment was quickly 
landed below, and another above the fort, and by a rapid flank 
movement to the rear of the works, three hundred rebels, huddled 
within the fort, were taken prisoners without offering the slightest 
resistance. The gunboats as they advanced, presently commenced 
to shell the woods on either side of the river, in some places set- 
ting the timber on fire and causing serious damage. Soon after 
leaving Fort Powhatan, rebel scouts were discovered, lurking here 
and there among the trees and undergrowth along the banks. A 
few miles further on, Harrison's Landing was reached. Here a post 
was established and a body of troops landed. Five miles further 



708 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



up, City Point was quietly occupied, the National ensign being- 
lifted to the breeze in the place of a rebel flag which the troops, 
upon landing, found defiantly flying. 

City Point is situated on the east bank of the Appomattox 
river, at its junction with the James, and before the war was a vil- 
lage of some pretentions. It was the terminus of a railroad from 
Petersburg, and large amounts of cotton and tobacco had been 
shipped from its wharves. A few regiments only were landed 
here, the main portion of the troops being disembarked at Bermuda 
Hundred, on the west side of the Appomattox, and further up the 
James. The steamer Eagle, which carried the horses and a portion 
of the men of the Fourth Battery, was one of the first to reach the 
temporary dock (which the Ninth New Jersey- Infantry had assis- 
ted to construct), and by five o'clock the battery was disembarked 
— the men of the Fourth being thus the first artillerymen on shore. 

It was expected that an immediate movement would be made 
towards Eichmond, which was only twelve miles distant, and was 
garrisoned by only one thousand reserve militia, as was satisfacto- 
rily ascertained to be the fact. The Ninth New Jersey and several 
other regiments were sent out as skirmishers, and advanced for 
about eight miles without encountering any opposition, the rebels 
being taken completely by surprise. Eecovering, however, from 
their surprise, they forwarded as speedily as possible all the avail- 
able troops in Eichmond and Petersburg, and a severe engagement 
took place along the line of the railroad, many being killed and 
wounded on both sides. During the battle of Drury's Bluff, the 
Fourth New Jersey was in reserve. 

The first action in which the Fourth New Jersey was engaged, 
occurred on the 10th of May. The battery was stationed behind 
temporary breastworks, having occupied that position during the 
whole of the previous night. An order being received from head- 
quarters to send a section of the battery to the front, Captain 
Woodbury detailed Lieutenant George for that duty, and about 
three o'clock in the morning that officer reported, with his section, 
to Major Butler for out-post duty. A point on the Eichmond and 
Petersburg turnpike was designated, Here the guns were placed 



BATTERY D— (FOURTH ARTILLERY). 



709 



"in battery." bearing directly upon the road, and were supported 
by two companies of the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth New York 
Volunteers. Everything remained comparatively quiet until after 
daybreak, when the enemy, appreciating the importance of the 
position, suddenly made a dash from the thick undergrowth on the 
guns, in overwhelming numbers, from both flanks and front. It 
was a most critical moment, but Lieutenant George was fully equal 
to the emergency. The numbers of the enemy were too great to 
be resisted, and the cannoneers were literally forced away from 
their guns by the mass of assailants who swarmed in upon them. 
The pieces were worked as rapidly as possible, but nevertheless the 
enemy obtained possession of one of the guns. But they paid 
dearly for the prize. The Lieutenant and his men, with double- 
shotted charges of canister and shrapnel, piled up the dead in 
heaps within a few yards of the muzzles of the guns. The 
wounded in this affair were Lieutenant John H. George, arm, 
thigh and leg ; Sergeant John W. Penn, arm ; Corporal William 
Cairn es, breast ; Private Cavalier, arm ; Willett, arm; Bush, thigh; 
Collins, foot ; Akers, hand. No one was killed. Five horses 
were shot, which prevented the removal of the gun captured by 
the enemy. At this most important moment the lanyards were 
broken, or carried off by the wounded men, when Lieutenant 
George seized a piece of telegraph wire, fortunately lying close by, 
bent it on one end to form a hook, and used it with decided effect. 
Lieutenant George retired finally with his remaining gun, and 
afterwards, with the assistance of the Seventh Connecticut Infantry, 
succeeded in retaking the lost piece, and returned to the intrench- 
ments about four o'clock, p. m., where his men were welcomed 
with hearty cheers by the remainder of the battery. Jefferson 
Yaudle, a cannoneer of the captured gun, aged only seventeen 
years, after his piece was lost, picked up a Spencer rifle, fell in with 
the infantry, and fought with them for more than an hour, until 
opportunity offered for the capture of the lost gun, when he joined 
in the charge that recovered it. 

The whole army now proceeded to intrench itself in the position 
which it had occupied. Circumstances pointed very plainly to 



710 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



the fact that, as the armies of Grant and Lee were working their 
way southward, the locality of Bermuda Hundred would become 
the scene of more active hostilities. Bermuda Hundred is a 
peninsula formed by the junction of the James and Appomattox 
Kivers, and was one of the best military positions, as a base, on 
the continent. Both flanks and the rear were protected by the 
navy, but the army had about four miles of intrenchments to 
build across the immediate front, to complete the defenses of the 
position. The forts, which were numbered from the right of the 
line, commencing at the James Biver, opposite Dutch Gap, and 
extending across to Point of Bocks, on the Appomattox, were 
connected by high breastworks for the infantry. In front of the 
main line, at intervals, was a disconnected chain of redoubts, 
which served to strengthen the main line. 

Battery Number Four, afterwards named Battery Marshall (in 
honor of Colonel Marshall, of New York, who fell at Cold Har- 
bor), was located at about an equal distance between the two rivers, 
and at a salient angle with the main line. In front of this position 
was a clear, level field ; the only level ground along the whole line. 
The surface of the ground on both flanks of this field was cut up 
hy ravines and hills and tangled woods, so that the enemy saw at 
once that Battery Marshall was the key to our position, and deter- 
mined accordingly to possess themselves of it, if possible. At that 
time the Fourth Battery was attached to the First Brigade, Second 
Division of the Tenth Corps. Colonel Barton, of the Forty-eighth 
New York, commanded the brigade, General Turner the division 
and General Gilmore the corps. It was ordered that the "best 
batteries" should be placed in Battery Marshall, and the Fourth 
New Jersey and Battery M, First United States Artillery, were 
assigned to that position. The Fourth remained there over three 
months, but Battery M was withdrawn, after a few days, and Bat- 
tery E, Third United States Artillery, substituted. 

Lieutenant Morris' section first took position on the open field 
where Battery Marshall was afterwards erected, on the 9th of May, 
the day before the fight on the turnpike, and on the 18th of May, 
the entire battery was ordered to that point. At that time there 



BATTEKY I) — (FOURTH ARTILLERY). 



711 



was a slight breastwork about two feet high. The men immedi- 
ately went to work, with shovel and pick, to strengthen their posi- 
tion, and labored steadily until about eleven o'clock at night, when 
they were suddenly assailed by a volley of musketry, accompanied 
by a chorus of yells. Instantly every man sprang to his post, and 
with a rapidity and precision at once surprising and effective, 
poured a storm of shrapnel and canister into the approaching 
columns of the enemy. But the assailants were not to be thus 
shaken in their purpose. On they came, on the "double quick," 
filling the air with their threatening yells, but with their lines bro- 
ken and the field strewed with their killed and wounded. Still 
they did not pause, but steadily continued their advance in the face 
of a withering fire, which had increased in severity as other bat- 
teries on the right and left of Battery Marshall came into position, 
and the infantry manned the breastworks. Then, at last, the storm 
of iron, hail and fire became insufferable. Our pickets had been 
forced back to the counterscarp of the ditch, and the enemy had 
got within two hundred yards of our main line, when a simulta- 
neous volley from all our artillery and infantry caused them 
to recoil and fly in dismay. Halting, however, at an elevation 
some seven hundred yards distant from our line, they threw up 
intrenchments, and there, afterwards, established their main line. 
The officers and men of the Fourth Battery were complimented 
by General Ames and General Gilmore, who were present during 
the action, for their services on this occasion, and it was probably 
their behavior on that day that decided the commanding officer to 
retain the battery in the post of danger and honor. Captain 
Woodbury, and Lieutenants Doane, Morris, George and King, 
were exposed to full view of the rebel riflemen, but all escaped 
unharmed. General Ames and Captain Woodbury stood in an 
elevated position during the charge, watching the movements of 
the enemy through field-glasses, and exposing themselves to what 
seemed almost certain death. Shot and shell fell all around, but 
still there was only one man killed. After the rebels fell back 
and reached their line, their artillery opened fire on Battery Mar- 
shall. Lieutenant Morris, commanding the left section, was stand- 



712 



NEW" JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



ing on the trail of one of his guns, looking towards the enemy, 
when a canister shot, fired at a high elevation, grazed his left 
shoulder and passed through the head of Sergeant James 0. Hale, 
who was standing directly behind him. Hale was killed instantly, 
his brains spattering over the Lieutenant and others who stood 
near. The same shot slightly wounded Privates Cornelius Yan- 
Patten and Charles More. After that, it was impossible to work 
upon the intrenchments during the day, as the enemy fired at 
every person unthinkingly exposed above the works. The horses 
were removed to the rear, and every precaution taken to prevent 
surprise. As soon as night appeared, however, the men plied the 
intrenching tools again — stopping only a few minutes for a cup 
of coffee — knowing well that on the morrow a more strenuous 
effort would be made by the rebels to dislodge them. 3 Not a word 
was spoken above a whisper, and nothing could be heard but the 
dull sound of shovel and pick, throwing up the earth, and adding 
to the gradually growing embankment, which was to be the main 
hope of the toilers. Everything remained in this condition until 
about midnight, when suddenly there arose again that wild, deaf- 
ening rebel yell, immediately followed by a discharge from about 
twenty field pieces, which they had placed in position since night- 
fall. The night was intensely dark, and it was useless to attempt 
to " sight " the guns before firing. The effect of the flashing of 
the score of field guns and the thousands of muskets on the rebel 
side, was grandly beautiful. Our cannoneers sprang to their posts 
at the first intimation of danger; but were unable to direct their 
fire with any precision, until one of our shells struck a rebel 
caisson and exploded it, causing a vivid stream of light to flame 
up the sky, which served to show the position of the enemy in 



3 The intrenchments in the vicinity of Batteries Three, Four and Five, and the 
redoubts in advance of the main line, were built under the supervision of Lieutenant 
C. B. Parsons, of the First New York Engineers, and it was owing, in a great measure, 
to Lieutenant Parsons' skill, courage and coolness under fire that the works were made 
to resist the continued bombardments to which they were subjected. He is a native 
of Middletown, New Jersey. Lieutenant Parsons was commissioned Captain in his 
regiment, and afterwards Brevet-Major of Volunteers by the President, in acknow- 
ledgement of his services. 



BATTERY D — (FOURTH ARTILLERY). 



713 



front. They had reached our picket line, and were advancing 
rapidly. The battery gunners had up to this time been firing too 
high, but the friendly light of the exploding caisson enabled them 
to bring their pieces to bear directly on the moving mass of men 
in front. A few well-directed, double-shotted rounds of canister 
from all the batteries, with repeated discharges of musketry, and 
the rebels again hastily retired in confusion to their works. But 
there was no sleep nor rest, that night, for either army ; a sharp 
picket fire was kept up until daybreak, when the artillery firing 
was resumed and continued during the day. 4 A Petersburg paper 
of the following day admitted that the Confederates lost six 
hundred men, killed and wounded, in the midnight charge, and 
by way of palliating their reverse, stated that " the Yankee loss 
was much greater." 

Thus affairs continued for more than two weeks, the rebels 
endeavoring in vain to possess themselves of the Federal line of 
works. Not a day dawned that did not witness a reckless charge 
and a bloody repulse; not a night threw its dark mantle over the 
combatants but discovered, at daybreak, some new redoubt, breast- 
work, or an advanced line of rifle-pits differing from those of the 
day before. For three weeks the men did not obtain three hours' 
sleep in any single night, nor did they dare remove their clothing or 
equipments ; and when not toiling with, the pick and spade, were 
working the guns, until, finally, they became almost completely 
exhausted. Now they must pay the penalty of the reputation they 
had achieved. Other batteries were on reserve, and could relieve 
the Fourth New Jersey, for a few days, while they recruited in 



4 Towards daybreak the men of Lieutenant Morris' section lay down for a few mo- 
ments, on a large canvas " paulin," on the ground, to endeavor to get a little rest. They 
were fast going to sleep, when, there appearing to be signs of a movement on the rebel 
line, the Lieutenant awoke his men, to prepare for any emergency. Just as the men 
had'arisen from the ground, and walked off to their guns, a rifled shell from the enemy 
grazed the top of the parapet, and struck the ground on the exact spot where the 
detachment had lain. Had they remained there half a minute longer, it would have 
killed every one of them. This awakened them thoroughly, and they set to work to 
build a "traverse," to protect themselves as much as possible. Corporal Aaron H. 
McKinstry was shot in the groin an hour later, while superintending the work, and 
died the next day. Corporal McKinstry was a college graduate, and a good soldier. 

90 



714 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



strength for other combats. But to this proposition the Command- 
ing General would not listen. The position was one of such vital 
importance that he would not trust any but those who had proved 
themselves worthy of the honor, and who were familiar with the 
u range" of the situation, and from that fact could throw their first 
shots to strike where they intended, and check any advance of the 
enemy at its commencement. 

Finally, the works had grown to such formidable dimensions 
that the enemy appeared to have abandoned the idea of attempting 
their capture. Small squads of our cannoneers were accordingly 
allowed to go to the rear to wash and change their clothing and 
obtain a little rest — and thus recuperation was at last had from the 
fatiguing labors so long and effectually performed. 

In the early part of June an order was received to send all the 
troops that could be spared from Bermuda Hundred, to join the 
Army of the Potomac, then on the line of the South Anna. The 
entire Eighteenth Corps, and two divisions of the Tenth Corps 
were moved off quietly in the night, to the aid of Grant and Meade, 
leaving only one division of infantry and a large proportion of the 
artillery to hold the line. The Eighteenth and the two divisions 
of the Tenth embarked at Bermuda Hundred on transports, and 
were conveyed down the James and up the York River ; disem- 
barked at West Point, and joined Meade's Army at Cold Harbor. 
They were in action with the enemy several days, and lost heavily. 

In the meantime, the little band left at Bermuda Hundred were 
exercising the utmost vigilance. Eor a period of two weeks they 
were almost entirely defenceless. Obliged to hold a line of four 
miles in extent, it required their entire force to repel an attack at 
any one point. Happily, the enemy were in ignorance of this fact, 
and did not attempt any demonstration against any point but 
Battery Marshall. Had they known the weakness of our army at 
any time during those two important weeks, they might easily 
have pierced our lines, captured the entire force, and carried away 
or destroyed the immense commissary stores accumulated at Ber- 
muda Landing and City Point. It was one -of those necessary 
risks which are sometimes dictated by the highest policy, and 



BATTERY D — (FOURTH ARTILLERY). 



715 



involve, though all unknown, the fate of battles and of nations." 
Nightly, the guns of the contending armies at Cold Harbor could 
be plainly heard, volley after volley following close together. The 
interest manifested by that little army in the coming developments 
was intense. Nearer and nearer, heavier and louder came the 
sounds of conflict as night after night and day after day slipped 
away, and it was a relief to that band of beleaguered patriots to 
know that the awful suspense would soon be over. Better, far 
better the clash and peril of actual combat than this crazing uncer- 
tainty. 

The pickets in front of Battery Marshall had now become quite 
sociable, and mutually agreed to cease picket firing, except when 
an advance was made on either side. This good feeling existed 
until the morning of the 16th of June, 6 when our videttes reported 
the enemy's line evacuated. An advance was immediately made, 
and six men were found asleep in the rebel bomb-proofs. They 
said they were left there to walk the top of the parapet, and keep 
up the appearance of a force, while the army had gone to Peters- 



5 " The position was held by strategy ; the bauds were kept playing inspiriting airs, 
a few regiments would be sent to the rear quietly, and then come marching up to the 
front making as much noise as possible, and would be received with hearty cheers by 
the troops in the works ; the guns in Battery Marshall would open a furious cannonade, 
and there would be a general stirring up every few hours ; all of which was duly noted 
and reported by the rebel pickets and videttes." — Letter of Captain J. B. Morris. 

6 One fine Sunday evening, during the cessation of picket firing, when the opposing 
armies had become comparatively sociable, the Union and rebel intrenchments were 
covered with spectators, each silently observing the figures slowly pacing up and 
down and sitting in groups on the other side. The sun had set, and the day was fast 
merging into the soft glamour of a Southern twilight. Sunday evening — and the sol- 
diers were thinking of other Sunday evenings in their far-off homes, and of the dear 
ones they might never see again. All feeling of fierce strife and contention which the 
battle field engenders had gone out from their hearts for the moment, as they sat 
there in the gathering: shades. Suddenly a strain of old familiar music floated through 
the air ; " Old Hundred" — sweet, fall and plaintive— came from a rebel band on their 
picket line, accompanied with a chorus of manly voices. Our men rose up and stood 
listening, and before they hardly knew it found themselves joining in the chorus. And 
thus for half an hour the pickets of the two armies, who for months had been endeav" 
oring to destroy each other, were on this hallowed eve joining their voices and hearts 
in a song of praise to God. It Was an event which will never be forgotten by those 
who witnessed it. It was a white hour in those years of bloody war that one remem- 
bers with a thrill of pleasure. 

The next morning that same band was playing the " Bonnie Blue Flag," the pickets 
under some pretext commenced firing, and the work of death went on. 



716 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



burg to meet the advance of Meade's army. Being left alone, they 
went to sleep. They belonged to the Twenty-second and Twenty- 
third South Carolina Volunteers. As soon as the fact of the evacu- 
ation was known at General Terry's headquarters, two brigades 
were sent out with shovels, and in a few hours had leveled the 
deserted works to the ground. 

By this time Grant's army, having crossed the James, was 
coming up in the rear of the position so bravely defended, and 
Lee's army was pouring in on the front by way of Bichmond. 
The entire force of the Bermuda Hundred army, under General 
Terry, immediately made an advance, and encountered the advance 
of Lee's army near the Eichmond and Petersburg Eailroad. After 
a sharp engagement, Terry, being hard pressed by superior num- 
bers, withdrew to his intrenchments. On the same day, the first 
line of the Petersburg intrenchments was attacked by the Second 
and Eighteenth Army Corps, and many prisoners and eighteen 
pieces of artillery captured. A detail of the men of the Fourth 
Battery, with their horses, under command of Lieutenant King ? 
was sent to Petersburg, to bring the captured guns to Bermuda 
Hundred. This was successfully accomplished without the loss of 
a man, although the enemy directed especial attention to the men 
while the guns were being removed. 

On the afternoon of the day following the evacuation of the 
enemy's works, and the advance of Terry, the rebels came down 
suddenly in strong force, under command of General Pickett, of 
the Army of Northern Virginia, and by a rapid movement cap- 
tured many of our videttes, drove in the remainder, and possessed 
themselves of their former line, and without halting, charged across 
the open field m front of Battery Marshall in fine style, seven 
regiments front and four deep. Our pickets gave way, and retired 
to the ditcb, or concealed themselves as best they could. Then all 
the batteries on the Union line opened, and the Third Division of 
the Sixth Corps having arrived during the morning, the infantry 
quickly manned the breastworks, and poured a galling fire into 
the advancing ranks of gray. The rebels fought with the greatest 
bravery, and pressed forward with a stubborn pertinacity worthy a 



BATTERY D — (FOURTH ARTILLERY). 



717 



better cause. They were the men who had fought through the 
Wilderness, and were desperate and reckless ; but it was impossible 
for anything human to stand before that storm of shell and bullets, 
and before reaching the "slashing" they turned and fled. A 
prisoner, taken by our pickets, stated that the rebel General Pickett, 
of South Carolina, was in command of the attacking force, and 
that he was much intoxicated, and swore he " would take that 
Yankee battery if it cost him half his men" — meaning Bat- 
tery Marshall. During this action, the battery was supported by 
the Fourteenth Xew Jersey Volunteers, which was attached to the 
Third Division, Sixth Corps. 7 

All eyes were now directed to Petersburg. There the grand 
armies were gathering in force, and there, it now seemed certain, 
the final and decisive struggle was to take place. On the night of 
the 25th of July, the Second Corps, which lay in the rear of the 
army at Petersburg, was rapidly and quietly moved across to Ber- 
muda Hundred, and without halting, pushed forward to Jones' 
"Neck, and crossed the James River at that point. At daylight, 
the old Third Corps (now attached to the Second) charged the rebel 
intrench ments, taking them at the point of the bayonet, and cap- 
turing ten pieces of artillery and a large number of prisoners. 
The loss on our side was forty men killed and wounded. Three of 
the guns were twenty-pounder rifles, and were captured by the 
rebels from Ashby's New York Battery, during the attack on Fort 
Darling, in May. A sufficient force was left to hold the position 
and the corps returned to the main army in front of Petersburg. 

On the night of August 14th, the Fourth Battery received orders 
to ' ; be ready to march in one hour.*' This was a difficult task, 



Y ''During the following summer, tlie enemy made frequent attempts to obtain pos- 
session of the line of works at Bermuda Hundred, failing, however, in every attempt. 
At intervals a tacit understanding existed between the pickets, all firing was suspend- 
ed, and a general system of bartering of tobacco, coffee, papers, etc., was carried on 
between the respective sides. Then, some recruit who had but lately joined his regi- 
ment, and on his first day on picket, would fire at the first gray-jacket he saw. That 
would end the truce for several days, and curses loud and deep came from the other 
side because 'you 'uns fired when you 'uns promised not to.' Of course, it would be 
a long time before the luckless recruit would hear the last of the result of his nervous- 
ness, from his teazing comrades." — Letter of Lieutenant Jlorris. 



718 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



for the ammunition chests of the battery were stored in the maga- 
zine at Battery Marshall, and the caisson camp, with the drivers 
and horses were two miles to the rear. The night was clear and 
quiet, and it was necessary to use the utmost caution, in removing 
the guns from the embrasures, and mounting the heavy chests filled 
with ammunition, co avoid attracting the attention of the enemy. 
One section of Battery E, Third United States Artillery, was left in 
the fort, and about midnight the Fourth JSTew Jersey reported to 
Colonel McGilvery, Chief of Artillery, for orders. This was des- 
tined to be a trial which would test the metal of the battery to its 
utmost. The entire Tenth and Second Corps were in motion, ex- 
cept the artillery, all of that arm remaining in position, except the 
Fourth New Jersey, Battery D, First United States Artillery, and 
two sections of Battery E, Third United States Artillery. 

Early on the morning of the 15th, the troops crossed the river, 
on the pontoon bridge, and engaged the enemy about two miles 
from the river. During the day, the Tenth Corps captured four 
siege guns, three howitzers, and a large number of prisoners. 
Lieutenant-Greneral Grant was present, and was under fire during 
the greater portion of the day. At one time he sat down on the 
door-step of an old deserted house, rested his head between his 
hands, and with his body bowed, for nearly an hour remained 
alone, apparently entirely oblivious to everything but his own 
thoughts. Who knows but that the fate of this great Bepublic, 
humanly speaking, may have been decided during that hour of 
anxious thought ! All this time the artillery was booming, the 
shell crashing through the thick woods, and an uninterrupted rat- 
tle of musketry added to the tumult, as charge after charge was 
renewed, and positions lost and won. Finally darkness came on, 
and the firing gradually ceased. But there was, that night, no 
rest for the weary troops. The artillery was posted in convenient 
positions " in battery," to check any advance of the enemy, and 
about midnight the troops recrossed the river at Jones' Neck, 
moved half a mile further down, and again crossed to the north 
side on another bridge, making there a brief pause for rest. This 
was on Sunday morning. By eight o'clock the column was again 



BATTERY D — (FOURTH ARTILLERY). 719 

in motion, and advanced steadily towards Richmond until about 
ten o'clock, when the enemy's pickets were encountered on a hill, 
at the edge of a thick growth of timber. The pickets retired with- 
out firing, and joined their main force, which was strongly in- 
trenched. The Fourth Battery was immediately put in position on 
the hill, and shelled the woods in front. The rebels at once replied 
with a battery of artillery, while a host of sharpshooters posted in 
the trees, picked off the cannoneers so rapidly that at times the 
guns could scarcely be served. But the men of the Fourth stood 
uo to their work noblv, and bv concentrating the fire of the whole 
battery on the rebels, their guns were finally silenced. Three of 
the officers were injured by the missiles of the enemy within a few 
minutes after the beginning of the action. Lieutenant Morris was 
struck by three fragments of a shrapnel shell, and stunned, but 
recovered so as to be able to resume his duties within half an hour. 
Lieutenant George had two of his ribs broken by a bullet from a 
•shrapnel shell, which was found imbedded in a small copy of the 
New Testament, in his left-side pocket. Lieutenant King, at the 
time acting as aid to Colonel McGilvery, Chief of Artillery, re- 
ceived a bullet wound in the left arm. while riding across a field to 
carry an order to the battery. He did not, however, leave his sad- 
dle. Lieutenant George, although seriously injured, insisted on 
staying with his section until the action was over. Colonel McGil- 
very was wounded in the second ringer of the left hand, and while 
having it amputated a few days afterwards, died under the influ- 
ence of etber. 

On Monday, the day following, Lieutenant Morris was placed in 
a position with one section, about half a mile to the right of the 
remainder of the battery, and at a point where the rebel rifle-pits 
were not more than two hundred yards from his front and about 
the same distance from his right flank. The guns were moved 
noiselessly through a deep, narrow ravine, and then pushed up the 
hill so that the range of the pieces but just cleared the ground, 
while their presence was concealed from the enemy. Lieutenant 
Doane, who was in command of the four guns left at the position 
of the action of Sunday, now opened fire, upon which the entire 



720 



NEW" JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



force of tbe artillery directed their shots at one point, Lieutenant 
Morris firing at nearly right angles with the other batteries. Un- 
der cover of this cannonade, the Second Division of the Tenth Corps 
charged the rebel works, and captured thirteen hundred prisoners 
and several battle-flags. k A rebel battery was observed trying to 
get into position in front, but the storm of shot and shell struck 
down the men and horses, and completely disabled their guns. 
The Fourth Battery, during the morning, fired one thousand and 
five hundred rounds of ammunition. Lieutenant Doane, seeing so 
many of his men go down before the fire of the sharpshooters post- 
ed in trees, threw off his coat and hat, seized a " sponge-staff," 
and performed the duties of " Number One," until the firing ceased, 
awakening the confidence and admiration of all who witnessed 
the deed. 

At one time during the forenoon of Monday, Lieutenant Morris' 
position became most critical. The enemy was closing in on his 
section, and his infantry support had not arrived. To add to the* 
difficulties of the situation, his ammunition was giving out, the 
guns were over-heated so as to cause several premature explosions, 
and the enemy preparing to charge his pieces. But his orders 
were imperative — to hold that position at all hazards. He hastily 
tore a piece of card from an ammunition box, and wrote with 
a pencil: "Lieutenant Doane: Send me some ammunition — all 
you can — and I'll hold this line. The rebels are crowding me — 
Lieutenant Morris." An orderly was dispatched with this at his 
highest speed. A quarter of an hour passed. The rebels made an 
attempt to advance ; but a few rounds of double-shotted canister 
deterred them. It was evident they were massing in front. The 
ammunition was nearly gone. What a world of hope and fears 
were crowded into those perilous moments. Then there came a 
joyous shout, and in a few minutes the heavy boxes of fixed ammu- 
nition were carried by willing hands to the smoking guns. The 
position was saved, and confidence restored. The enemy did, 
indeed, attempt another charge, but his opportunity was lost, and 
utter failure crowned the effort. The following are the principal 
casualties sustained by the battery: Lieutenant J. B. Morris, 



BATTERY D — (FOURTH ARTILLERY). 



721 



stunned by shell ; Lieutenant J. H. George, ribs fractured ; Lieu- 
tenant E. V. King, arm ; Sergeant John O'Brien, leg, afterwards 
died; Corporal John Yan Gieson, leg; Corporal Frank Wilcox, 
abdomen, afterwards died ; Corporal James H. Blake, leg ; Anthony 
K. Wright, shoulder ; George W. Marshall, thigh ; A. Flanders, 
leg; James M. Martin, arm shot off; Patrick Callaghan, arm shot 
off; John McAllister, hip ; Jacob Schilt, thumb shot off; Jeremiah 
Creed, thumb ; Henry Jaques, side and head ; Frederick Dubbitt, 
groin; Peter i^pplegate, ankle ; George W. Hays, ear. The bat- 
tery also lost twelve horses killed. 

In this engagement, Lieutenant Morris, according to the testi- 
mony of his commanding officer, behaved with the utmost gal- 
lantry, managing his section with marked deliberation and cool- 
ness, right under the eyes of the rebel sharpshooters, who sought 
in vain to shoot him down. The conduct of officers and men 
throughout the entire affair was such as to call forth the hearty 
•commendation of the Chief of Artillery, Colonel McGilvery. 8 

The object of this movement was to attract General Lee's atten- 
tion from Petersburg as much as possible, in order to facilitate a 
movement of the army of the Potomac on the Weldon Railroad, 
south" of Petersburg. This piece of strategy had its effect. Gen- 
eral Lee, apprehensive for the safety of Richmond, sent a large 
force to engage the Tenth and Second Corps ; in the meantime, 
General Grant carried out his plans successfully. 

The battery remained in the vicinity of Deep Run and Malvern 
Hills seven days, and then returned to Battery Marshall, at Ber- 
muda Hundred. The following morning the rebels attacked the 
picket line in front of the battery, and quite a skirmish ensued, 
resulting in the repulse of the attacking party. That afternoon, a 
deserter reported that the enemy was attempting to undermine the 
fort. General Foster thereupon ordered Lieutenant Morris to 



8 Lieutenant-Colonel William A. Conover, Medical Director of the Tenth Corps, and 
Assistant-Surgeon Joseph W. Hay ward (afterwards breveted Major), the medical atten" 
dant of the Fourth Battery, deserves special mention for the fearless and faithful man" 
ner in which they performed their duties while under fire of the enemy, working for 
the relief of the unfortunate wounded until they were themselves almost exhausted. 

91 



722 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



remove the guns about one hundred yards to the rear, place wooden 
"Quakers" in the embrasures, and leave the guidon flying on the 
parapet, which was done. But no explosion took place. On the 
following day the Eighteenth Corps relieved the Tenth at Bermuda 
Hundred, the Tenth proceeding to Petersburg. The battery here 
shared in all the perils pertaining to that remarkable seige, being 
stationed in Fort Morton, in front of the rebel Fort Mahone, which 
was mined and blown up in the early part of the summer. 

On the 28th of September, the grand strategic movement by which 
General Grant transferred the Tenth and Eighteenth Corps to the 
north side of the James, and placed a heavy menacing column 
before the Confederate Capital, was commenced. A portion of the 
third line of the Eichmond defences was captured, with sixteen 
pieces of artillery and a large number of prisoners. Fort Harrison 
(afterwards called Fort Burnham), a very important position, was 
taken at the point of the bayonet, the ditch turned, and every 
preparation made to hold the line. A stubborn attempt to retake 
this work, headed by General Lee in person, met with a bloody 
repulse. An incessant picket firing was kept up for several days, 
when the hope of retaking the line was apparently abandoned. 
The Fourth Battery was under fire during this entire time. 

On the 7th of October, Longstreet's Division, which had started 
a few days previously up the Yalley, to join Early, suddenly 
swooped down on Kautz's Cavalry, which was on outpost duty, on 
the right flank of the army, capturing about half of his force and 
putting to utter rout the remainder. General Longstreet closely 
followed the flying fugitives, but the Army of the James was soon 
under arms, and moving forward on a double-quick engaged the 
enemy on the Newmarket road, just outside the intrenchments of 
the right flank of the line. Had Longstreet struck a quarter of a 
mile nearer the river, in the woods, to the rear, he could have 
thrown the whole army in confusion, and inflicted untold disaster^ 
The fighting, which lasted about two hours, was very severe. 
Hundreds were killed and wounded on both sides. Finalfy, the 
Tenth Corps, under General Birney, made a last rally, which 
decided the fate of the day. General Birney arose from a sick 



BATTERY D — (FOURTH ARTILLERY). 



723 



couch, burning with a violent fever, and insisted on being helped 
into his saddle. He fought like a lion, and after the action was too 
weak to walk. He was taken home to Philadelphia, where he 
shortly afterwards died. His last thoughts were of his army, and 
his last words, "Boys, keep your eyes on that flag !" Lieutenant 
King was struck in the shoulder and knccked from his horse by an 
exploding shell — the injury unfitting him from duty for more than 
a month. 

No further attempts were made by the rebels to retake this line, 
and the army of the James commenced the erection of winter 
quarters, and perfecting themselves in drill. From Chapin's Farm, 
the battery was dispatched, late in the same month, with seven 
thousand other troops, to New York, to assist in preserving order 
at the Presidential election in November, under an apprehension 
that the more turbulent and disorderly classes, under the lead of 
certain notorious demagogues, would attempt by violence to pre- 
vent a fair election. The battery was shipped at Bermuda Hun- 
dred on board of two stern- wheel steamers, Captain Doane com- 
manding one and Lieutenant Morris the other. During the voyage 
from Fortress Monroe, Lieutenant Morris' vessel, the "Patapsco," 
was chased for twenty-four hours by the rebel pirate, the Tallahas- 
see, but escaped, the pirate not venturing further north than the 
latitude of the Delaware Breakwater. Upon reaching Brooklyn 
the battery was disembarked at Atlantic Dock, and marched to 
Fort Hamilton, where it was embarked on ferry-boats, Captain 
Doane commanding one boat with four guns, and lying off the 
Battery, and Lieutenant Morris, commanding another boat, having 
on board his own section and a section of Battery M, First United 
States Artillery, and stationed on the East Eiver, ready to land in 
case of emergency. Fortunately the services of the troops were 
not required, the election passing off quietly, and after an absence 
of two weeks the battery returned to Chapin's Farm, where it 
remained through the bleak, dreary winter, within sight of the 
steeples of Eichmond, quietly watching the rebels within their 
intrenchments, only five hundred yards distant. 

At length, spring came, with its bloom and promise, and the 



724 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



armies of the Kepublic, battle-worn and scarred, prepared with 
hopeful hearts for the final struggle with the dispirited and weak- 
ened foe. But the Fourth New Jersey Battery was never again 
called to hurl death and disaster into the rebel ranks. On the 3d 
of April, 1865, the enemy, by the attack of the Army of the Poto- 
mac in front of Petersburg, was forced to abandon his intrench- 
ments in front of Eichmond. Our pickets advanced at daybreak. 
At the same moment there came three thundering reports from up 
the river, three blinding flashes, and the iron-clad ^navy of the 
Confederate States of America had ceased to exist. In a few 
minutes our pickets had possessed the rebel works, and shortly 
after the whole army was put in motion. The decisive hour had 
come, and the veterans of a hundred battles hastened to embrace 
its grand opportunities. 

The Fourth Battery was designated to remove the captured artil- 
lery, which being clone, it hurried forward with the exultant legions 
to Eichmond, and was the first organization of New Jersey troops 
to enter the city. Eichmond was reached early in the forenoon, 
not a shot having been fired on the entire march, extending from 
Chapin's Farm for a distance of seven miles, through a vast net- 
work of defences, which apparently might for years have defied 
the fiercest assaults. At early daybreak a cloud of smoke was 
observed hanging over the city, and w T hen the troops came over 
the hills, and obtained a first glance of the conflagration, the scene 
was terribly grand. Great clouds of fire and smoke were rolling 
up from a thousand buildings on the south side of the city. The 
arsenal was on fire, and the three-quarters of a million rounds of 
fixed shell stored, therein were bursting continually, scattering 
destruction and death among the terrified women and children 
whose homes were in flames. The city was fired by order of the 
Confederate officers. It was pitiful to see beautiful women and 
innocent children jostled rudely by the swaying, surging throng — 
and the gorgeous furniture, splendid pianos- and costly mirrors 
tossed about the streets. 

Meanwhile the exultant legions pressed swiftly on in pursuit of 
the retreating foe. The expected end was not delayed. On Sun- 



BATTERY D — (FOURTH ARTILLERY). 



725 



day, April 10th, General Lee capitulated, and with that act the 
rebel flag went down in irretrievable disaster, never again to be 
flaunted in the nation's face. 

On the 14th of April, the battery moved from its camp on the 
western border of Eichmond to a point on the Southside Eailroad, 
near Petersburg, where it remained until news of Johnston's sur- 
render was received, when it marched to City Point — where it 
continued inactive nearly a month, awaiting the order to be mus- 
tered out. This order, the most welcome, perhaps, of the war, 
came at last. The battery proceeded to Eichmond by way of 
Petersburg, and all the preliminaries being completed, on the morn- 
ing of the 18th of June it embarked on board a steamer, en route 
for home. 

It arrived at Trenton late on the night of the 20th, and was appro- 
priately entertained by Mayor Mills on behalf of the State. The bat- 
tery returned with more than the number of men it had when it left 
Trenton, two years before, having constantly had large accessions 
of recruits — but with twenty-five only of the original one hundred 
and sixty who had started with it — the remaining one hundred and 
thirty-five having died heroically on fields of desperate encounter, 
or been so disabled by wounds or disease as to compel discharge. 
Others had taken their places, and helped to maintain the reputation 
of the command, which from first to last had been unsullied by a 
single stain. 



CHAPTEE XXXIX. 



BATTERY E— (Fifth Artillery). 

Battery E, Fifth New Jersey Artillery, raised in the summer of 
1863, proceeded to Washington in the month of September, there 
going into camp at Camp Barry. 1 Here it remained, engaged in 
drill until the 22d of April, 1861-, when it proceeded to Gloucester 
Point, where it was assigned to the Tenth Army Corps. It was 
sharply engaged at Drug's Bluff early in May, losing thirteen 
men. Subsequently, it performed efficient service in other engage- 
ments of the summer campaign, but no reports of its actions being 
on file among the military records of the State, no satisfactory details 
can be supplied. It is only known, in a general way, that the 
battery fully sustained the reputation of New Jersey troops. The 
Fifth was much the largest battery in service from this State, there 
being connected with it at different times, one Captain, three First 
Lieutenants, and six Second Lieutenants, with five hundred and 
seventy enlisted men. Many of the Thirty-seventh Regiment (hun- 
dred days' men), re-enlisting, were transferred to this battery, while 
nearly all the substitutes and drafted men of 1865, in the artillery 
service, were also assigned to this organization. The battery was 
finally disbanded June 12, 1865. 



1 The officers of the battery -wore : Captain, Zenas C. Warren ; First Lieutenant, 
George F. Durant ; Second Lieutenant, Thomas R. Perry. 



CHAPTER XL. 



JERSEY MEN IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 

We have seen that the total number of regiments furnished by 
Xew Jersey during the war was forty, including infantry and cav- 
alry, together with five batteries of artillery. Of these forty regi- 
ments, thirty-seven were infantry. The number of men furnished 
by the State was eighty-eight thousand three hundred and five, 
being ten thousand and fifty-seven in excess of the number called 
for. Of this number, seventy-nine thousand three hundred and 
forty-eight served with State organizations, and the remainder in 
regiments of other States. The naval and marine enlistments 
from New Jersey numbered four thousand eight hundred and 
fifty -three. Of the deeds of the volunteers in this latter service, 
we have no accounts, but of some of the companies which, unable 
to find a place in the regiments of their own State, became incor- 
porated with foreign organizations, we have a partial record, 
honorable at once to themselves and the State. Several of these 
companies early in the war. being rejected at home, applied for 
service to General Daniel E. Sickles, and were placed in the 
brigade which he was raising in New York. This brigade, known 
as the Excelsior Brigade, which was afterwards placed to the credit 
of the State of Xew York, and the regiments of which took their 
regimental numbers and designation from that State, should never 
have been credited to or commissioned from any one State. It 
was in all respects a cosmopolitan organization. In its first regi- 
ment alone (Seventieth Xew York) were to be found three compa- 
nies recruited entirely in Xew Jersey, while two others were 
recruited in great part from the same State* — one company from 
West Pennsylvania, one from Michigan, and one from Massachu- 
setts. In the three remaining companies there were a number of 



728 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



men from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The same mixed organ- 
ization prevailed to a greater or less extent throughout the brigade, 
with the exception of the Fourth Eegiment, which was recruited 
exclusively from the city of New York. It was computed at the 
headquarters of the brigade in December, 1861, that over twelve 
hundred citizens of New Jerse} r were then serving in it. The 
following companies were exclusively from this State, and came 
into the brigade as completed organizations : First Eegiment — 
Company A, Captain J. M. Johnson, afterwards Captain B. W. 
Hoxsej', recruited at Paterson ; Company F, commanded for a 
time by Captain J. M. McCamly, of Newark ; Company I, Captain 
E. J. Ayres, afterwards Captain A. Belcher, recruited at Paterson; 
Company K, Captain Frederick Gruett, recruited at Newark. 
Companies G, B and D, commanded respectively by Captains 
O'Eeilly, Mahan and Price, were at least one-half recruited in New 
Jersey. Second Eegiment (Seventy-first New York) — Company 

D, Captain William H. Greene, recruited in Newark ; Company 

E, Captain Toler, raised in the same city ; Company F, Captain 
Murphy, raised in Orange. Third Eegiment (Seventy-second New 
York) — Company F, Captain Leonard, recruited in Newark, and 
one other company composed of Jerseymen. Of the three com- 
panies in the First Eegiment, Captain Johnson, of Company A, 
resigned in the winter of 1861-2, and was succeeded by Captain 
Oakley, who in turn resigned in October, 1862, and was suceeeded 
by Captain B. AY. LToxsey, who held command as Captain of this 
company until its muster out in July, 1864. Captain Ayres, of 
Company I, resigned at the same date as Captain Johnson, and 
was succeeded by Captain Mitchell, who was killed at Williams- 
burg May 5, 1862. Captain Gruett remained with his company 
(K) during its whole term of service, proving a most efficient 
officer, and standing high in the estimation of his superiors. He 
was subsequently made a Captain in Hancock's Veteran Corps, for 
which he recruited two companies. Among the first to enter the 
field, he discharged every duty faithfully, and left the service only 
when the enemy lowered his flag in surrender. Of the command- 
ers of the other companies, Captain Leonard made a brilliant 



JEESEYMEN IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 



729 



record, being promoted to the Majority and to the Lieutenant- 
Colonelcy of his regiment, while Captains McCamly and Toler 
fully sustained the high reputation of New Jersey soldiers. Cap- 
tain Price, after service with his regiment, was made Colonel of 
the One Hundred and Forty-fifth New York. Captain Greene 
also achieved a high reputation as a fearless and efficient officer. 1 

The brigade at the time it was joined by the two Paterson com- 
panies, was crowded into the City Assembly Rooms, No. 444 Broad- 
way, New York, and was afterwards, during the month of May, 
removed, first to the Red House, at Harlem, and thence to Staten 
Island, before its muster into service. The sufferings of the men 
from insufficient clothing, badly cooked food, and close confinement 
to uncomfortable and illy ventilated quarters, from May 1st to 
June 1, 1861, were not exceeded by those of any one month of 
their active service afterwards. From the first General Sickles had 
encountered nothing but opposition from Governor Morgan of New 
York. The clothing and rations so liberally supplied to all other 
regiments then forming, were refused to his brigade, and it was 
only on the pledge of the personal credit of General Sickles, that 



1 This officer recruited liis company at his own expense, and was mustered into the 
service May 1, 1861. He participated with his command in the battles of Williams- 
burg, Fair Oaks, Charles City Cross-Roads, and the fighting of the seven days' retreat, 
as well as the engagement at Malvern Hill. He was also engaged at Bristow Station, 
August 27, 1862, receiving a severe wound from a piece of shell, and his Second Lieu- 
tenant and several of his men being killed. An incident occurred on this occasion 
which was most fortunate for Captain Greene. Upon leaving camp in the morning 
without breakfast, his cook having filled his canteen with hot coffee, he flung it over 
his shoulder, designing to drink it when cool. But going at a double-quick, he forgot 
all about it until, while forming line of battle, the canteen slipped around on his hip. 
Just at that moment, a shell exploding near him, a piece struck the canteen and lifted 
the officer several feet in the air. But for the protection afforded by the canteen, 
doubtless he would have been cut in two. As it was, he sustained injuries in the hip 
and head which made him a cripple for life. Subsequently he received a position in 
the Invalid Corps, being recommended by Major General Hooker, on the ground that 
his " services and wounds rendered him a deserving applicant, and one with unusual 
claims upon the favorable consideration of the Government." Captain Greene says of 
his company that a braver body of men never went afield, and mentions with especial 
commendation Sergeant Peter Bleak, of Newark. This man was made color-bearer 
of the regiment, and in every position displayed the coolest bravery, serving out his 
whole term, fortunately without receiving a single scratch. This company, with others, 
was indebted to the ladies of Newark, and to Mr. Marcus L. Ward, for many kindly 
services ; India rubber blankets and haversacks being supplied to the men at a season 
of sore necessity. 

92 



730 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



these supplies were obtained. During the month of May, while 
encamped at Staten Island, many of the men who had worn out 
their own clothing, and who were not supplied with uniforms, were 
unable to appear on drill from actual want of the clothing to cover 
their nakedness. At this time also every journal in the City of 
New York, with one exception, seemed to do its utmost to throw 
every obstacle in the way of the formation of the brigade and to 
discourage enlistments in it. By this course thousands of men who 
enlisted in the brigade, becoming discouraged at the want of cloth- 
ing and the improbability of its early muster into service, left it. 
The old members who had come from New York to Staten Island 
with the brigade, seemed to have identified their interests with 
those of General Sickles, and were not to be discouraged or with- 
drawn from the brigade. An entire company from Pennsylvania 
which, having joined afterwards, left the camp, was drummed out 
by these men, with scoffs and abuse. It may be doubted whether 
any public act of Governor Morgan was so unjust in itself and so 
productive of harm to the interests of the country, as his treatment 
of this brigade. 

In September, 1861, the brigade, which in the meantime had 
been incorporated into the division of General Hooker, and had 
erected in great part Fort Stanton and several other works about 
Washington, marched with its division into lower Maryland to 
break up rebel organizations then being formed in that State, and 
after performing this service, capturing many arms, &c, returned 
to its camp near the Anacostia bridge, and about two miles out 
from Washington. In October the division took up a position in 
Charles County, Maryland, opposite the Cockpit Point and Matthias 
Point batteries, forminsr the extreme left of General McClellan's 
army. With the exception of one or two unimportant expeditions 
into Virginia, soon after the evacuation of the rebel works, it 
remained inactive until the army was directed against Yorktown. 
After the evacuation of Yorktown, the division of General Hooker 
being in advance on the main road from Yorktown to Williamsburg, 
was the first of the Union infantry to come up with the enemy at 
the latter place and attacked his skirmishers in front of the works, 



JERSEYMEN IK OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 



731 



driving them in. The history of that contest is well known ; the 
enemy finding himself pressed by inferior numbers, turned and 
gave battle, moving out from his works and attacking the First and 
Third Brigades with such force as to drive them back from their 
position, and passing the left of their line, inflicted very heavy loss, 
capturing a battery which, from the death of its horses, could not 
be removed. It was at this moment when the Third Brigade (Fifth, 
Sixth, Seventh and Eighth New Jersey Eegiments) were being 
forced from their line that the Excelsior Brigade, or rather its First 
Kegiment, was brought into the heavy " slashing" on the left of 
the road, and was formed parallel to it to check the advance of the 
enemy towards the road. The regiment was at once ordered to 
commence firing, but never received another order in the fight ; for 
over two hours it stood in the darkness of its own smoke, and when 
its ammunition was exhausted, the survivors supplied themselves 
from the cartridge-boxes of the dead. It held its line until the 
enemy actually advanced over it. Going into the fight with six 
hundred and fifty men, it lost three hundred and fifty-one in killed, 
wounded and missing. Nine officers and ninety-six men of this 
regiment were buried the next morning. The other regiments of 
the brigade were moved up in succession, and only suffered less 
because the enemy's efforts were much weakened by the prolonged 
resistance of the First Regiment. The loss of the four regiments 
of the brigade in this action amounted to upwards of eight hundred 
men. The New Jersey troops in the brigade suffered particularly ; 
the loss in Company A, of the First Regiment, commanded by 
Captain (then Lieutenant) Hoxsey, was the largest of any company 
in the brigade, amounting to forty-one out of sixty. Of the two 
commissioned and nine non-commissioned officers of this company, 
Lieutenant Hoxsey was wounded, Lieutenant Kilburn killed, two 
out of three sergeants killed and one wounded, and all six of the 
corporals killed. Both of the other New Jersey companies suffered 
largely. Company K, Captain Gruett, lost twenty killed and 
wounded, Lieutenant George Robinson being among the latter, sus- 
taining two severe wounds. [This officer, before his wounds healed, 
returned to the field, and at Gettysburg was again wounded, subse- 



732 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



quently dying from, his injuries. Few braver men than Lieutenant 
.Robinson ever drew sword.] Private Mott McCann, while bravely 
trying to seize the enemy's colors, was riddled with bullets, and 
fell dead only a few feet from the rebel line. 

At Fair Oaks, the New Jersey companies again came in for a 
heavy share of the loss. Throughout the whole campaign of the 
Peninsula and the unfortunate campaign of Pope, terminating with 
the second Bull Run, these troops bore a conspicuous part. At 
Bristow Station, August 27, 1862, the loss of New Jersey soldiers 
was again heavy. Lieutenant Hoxsey, coming to the command of 
the regiment during the action, was severely wounded through the 
hip while ordering its advance. Throughout the campaigns of 
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run and the grand final cam- 
paign of General Grant from the Rapidan to Petersburg, this bri- 
gade, side by side with the Second New Jersey Brigade, emulated 
its gallantry, and is entitled to equal praise. 

Of the two companies, numbering two hundred and ten men, 
recruited at Paterson, about fifty returned at the expiration of their 
term of service ; four-fifths of the remainder died on the field of 
battle, or lingered in hospitals till death ended their sufferings. 
The losses of the other companies were no less severe. The people 
of New Jersey should remember that this brigade, although not 
representing their State, has represented their valor, and should be 
proud of the reputation of a command composed so largely of Jer- 
sey men — which for three long years was always side by side with 
the best of its troops. Nor should the fact of their leaving the 
State to seek service militate against them. Their only object in 
so doing was to get more quickly into service, and their patriotism 
was larger than the limits of their State. Whatever their mistake 
in this matter may have been, they paid its penalty in being 
deprived of the liberal assistance provided by the State for its sol- 
diers in the field. It should be added that many of those who 
survived the expiration of the term of enlistment, again entered 
the service in other organizations, while others, members of the 
First Regiment, desiring to remain in the field, were attached to the 
Eighty-second New York and remained with it until Lee's sur- 
render. 



JERSEYMEN IIST OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 



The Jerseymen who served with Sickles, were not the only men 
from this State who were connected with New York organizations. 
Two companies of the Harris Light Cavalry (AandB), were raised 
in Sussex County by General Kilpatrick, and gallantly maintained 
the reputation of their native State. The original officers were : 
Captain, A. N. Duffie; First Lieutenant, George V. Griggs ; Second 
Lieutenant, Benjamin Gregory, Company A ; Captain, El. F. Cook ; 
First Lieutenant, Henry Gwinton ; Second Lieutenant, George Fall, 
Company B. Of these, Cooke, Griggs and Gwinton, were from 
Susses County; Gregory from Jersey City, and Duffie and Fall 
were foreigners. After a short encampment at Scarsdale, New 
York, Kilpatrick took the squadron to Washington, with other 
companies, and in a few weeks the regiment was one thousand and 
two hundred strong. About the last of September, the Sussex 
squadron was sent with Baker's Brigade to Poolesville, Maryland, 
and was present at the disastrous light of Ball's Bluff. Though 
not in action, the squadron rendered valuable service in getting the 
wounded back across the river. 

After Baker's death, which was much deplored by this squad- 
ron on account of his fatherly care over the men, the companies 
marched back to Washington and rejoined the regiment, which by 
an order of Secretary Cameron was now called the Seventh United 
States Cavalry. This order was recalled two weeks later and the 
commanding officer was ordered to report to the Governor of New 
York, to have his regiment numbered with others of that State. 
For a while the regiment was called the Seventh New York, at the 
request of the Colonel, but it was soon officially named the Second 
New York Cavalry ; the " Harris Light" being still the popular 
name, and the one dearest to the men. 

The first action of any importance in which the squadron was 
engaged, occurred on the Falmouth Koad, in April, 1862. The 
Jerseymen were in the advance, and behaved most handsomely, 
driving the enemy back upon Falmouth, with the assistance of the 
battalion under Major (afterwards Major General) Davies. At mid- 
night the squadron also took part in the famous charge upon the 
rebel barricades, and at daylight, next morning, entered Falmouth. 



734 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



After the occupation of Fredericksburg it was engaged in several 
scouts. About the First of May, Duffle's Battalion, consisting of 
this and another squadron, was detached as body-guard to Major- 
General McDowell, and remained with that officer until after the 
Second Bull Eun Battle — being the first to fire upon the enemy on 
that field. During this battle Lieutenant Griggs and twenty of his 
men acted as escort to General Fitz John Porter, and while riding 
across the field (Saturday, August 30th) discovered the dead body 
of Lieutenant Frederick Compton, of Newark, who had gone out 
voluntarily the previous night to find a squadron which had been 
cut off in the darkness. After the reverses at Bull Eun and Chan- 
tilly, the squadron followed the First Corps into Maryland, and was 
present at the Battles of South. Mountain and Antietam, though not 
engaged in either. Eeturning to the regiment in October, the 
squadron operated with the First New Jersey Cavalry, remaining 
in the same brigade until the Cavalry Corps was organized. 

Early in the spring of 1863, Kilpatrick made the first famous 
raid upon Eichmond. with the Harris Light Cavalry. The men of 
Sussex, as usual, took an important part in that expedition, and it 
was a Sussex officer who carried the flag almost into the rebel 
Capital. 

The Harris Light Cavalry rejoined the Army of the Potomac 
about the 1st of June following, and Kilpatrick, now commanding 
a brigade in Gregg's Division, moved south across Kelley's Ford 
on the morning of the memorable 9th of June, in conjunction with 
similar movements at the upper fords by the whole corps. The 
division under General Duffle (formerly Captain of Company A) 
moved off rapidly out of sight towards Stevensburg, and was not 
seen again until after the great fight. With this exception, the 
whole cavalry corps of each army was engaged, and doubtless, but 
for the absence of this division, the battle would have been won 
by us. Kilpatrick marched rapidly towards Brandy Station, and 
soon came in sight of the enemy, massed on the west side of the 
railroad. "At once forming his brigade, under a heavy artillery 
fire," (we quote the language of a participant) " Kilpatrick moved 
across the fields, in echelon of Eegiment— the First Maine on the 



JERSEYMEN IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 



735 



right, the Harris Light in the center, and the Tenth New York on 
the left. This brought the Harris Light directly in range of the 
massed rebels beyond the railroad. When nearing at a full gallop 
it was discovered that a deep ravine intervened between the regi- 
ment and the railroad, which brought the command to a halt, 
under a most galling fire from the enemy on the high ground in 
front. In the confusion which followed, voices were heard calling 
the command to the left, and some of the officers, believing that a 
crossing place had been found, gave orders to move to the left ; 
but at this moment, White's rebel battalion was crossing at that 
point on a counter charge, to strike our flank. Supposing the 
order to mean an attack upon this force, the men rushed wildly 
after it, and smashed right into the head of the Tenth New York, 
advancing in the order above mentioned. This not only broke up 
the Harris Light, but also the Tenth New York, which has suffered 
unjustly much of the blame of this unfortunate blunder. But one 
squadron, Captain Mitchell's (including Company B, of the old 
Sussex squadron), remained with Davies, the heroic commander of 
the Harris Light, who had gallantly cleared the ravine, and faced 
alone the rebel host. Unhorsed instantly, he still stood over the 
body of his beloved 1 Buckskin,' and parried every blow aimed at 
him by the eager rebels. Once, with consummate skill, he caught 
the saber of a strong and muscular officer and sent it whirling into 
the air. Mitchell soon reached Davies, and the First Maine swing- 
ing around, the rebels gave way. Mitchell retook the guns lost by 
Colonel Wyndham, on the left of Kilpatrick, but could not hold 
them. Captain Griggs started, after the regiment had been rallied, 
to recover these guns, but Davies, having no support, recalled him." 

A week later, the Harris Light removed, at Aldie, every stain 
of the blunder of Brandy Station. The squadron which had been 
accused of leading that affair was selected by Kilpatrick to charge 
a body of sharpshooters, who, posted behind haystacks in a 
meadow below the town, poured a destructive fire into the brigade 
forming on the hills to the right. With desperate courage the 
squadron dashed down the hill, across the meadow, over ditches, 
right upon the stacks. A hundred more sharpshooters concealed 



736 



NEW" JERSEY AXD THE REBELLION. 



in a large ditch near by, now opened upon the gallant squadron. 
Unable to return this fire, they stood and fought those around the 
stacks until more than one-half had fallen. In a few moments 
Captain Gwinton charged to the support of the doomed squadron, 
and Kilpatrick rushed the Sixth Ohio down the hill to the rescue. 
Perceiving at last where the deadly fire came from, Gwinton's com- 
mand headed straight for the ditch, to the right of the stacks. 
The Sixth Ohio went to the left, and the enemy was captured 
almost before he knew of the reinforcement. Lieutenants Whita- 
ker and Martinson and man} r others fell in this charge, while Lieu- 
tenant Baymond. and the larger part of the squadron were wounded- 
Only nineteen men of those who first charged the stacks came 
away unhurt, and these, with a few others, two days later, charged 
a stone wall, from which a regiment had just been repulsed. 

Other portions of the Harris Light distinguished themselves at 
Aldie. Captain Griggs not only fought his command effectively, 
but dared to order the commander of another regiment to attack 
the enemy, who was gaining on our right. A sergeant of the 
Harris Light (Wurt Cunningham — afterwards promoted and killed) 
also pointed out to the same officer how he could successfully use 
his command, and between Griggs and Cunningham much good 
was done. Xearly ail the Jersey officers were complimented for 
their behavior in this fight, which was participated in by Kilpat- 
rick's Brigade on our side and Fitz Hugh Lee's on the other, and 
was a great success for our troops. 

In the succeeding fights between Aldie and the Blue Ridge, in 
which the whole corps were employed, none fought more bravely 
than the Jerseymen of the Harris Light Cavalr}^. Kilpatrick was 
the soul of those brilliant conflicts, and he did not hesitate to push 
forward his own " pet'' regiment in every emergency which de- 
manded great nerve and boldness, and in no case was his faith dis- 
honored. For days the cavalry of the contending armies fought 
desperately, but at last, the rebel trains being safely beyond the 
mountain, Stuart slipped through Ashby's Gap, and dared us to 
enter it, while our cavalry, countermarching, made for Poolesville, 
and followed the Army of the Potomac towards Pennsylvania. 



JERSEYMEN IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 



737 



Gwinton and Griggs, with their companies, were sent to "Wash- 
ington to escort surplus baggage and horses. After performing 
this duty — in a column from the Dismounted Camp, comman- 
ded by Major Fry, of a Pennsylvania regiment — they started 
to rejoin the corps at Poolesville. Fry, hearing from General 
Halleck's scouts, that a small forage party of the enemy had 
crossed at Seneca Falls, when near Rockville, requested Griggs, 
(Gwinton being temporarily absent,) to go after them. Coming 
soon upon a small body of rebels similar to that described by the 
scouts, Lieutenant A. C. Shafer, in command of Griggs' advance 
guard, charged and drove it back towards the river. This body of 
rebels grew larger as it fell back, and Griggs soon was fighting a 
brigade instead of a forage party. After a short fight, the little 
squadron was compelled to fly, leaving nearly half of Griggs' own 
company wounded. Stuart was so greatly deceived by this affair 
as to believe Kilpatrick's Division was in his front, and passing 
through Rockville, he turned towards the Monocacy without touch- 
ing the communications between Washington and the North. Fry, 
upon Griggs' return to the column, hastened to Washington with 
the news of Stuart's crossing, and the gallant little right — which 
Stuart admitted had delayed the rebels au hour and a half. 

Meantime, Kilpatrick, now in command of a splendid division 
of cavalry, was operating in the direction of the Pennsylvania line, 
but hearing that Stuart had struck the railroad at Monocacy Bridge, 
he turned to give him battle. A most desperate fight ensued, 
resulting in the withdrawal of Stuart's Corps from his front. In 
the short Gettysburg campaign, Kilpatrick, unable to get the 
Harris Light transferred to his new command, borrowed the regi- 
ment from Gregg, and worked it so hard that but a remnant was 
left to return to the latter. Kilpatrick fought in fifteen days 
almost as many battles., capturing forty-five hundred prisoners, 
nine guns and eleven battle-flags. 

Changes had constantly been going on in the Harris Light, and 
a number of the Jerseymen who went out in the ranks now wore 
the uniform of officers. Kilpatrick, first Lieutenant-Colonel, then 
Colonel, was now a Brigadier-General, and in command of a divi- 
93 



738 



"NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



sion — doubtless the youngest man with so large a command in the 
army. Cooke was a Major, Griggs and Gwinton Captains, and a 
number of the Sussex Sergeants were now First and Second Lieu- 
tenants, while the squadron was scattered throughout the regiment. 

Kilpatrick persistently begged for his old regiment, declaring 
that it was necessary to his success that he should have it. Finally 
an order came to Cooke, then in command, to report his regiment 
to Kilpatrick for permanent assignment to the Third Cavalry Divi- 
sion, and in this incomparable division the regiment remained until 
the end of the war, as necessary a part of it as any organization 
connected with it. 

Early in September Kilpatrick moved down the Eappahannock 
and destroyed the two gunboats captured from our navy a short 
time before. Soon after this affair, in the same month, the whole 
corps crossed the Eappahannock, Kilpatrick striking the enemy's 
outpost near Brandy Station, driving everthing before him, while 
Buford, far to the right, made direct for Culpepper. When near 
the town he endeavored to swing around upon it from the Sperry- 
ville road, but met with determined resistance. At a gallop the 
Third Division closed up on the flying rebels in its front, and sud- 
denly appeared on the hills just in front of Culpepper, around 
which Stuart's whole corps, in gorgeous array, was drawn up in 
order of battle, breathlessly awaiting Buford's assault. While 
from Kilpatrick's band the grand music of the Star Spangled Ban- 
ner floated over the field, firing the hearts of men and nerving all 
to deeds of valor, a battalion of the Harris Light, led by Captain 
Griggs, and embracing nearly all the Sussex men, dashed ahead of 
all other troops, across the creek, straight upon the rebel battery. 
A short death-struggle and Griggs was the proud captor of two 
Blakeley guns, and nearly all the men of the battery. And now 
Buford, wheeling around upon the town, swept the rebels away in' 
wild confusion. Eallying once again beyond the hills, the rebels 
turned upon the Harris Light, which alone was in sight, and made 
a desperate rush to cut it off— but it was not to be caught thus. 
Quickly falling back it was soon relieved by Buford's advancing 
columns. General George A. Custer, whose brigade was not actively 



JERSEYMEX IX OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 739 

engaged, rode forward and charged with Griggs' battalion upon the 
battery and beyond the town, receiving a severe bullet hole through 
his leg. 

Later in September, Kilpatrick and Buford had an encounter 
with Stuart, far south of Madison Court House, in which the 
Harris Light was badly cut up. by getting across the path of a 
brigade retreating before Buford. Early in October, as General 
Lee commenced his movement towards Sperryville, on our right 
flank. General Kilpatrick was pushed well out towards Madison 
Court House, to observe the manceuvers of the enemy, and to 
cover the retreat of our army, which was falling back across the 
Rappahannock, and severe skirmishing followed for several days. 
At daylight on the 11th October, a day never to be forgotten in 
the history of the Third Division, Kilpatrick cautiously drew 
away from the enemy and followed our retreating army. Pleas- 
anton, at Culpepper, halted Kilpatrick south of the town, and 
directed him to send a good officer with a squadron back upon the 
road, to penetrate the enemy's lines and develope their intentions. 
The ominous silence which reigned over those hills, betokened, the 
coming storm, for in the Harris Light there were men who had 
discovered the enemy's cavalry creeping around our flank the pre- 
vious night. Captain Griggs (with his own and one Sussex com- 
pany) was selected by General Davies for this most hazardous 
expedition. Soon after he had started, the enemy appeared on all 
sides of the division, and Kilpatrick. alarmed for Griggs' safety, 
sent scouts back to recall him : but it was too late. Surrounded 
and cut off, with a division cf cavalry closed in between him and 
Kilpatrick. Griggs had barely time to direct his men to fly to the 
right, when a bullet entered his brain and he dropped from the 
saddle, a victim to a cruel order. Thus died one of Xew Jersey's 
noblest sons, an honor to his State and a bright ornament to his 
regiment. And now commenced a wonderful spectacle. Across 
the fields towards Brandy Station, three long columns of horsemen 
moved rapidly, apparently unheeding each other, while to the rear 
a dense column of infantry, moving through clouds of dust, 
hurried on after the cavalry. The latter was A. P. Hill's Corps — 



740 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



one-third of the rebel army. On the right, and nearest Brandy 
Station, heading off the center column, marched Fitz Hugh Lee's 
rebel division. To the left, in plain view of the center, with colors 
floating gayly over the column, rode Stuart and Wade Hampton, 
at the head of the rest of the Confederate cavalry. In the center, 
unappalled by the fearful hosts around them, with desperate cour- 
age and proud bearing, rode the dauntless heroes of the Third 
Cavalry Division of the Union army. Brandy Station was the 
point, to reach which every nerve was strained. Fitz Hugh 
Lee reached it first. Then, cut off from the Union army, which 
lay behind the Eappahannock, but five miles away, the Third 
Division turned to fight one-half of the rebel host ! Unmindful 
of the furious fire of Fitz Hugh Lee's guns, that division turned 
its back upon them, and, Kilpatrick leading, dashed against Wade 
Hampton with such wild, mad fury, that the boasted chivalry 
shrank back in dismay. A brave, imposing looking officer rallied 
his brigade and made a dash at Davies, who with a little handful 
of the Harris Light, was fighting around the depot. "Bring 
those colors here!" shouted Gwinton, riding towards the brow of 
the hill facing this brigade. Around the tattered flags of the 
Harris Light gathered a little band, which met the coming foe and 
sent them reeling back to their line, leaving their gallant leader 
prostrate before our men. Still furiously raged the fight. Gath- 
ering his command closer around his guns, Kilpatrick, undismayed 
by the fearful odds, hurled back every charge, while about the 
battery men hacked away at each other remorselessly. Elder's 
three-inch iron guns mowed great gaps through the rebel ranks, 
and all the enemy's artillery concentrated upon them only disabled 
one gun. All through the fight this battery never ceased to pour 
its shot and shell upon the enemy. At times the guns became so 
hot that the men were obliged to pause temporarily to let them 
cool. Elder, contemptuously indifferent to the enemy all about 
him, held his revolver over his own men and swore he would shoot 
the first who faltered. With terrible oaths and howls of pain the 
division fought on, nor thought of flight or surrender. Hour after 
hour flew by, and still the fight of three thousand against a small 



JERSEYMEN IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 



741 



army raged unceasingly. At last, when ammunition was exhausted 
and the field was covered with the dead and dying, the wild shriek 
of twelve-pounders rang out loud above the din of battle, and 
shells whizzed through the air and burst and crashed into the rebel 
ranks. Turning, Kilpatrick's weary troopers beheld Buford's 
Division spread across the plain in splendid order — flags flying, 
bugles sounding, lines advancing, batteries shrieking death to the 
foe. Curses were changed to cheers, as Buford, with stoical calm- 
ness, advanced with his staff to the extreme front, removed the 
cigar from his lips, and coolly surveyed the mingled masses in 
front. Before his brigades came over the hill behind him, the 
rebels nervously shrank back and took position on the defensive. 
Grandly the superb First Division marched up to its work, sweep- 
ing back Fitz Hugh Lee from the flank and delivering its fire into 
the enemy in front, Stuart no longer desired to fight, and quietly, 
at dusk, our cavalry turned and marched away with their wounded. 

About the 22d of October, Kilpatrick was again cut off by the 
whole of Stuart's Corps, at Buckland Mills, but, by adroit coolness, 
managed to slip away, after a severe struggle, in which he inflicted 
as much damage upon the enemy as his command suffered. Soon 
after this, Kilpatrick again crossed to the south of the Eappahan- 
nock, and after several skirmishes settled down into winter camp 
at Stevensburg. 

On the 28th of February, 1864, Kilpatrick started on the great 
raid to Kichmond, with four thousand cavalry. A selected party 
of five hundred and fifty men under Colonel Dahlgren and Lieu. 
tenant-Colonel Cooke, moved away from the division on indepen- 
dent roads, passing Spcttsylvania Court House at daylight of the 
29th, and Frederick Hall at noon — where in full sight of Lee's 
Eeserve Artillery Camp they captured an entire Court-Martial 
detail, attendants, &c. Continuing the march, without rest, this 
party crossed the South Anna about dusk and halted a little 
after midnight near Goochland Court House. Besuming the march 
at three o'clock, a. m., Tuesday, the 1st of March, Dahlgren's 
guide — a negro sent from Meade's Headquarters — assured him that 
the Ferry (or Ford) across the James was but five miles away. 



742 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



After marching five hours and not reaching the river, Dahlgren's 
suspicions of the negro's treachery becoming very strong, he 
threatened him with instant death. The negro pleaded for another 
hour, promising to bring the column to a crossing within that time. 
DahJgren gave the respite, but his scouts having reported nothing 
but a scow ferry on the river, and that many miles from where he 
had supposed himself to be, he, at the end of the hour, hung the 
negro to a tree by the roadside. The poor fellow protested his 
innocence to the last, and the mystery of his conduct has never 
yet been cleared away. Foiled in his attempt to cross the James, 
and burning with a desire to win imperishable renown by some 
unequalled act of daring, Dahlgren determined that night to attack 
Eichmond from the north bank of the river, and by desperate 
charges to stampede the militia, supposed to be holding the city. 
His first fight began about dark, and about six miles trom the city. 
He literally rode over the city troops until within three miles of 
the Capital, when he was met by such a desperate fire as to check 
his further advance. Against the advice of Cooke he urged on 
his men by jeers and taunts, until at last, finding it impossible to 
move the enemy, he gave up the useless sacrifice of life, and en- 
deavored in the darkness to collect his scattered troops. Calling 
for volunteers to cover the retreat — which alone was responded to 
by a small party of the Harris Light — Dahlgren started away, and 
the word was passed among the men to fall into the road and fol- 
low. A detachment of the First Maine, coming into the road and 
not knowing of the order to retreat, unconsciously cut the column 
in two, by halting to await orders. The night was intensely dark, 
and when it was discovered that Dahlgren and Cooke had marched 
on with about a hundred men, scouts were sent out to find his trail, 
and the column moved along on the main road. Dahlgren turned 
into a by-road and did not miss the remainder of his column until 
near Hungary Station. Disappointed in not finding Kilpatrick 
here, as expected, the Colonel destroyed most of his baggage, and 
not waiting to hear from his lost column, started towards the Pa- 
munkey, which he crossed, and also the Mattapony. When near 
King and Queen Court-house, he was surrounded (Wednesday 



JERSEYHEN IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 



743 



night, the 2d), himself killed and nearly all the rest captured — 
Cooke and others being hunted down with blood-hounds. 

The other part of this column was more fortunate. Failing to 
get on Dahlgren's trail, the party moved up the main road, Captain 
J. F. B. Mitchell (Harris Light) having assumed command — until 
running into a rebel camp, they were forced to countermarch, and 
seek some other route. Marching back towards Eichmond, the 
road being full of the straggling militia they had captured in the 
fight and had released, the party finally struck into a road towards 
Hungary Station. Wandering along until midnight, Mitchell dis- 
covered that the enemy was just behind his column in hot pur- 
suit. Turning into a lane, and marching across a field, a swamp 
was found, in which the hunted party concealed themselves. Here, 
after a rebel cavalry regiment had passed by — as they thought, in 
full chase — three men of the Harris Light went out to look for 
Hungary Station. Eeturning in two or three hours, and reporting 
no Union troops in the neighborhood of Hungary, it was deter- 
mined to strike out again and trust in Providence to lead the party 
out of its troubles. A negro was procured who carefully led the 
party around the rebel regiment, which failing to find Mitchell's 
party had gone into camp on the road. Circling around Hungary, 
the party after daylight on Wednesday, struck the Brook Pike, 
and moved towards Richmond, hoping to hear of Kilpatrick. Soon 
running into the enemy, another retrograde march was made down 
the Brook Pike, but finding that Wade Hampton's Cavalry were 
on this road, it became necessary to get off of it also. A small 
road was eventually found, leading to an obscure ford on the Chick- 
ahominjr, into which the little command joyfully turned. Coming 
upon a party of laborers, clearing away the debris of a train of 
cars destroyed by Kilpatrick the day before, they were compelled by 
threats to tell all they knew of Kilpatrick's whereabouts. Selecting 
an intelligent old man, Captain Mitchell gave him a horse and 
made him show him the ford. When safely across it, out of sight 
of his neighbors, the guide declared liis love for the Union, and 
gladly gave Mitchell much valuable information about the enemy 
and the roads leading down the Peninsula. It had been decided 



744 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



to take the chances of reaching Williamsburg, and the command, 
carefully avoiding unnecessary fighting, hurried on towards the 
Williamsburg road. A little charge was sufficient to clear the 
cross roads, and Kilpatrick's broad trail was discovered. Gladly 
following the burning fences— set on fire by Kilpatrick in order 
that if any of Dahlgren's party should get on this road they might 
know unmistakably that be was near by — the command marched 
rapidly down the road. In the afternoon, when it was hoped 
momentarily to overtake Kilpatrick's rear guard, a new danger 
suddenly appeared. Bradley Johnson's rebel legion, following 
Kilpatrick, had discovered Mitchell's party, and as it entered a 
dense woods, opened a heavy volley upon it. Recoiling from this 
unexpected shock, the situation was soon comprehended. The 
party determined to make one more effort, and closing up together 
dashed against the woods as fast as their jaded horses could go. 
The rebels were broken and fled, carrying away twenty-one of the 
party, however, who had been unhorsed in the charge. An hour 
later the party reached Kilpatrick, having marched two hundred 
and twenty-five miles in three days. Of five hundred and fifty 
men who went with Dahlgren, but two hundred and thirty rejoined 
Kilpatrick. 

Kilpatrick with the main column having waited in vain to hear 
Dahlgren in Richmond, attacked the city on Tuesday, but as troops 
were constantly arriving to defend the place, he at midnight aban- 
doned the project and marched down the Peninsula. He was much 
affected upon learning of Dahlgren's death and of Cooke's capture. 
Cooke having been his chief-of-staff for a long time, was much 
missed by him. To revenge the cruelty practiced by the rebels 
upon this party, he took his freshest horses, crossed the York river 
and moved into King and Queen, laying waste the country which 
had so unmercifully tortured his men. 

Every Jersey soldier remembers with indignation the cruel 
imprisonment of Cooke, confined in a dark dungeon, into which 
" Butler's negroes" were thrust to keep him company, and his high- 
toned declaration that he " infinitely preferred the company of loval 
negroes to that of white traitors.' 5 His patient suffering, with 



JERSEYMEN IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 



745 



scarcely sufficient food to keep life in him ; his brave-hearted 
endurance of all his trials in that filthy cell, won the admiration of 
all who knew of his sufferings. Once escaping while on the way 
to another prison, he wandered through North Carolina, almost 
starving, for days, until, hunted down again with blood-hounds, he 
yielded to his tormentors and was taken to Charleston and placed 
under the fire of the Union batteries. Eeleased from his captivity 
after a year's confinement, he returned home, just in time to witness 
the death of his young wife, for whom he had borne up so hope- 
fully through every torture to which his proud spirit was subjected. 
Completely broken in health, he accompanied General Kilpatrick 
to Chili as Secretary of Legation when that officer was appointed 
Minister, but died within a year or so after his arrival. The Gov- 
ernment conferred upon him a brevet of Brigadier-General, as an 
acknowledgment of his faithful services to his country. 

This raid ended Kilpatrick's connection with the Army of the 
Potomac. When Grant came to that army, Kilpatrick was sent to 
General Sherman to command his cavalry, and the Third Division 
saw him no more. He was the soul of the division, and when he 
was gone all the " vim" and fire seemed to have left it. General 
Wilson, Kilpatrick's successor, could not gain the love of this divi- 
sion, for Kilpatrick had borne away its heart. The men fought as 
hard as ever, but accomplished but little. Not until Sheridan's 
electric presence had warmed the hearts of these men did they again 
put on their proud looks and gallant bearing. The great Wilson 
Eaid on the Danville Eoad was not participated in with the enthu- 
siasm necessary to success, which may, perhaps, account for some 
of our losses on that expedition. When Sheridan was sent to the 
Yalley, both the First and Third Divisions were embarked on 
transports and sent to Washington, whence they marched to Win- 
chester. In the changes that had been made in the spring, Colonel 
John B. Mcintosh, of New Jersey, had been assigned to the com- 
mand of the First Brigade, of the Third Division, embracing now 
the Third New Jersey (a new regiment), the Harris Light, and 
several other regiments. About the last of May, this officer with 
three regiments and a battery, became surrounded at Ashland Sta- 
94 



746 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



tion by the two rebel divisions of Hampton and Fitz Hugh. Lee, 
and alone and unaided, fought from noon until dark, with a nerve 
and energy unsurpassed in the history of war — marching away at 
nightfall in the face of the enemy, who was afraid to come too 
close to him in the dark. On the Wilson Eaid, this officer showed 
such splendid gallantry and ability, in the darkest and most trying 
emergencies, as well as in the flush of victory, that he was at once 
made a full Brigadier General. Still retaining his brigade, he 
reached Winchester on the day that Sheridan's troops fell back 
from that city towards Harpers Ferry, about the middle of August, 
and his brigade was at once detailed as rear-guard for the army. 
In the performance of this duty only the Third New Jersey was 
brought prominently into action. Two of the battalions of this 
regiment behaved like veterans, and repulsed several determined 
assaults with great gallantry. 

At Kearneysville, late in August, Mcintosh was at first repulsed, 
but rallying his brigade, and sending the horses to the rear, he led 
his men, dismounted, up to the enemy's infantry, and fought for an 
hour with great pluck, holding the enemy in check until the corps 
was withdrawn. 

When left to himself, Mcintosh displayed wonderful skill and 
tact, combined with an audacious style of fighting that astonished 
both friends and enemies. A few days before the Battle of Win- 
chester, he clashed across the Opequan with, three regiments, and 
forming his command into three columns, charged into the camp 
of the enemy, at mid-day, picked up a regiment of South Carolina 
Infantry and marched it away — Colonel, colors and all — before the 
astounded division of Kershaw had time to recover its presence of 
mind. This brilliant manceuver enabled him to make a full report 
of the enemy's position to General Sheridan, and upon that same 
ground, a few days after, the Battle of Winchester was fought. 

About one o'clock, a. m., September 19th, Mcintosh again moved 
up the Winchester road from Berryville, apparently on another 
similar expedition. The great masses of infantry in the road soon 
indicated more serious work. Passing all troops, Mcintosh divided 
the Harris Light, then only one battalion of two large squadrons, 



JERSEYMEN IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 



747 



placing a squadron well out into the fields on both sides of the main 
column. One squadron (Mattison's) marched a mile to the right of 
the road, the other a little to the left, all moving on the same align- 
ment with the head of column in the road, and sweeping up any 
scouts or stragglers that might have otherwise watched Sheridan's 
movements. The left squadron, unable to cross the Opequan, had 
to come back to the road ; but the right squadron crossed a mile 
above, simultaneously with the head of the brigade, which imme- 
diately after fell in with the enemy, who was driven back over 
the hills. 

Mcintosh immediately deployed his brigade into line, and sending 
word to the squadron on the right to " pitch in," he threw his whole 
command upon the rebels, soon clearing the hills, upon which the 
army slowly formed its lines of battle, completely concealed from 
the view of the enemy by Mcintosh's furious charges. All that 
morning this brigade persistently beat back the rebels and daringly 
held them off our ground while our infantry massed just under the 
crest of these hills, stealthily keeping out of sight. Just as a divi- 
sion of the enemy charged the heights held by the left squadron of 
the Harris Light, an order was passed along the line for the cavalry 
to fall back. This squadron slipped out and left the enemy face to 
face with Russell's Division of the Sixth Corps. Five minutes 
after both sides were locked in deadly conflict, and the shot and 
shell of the enemy raked the ground for miles around. 

As the thin veil of cavalry was withdrawn, displaying to the 
astonished view of the rebels the splendid masses of the Sixth and 
Nineteenth Corps, Sheridan rode up to Mcintosh, and in the most 
affectionate manner expressed his gratitude to that delighted officer 
for having fought the army into such, an excellent position. And 
now the battle of Winchester was fairly begun. Merritt's and 
Averill's Cavalry Divisions, away around on the Martinsburg pike, 
had struck the rebels and doubled them up on Winchester, while 
the Eighth Corps, going in to the right of the Nineteenth, com- 
pleted our long line and wrapped almost around the ancient city. 
Wilson's cavalry moved to the left, and Chapman's Brigade went 
in handsomely, driving away a brigade of rebel cavalry and laying 



748 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



up close on to the right flank of Early's infantry, which, thus 
uncovered, presented such an opportunity for cur artillery as was 
seldom offered. Mcintosh (whose brigade was resting from its 
labors of the morning) could not be a silent looker on. Spurring 
his horse, he dashed down into Chapman's line, and in a little 
while rode back out of the woods, with his leg mangled and bleed- 
ing from the rebel balls. The bright, glowing future as a cavalry 
leader, to which he had looked, was gone — and yet he rode back 
proudly and calmly, and heard without a murmur the sentence of 
the Surgeon, that the limb must come off immediately. Heroically 
submitting to the dangerous amputation, he asked to be taken 
home at once, was placed in an ambulance, taken to Harper's 
Ferry — twenty miles away — and the same night started homeward, 
his energy remaining unbroken throughout the entire journey. 

Exposed to the terrible fire of the infantry in front and the des- 
perate onslaughts of the cavalry on both flanks, Early's beaten 
army finally crumbled up and gave way, the remorseless cavalry 
riding over the frightened masses until the retreat became a general 
stampede. The Third New Jersey galloped off to the left, turned 
and charged into the road just at dusk. The enemy perceiving 
the exposed position of the little regiment, turned upon it with a 
terrible fire, from which it managed, however, to get away, and 
hostilities ceased for the night. 

In all the skirmishes and battles which followed, as the army 
marched up the Vallejr, the Third Division bore an important part. 
Wilson, whose perfect conduct began to be duly appreciated by 
the soldiers of the division, was promoted to the full rank of 
Major-General and sent to the Southwest, and his place supplied 
by General George A. Custer. Captain A. C. M. Pennington, of 
the regular artillery, was appointed Colonel of the Third New 
Jersey, and being the only officer of that rank in the brigade, took 
the place of Mcintosh. Many of the old men of the Harris Light 
had gone home, their term of service having expired, and their 
places were soon filled by strange recruits. Yet a few of the 
Sussex men who had re-enlisted remained, and with these we 
hasten on to the end. 



JERSEYMEN IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS, 



749 



The Battle of Cedar Creek, on the 19th of October, made Cas- 
ter's Division famous almost throughout the world. Undisturbed 
by the disaster in the morning, this division moved from the ex- 
treme right of the line, and went into position on the left of the 
Sixth Corps, near Newtown. By the aid of the cavalry, the Sixth 
Corps held that position until the arrival of Sheridan. The 
presence of the First and Third Divisions of Cavalry had as 
much to do with checkiDg the rebels as did the pillaging of our 
camps, to which is generally ascribed Early's failure to follow up 
his successes. When Sheridan had fully completed his prepara- 
tions for attack, Custer's and ITerritt's Divisions moved back to 
the right, and the whole army dashed forward against the rebels 
with irresistible force, breaking their lines and compelling them 
again to fly. Then the cavalry surpassed itself. Like a wild tor- 
nado it burst upon the bewildered foe, and rode down regiment 
after regiment, until thousands of rebels were left wandering in 
the rear, while battery after battery was overtaken and brought 
back to the delighted General. Custer's Division alone took 
twenty-six pieces of artillerj-, and pursued the enemy far beyond 
Fisher's Hill without halting. Caster's memorable address to his 
soldiers at the close of this fight, expresses his own proud admira- 
tion of their gallantry : 

" The history of this war, -when truthfully written, will contain no brighter page 
than that upon which is recorded the chivalrous deeds and the glorious triumphs of 
the soldiers of the Third Division."— Extract front General Orders, 19th of October, 
Cedar Creek, 

On the 28th of February, 1865 — just one year after the Kilpat- 
rick raid upon Richmond — the Third Division, enlarged by the addi- 
tion of Capehart's splendid brigade of loyal West Virginians, and 
the First Kew York Cavalry, marched through Winchester and 
took the broad Staunton Turnpike up the Valley, followed by the 
First Division, making- in all a " column of fours" twelve miles 
long. Behind this column came a pontoon and wagon train, the 
latter carrying only ammunition, coffee, sugar and salt— an indica- 
tion that the troops were to live upon the country, and do their 
own fighting. Sheridan rode with this column, leaving his " army" 
behind. The cavalry were now the army. 



750 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



For twenty days this column marched over Virginia at will, cap- 
turing the remnants of Early's Army at Waynesboro', destroying 
railroad bridges, track, depots, &c, and almost demolishing the 
Kichmond and Kanawha Canal. Not having sufficient pontoons to 
bridge the James, Sheridan, after menacing Lynchburg, marched 
down the river, circled around Eichmond, and made a demonstra- 
tion with Custer's Division upon the city, from the direction of 
Ashland Station, which drew out Pickett's Division of infantry. 
Custer having orders not to bring on an engagement, let the enemy 
play with the Harris Light, while he prepared to fall back. A 
battalion of the regiment, well out on the old telegraph road, first 
received the enemy and fought him persistently until completely out- 
flanked by a whole brigade, when it retired down the road, the enemy 
following through the pines in line of battle. In the meantime, 
two companies with Spencer carbines were dismounted by Colonel 
Randal, and concealed behind a little hedge or fence, in the midst 
of the pine thicket. As still as death these men lay, flat on the 
ground, as the rebels came on, cursing and swearing at having to 
march in line through such a thicket. Lieutenant-Colonel Birds- 
eye, behind a pine bush, kept watch. Close up to the hedge came 
the enemy — almost upon it. Then from behind the bush came the 
order, clear and sharp, c£ Fire !" Rising in one mass, the squad- 
ron delivered each man his seven bullets right into the face of the 
astounded brigade. Back flew the rebels without firing a shot; 
and at Five Forks many of them asked for the men who fought 
them at Ashland. Amidst the cheers of the regiment, the gallant 
squadron — all new men — mounted their horses and rode off as 
coolly as veterans. 

Late in March, in presence of Abraham Lincoln and General 
Grant, Sheridan's Cavalry marched across Grant's pontoons and 
joined the Army of the Potomac, south of the James, and again 
was united with the old Second Division. 

The Third Division entered the fight at Dinwiddie Court House 
late on the 31st, and decided the action of that day. At daylight 
the next morning, 1st of April, Pennington's and Capehart's Bri- 
gades, dismounted, began to skirmish for position. Lying close up . 



JERSEYMEN IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 



751 



to the enemy these brigades marched by the right flank, in single 
file, along the enemy's line, until near Five Forks, when the skir- 
mishing became very hot. Capeheart's Brigade was drawn out and 
mounted, leaving Pennington's alone on foot. The latter closed 
up directly and formed line just in front of Five Forks, a portion 
of the First Division, Fitzhugh's Brigade, on its right, and Caster's 
two mounted brigades on the left, lapping the right flank of the 
enemy's works. The Fifth Corps was further to the right, beyond 
the First Division. Pennington's Brigade unquestionably was the 
forlorn hope of that battle. Directly in front of the strongest point 
of the enemy's huge works covering the Five Forks, the little 
brigade advanced, at a given signal, out into the open ground, when 
it was met with a terrible, withering fire of musketry and artillery, 
too hot for mortal to stand. In vain our men essayed to reach the 
works. Our Spencers could not penetrate great logs. Amidst 
curses and groans and the yells of the enemy, the baffled brigade 
reeled back into the woods, where the rebel shot and shell crashed 
among the trees and tore men to atoms. Again the bugle sounded 
the charge, and away dashed the brigade. Again was the open field 
strewn with its dead. Eegiments crumbled up and shrank back 
into the woods. This was slaughter. One-fourth of the brigade 
was lying on the ground, dead or dying. The shot and shell flew 
through the woods, even cutting clown the trees. In this tempest 
of death a young boy attached to Pennington's headquarters rode 
gayly along the line with a large box of cartridges, which he threw 
out by handfulls to the men, who seized them as they would have 
seized golden coin. This was continued by the little hero until all 
were supplied. Once more the bugles sounded. Less confidently, 
but more angrily and sternly, the brigade advanced into the open 
ground, and Spencers and muskets rattled away furiously. "For- 
ward ! Forward !" the bugles rang out unceasingly ; a terrible roar 
and yell came from the right as the Fifth Corps this time charged 
with the cavalry. Sheridan and his flag went over the works, fol- 
lowed by Pennington's men and all the rest. The day closed on a 
great victory, won as much by Pennington's Brigade as by any 
troops engaged. Custer passing over the ground occupied by this 



752 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



brigade, expressed surprise. He had not known how hard his 
brigade had fought until then. Major O'Keefe — who left Sheri- 
dan's staff and took service in the Harris Light, in order to gain 
experience in active fighting— had fallen in the first charge, far in 
advance of his battalion. Four or five noble men went out amidst 
a shower of cowardly bullets and brought him in. Profusely 
bleeding from five wounds, he was finally taken to the rear just as 
a courier rushed back with the news of our victory. Faint from 
pain and loss of blood, O'Keefe raised up and gave three cheers, 
and sank back exhausted. He lived a month, and died universally 
mourned by a large circle of friends, from General Sheridan down 
to the private soldier. On his death bed, Sheridan handed him 
an appointment upon his staff, with the rank of Brevet Lieutenant- 
Colonel. That was the only inscription upon his coffin. The 
Government sent a regiment of cavalry to escort his remains to 
the express office, whence they were forwarded to Canada, He 
was of a noble Irish family, and came here at the first outbreak of 
the war to offer his services to our Government. Though but 
twenty -three years of age at the time of his death, he had with a 
few friends raised a regiment and taken it into the Pope's army in 
Italy, where he had won considerable distinction before our war 
broke out. This man, so brave, so passionate, yet so gentle, so 
manly and generous, deserves more than passing mention, and we 
gladly name him here, because — almost a stranger in our land — 
there are few who know of the great sacrifices he made for the 
cause he had espoused. 

On the 3d of April, the Third New Jersey and Harris Light 
fought the remnants of Pickett's and Johnson's Divisions at Sweat- 
house Creek, losing both together about forty men, and inflicting a 
much greater loss on the enemy, who finally shook off the two 
regiments, and continued his retreat. In this fight, among the 
killed was Sergeant J. Kelden Probasco, a promising young Jer- 
sey men. On the 6th, Pennington's Brigade, after much fighting 
during the day, helped to capture Ewell's Corps towards night, the 
Harris Light taking one thousand and five hundred prisoners and 
the brigade nearly three thousand, with many flags and guns. On 



JERSEYMEN IK OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 



753 



the 8th, the Harris Light came first upon the head of Lee's Army at 
Appomattox Station, and in the confusion of the rebels, ran off 
three trains of cars loaded with army stores, before Lee's troops 
could get any rations from them. This precipitated the regiment 
into a hot fight, the Third New Jersey coming to the rescue. The 
fight grew larger as more troops arrived, and Custer eventually 
had to ask for assistance from the First Division. The action closed 
about midnight with the capture of a battery and the abandonment 
of the position held by the enemy. The guns were divided be- 
tween the Harris Light and Third New Jersey. 

The next morning closed the fighting of the Cavalry Corps. 
When the flag of truce was discovered, Custer's and Davies' Divi- 
sions were on a charge around the enemy's front, and would have 
been upon the rebels in less than a minute. After the surrender, 
the cavalry marched nearly to North Carolina, when, receiving news 
of Johnston's capitulation, it turned and marched back to Peters- 
burg, and thence across the country to Washington, where it took 
part in the Grand Eeview, and leaving its laurels at the feet of the 
Nation's representatives, and bidding good-bye to war, it turned 
Northward and disappeared as a body forever. 

The number of Jerseymen who served in other organizations 
credited to New York, cannot be precisely ascertained. It is 
known that Company A, of the Twentieth New York Volunteers, 
was composed of citizens of this State, who served with eminent 
distinction. A company of men from Eahway also formed the 
nucleus of Bramhall's Battery. Originally going out as Company 
K, of the Ninth New York State Militia, the men were subse- 
quently sent to Poolesville, and there organized as a six-gun bat- 
tery, receiving recruits from New Jersey and New York. The 
battery participated in McClellan's campaign, being attached to 
Hooker's Division, of Heintzleman's Corps. Subsequently it was 
formed into flying artillery, and attached to Gregg's Cavalry Divi- 
sion, with which it remained until May, 1864, when it was sent to 
Washington, and thence into the Shenandoah. The battery was 
95 



754: 



XEW JERSEY A2STD THE REBELLION. 



distinguished as one of the best in the service. The Jerseymen 
connected with it as officers were : Walter M. Bramhall, First 
Lieutenant; Joseph Martin, Second Lieutenant; Moses P. Clark. 
Second Lieutenant. Bramhall subsequently became Captain, Mar- 
tin, First Lieutenant, and George W. Brown, Second Lieuten- 
ant. Bramhall afterwards resigning, Martin was promoted to Cap- 
tain, Clark to First Lieutenant, and Wade Wilson to Second Lieu- 
tenant. 

There were also two companies of Jerseymen in Serrell's Engi- 
neers, both of which achieved distinction by their gallant and faith- 
ful services, though they never received the credit to which they 
were entitled at the hands of superiors. 

The Forty-eightlf New York Regiment had two companies of 
Jerseymen — D and H. This regiment was raised by Reverend 
James Perry, D. D., pastor of the Pacific Street M. E. Church, 
in Brooklyn, who was a graduate of West Point, and had served 
in the Mexican War. The regiment was mustered at Camp 
Wyman, near Fort Hamilton, Long Island, in the summer of 1861, 
and was known as the Continental Guards. The moral character 
of the regiment was not surpassed, perhaps, by that of any regi- 
ment in the army, for in addition to undergoing the severe physi- 
cal examination, each man was required to furnish evidence of his 
moral standing, and none were received who could not satisfy the 
commandant upon this point. Company D, recruited mainly in 
Trenton, was commanded by Captain D. C. Knowles, professor in 
Pennington Seminary, with James 0. Paxson as First, and John 
Bodine as Second Lieutenants. Before leaving for Washington (on 
the 16th of September, 1861), the regiment was attached to Briga- 
dier-General E. T. Yiele's Brigade. On the 5th of October, leav- 
ing Washington, the command proceeded to Annapolis, Maryland, 
where it joined General Sherman's Expeditionary Corps, subse- 
quently called the Tenth Corps. While there, a detail from Com- 
pany D, acted as provost-guard, the city having been put under 
martial law. The expedition left Annapolis on the 21st, and after 
a stornw and perilous voj'age, reached Port Royal, which w^as 
attacked and taken — the Forty- eighth Regiment landing in South 



JERSEYMEN IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 



755 



Carolina on the 10th of November. On the 23d, forty-five men 
from Company D, with a like number from other companies, were 
detailed to build fortifications, in which work they exhibited both 
endurance and a high degree of efficiency. On the 1st of January, 
1862, the regiment took part in the battle of Port Koyal Ferry — 
Company D, together with Company H, and some others being 
detailed as skirmishers, and performing distinguished service. On 
the 26th, embarking on the steamer Winfielcl Scott, the regiment 
proceeded to operate against Fort Pulaski, the right wing landing 
at Pine Island, where, on February 1st, the steamer having got 
aground, Company D joined it, being placed in the right center of 
the command. On the 20th of March, the company proceeded to 
Jones' Island, where it remained until the 25th of May, when, Fort 
Pulaski having been taken, it was sent thither with the regiment 
and placed on garrison duty. Here, on June 18th, the Colonel 
died very suddenly. On the 8th of July, Captain Knowles left 
the regiment, his resignation having been accepted, and was suc- 
ceeded by Lieutenant J. 0. Paxson, promoted. On the 9th, Company 
D was sent to Tiber Island to relieve Company F, but only re- 
mained until the 19th, when it returned to Fort Pulaski, and 
remained on duty until late in September, when it formed part of 
an expedition against Blufton on Bull's Island. On the 22d of 
October it went on another expedition with the regiment up the 
Broad Eiver — attacking a train of rebel soldiers, and subsequently 
tearing up the railway track and destroying the telegraph line. 
This. was during the battle of Pocataligo Bridge, which inflicted 
severe damage on the enemy. On the 10th of November, the 
Forty-eighth having returned to Fort Pulaski, Company D was 
placed in charge of a battery of five guns, and from this time until 
June, 1863, continued uninterruptedly on garrison duty. 

When General Gilmore assumed command of the Department of 
the South, this company, with seven others, was withdrawn from 
the fort and formed into a battalion, as part of General Strong's 
Brigade, which was composed of the best troops in the Tenth Corps, 
selected to lead the assault on Fort Wagner. On the 10th of 
July, crossing Light-house Inlet in small boats, under a severe 



756 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



fire, the battalion assaulted and carried the works on the lower 
end of Morris Island. On the 18th, Company D, which was now 
known, from the burden of its favorite hymn, as "TheDie-no- 
Mores," formed part of the storming party which assaulted Fort 
Wagner, fighting bravely, but being almost annihilated by the 
terrible fire of the enemy. Its gallant leader, Captain Paxson, 
was killed, together with Sergeant J. G. Abbott and many others, 
all soldiers brave and true. One account says that of sixty-five 
men who marched to the assault, only twelve or fifteen came out 
unharmed. Sergeant Abbott was a soldier of marked intelligence 
and worth, and his record of the campaign, as faithfully kept and 
preserved, forms a remarkably complete history of all the opera- 
tions of the Department of the South up to the time when he fell. 
The survivors of the company served faithfully to the end, and in 
every emergency showed themselves worthy representatives of the 
historic fields of Trenton and Monmouth. The services of Com- 
pany H were equally efficient, and the record of the company no 
less honorable. 

The number of Jerseymen identified with Pennsylvania regi- 
ments was quite large. Among the companies of which we have 
accounts, was one raised in Belvidere by Charles W. Buttz, which, 
our quota being full, proceeded to Philadelphia and was there 
(September 13, 1861,) mustered in as Company I, of Harlan's 
Independent Cavalry, afterwards designated as the Eleventh Penn- 
sylvania Cavalry — Mr. Buttz accepting the position of the Second 
Lieutenant. After various movements, the regiment proceeded to 
Fortress Monroe, remaining in that vicinity until May, 1862, when 
it was divided, five companies being sent to Norfolk, and the other 
seven following McClellan up and clown the Peninsula — .Company 
I, known as the "Jersey Company," being with the latter. Sub- 
sequently, being stationed at Williamsburg, these companies per- 
formed picket duty, the regiment some time later being re-united 
at Suffolk under Colonel Spear. In 1863, during the Maryland 
invasion, General Dix, then commanding at Fortress Monroe, sent 



IEKSEYMEN IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 



757 



the regiment by way of Hanover Court House to destroy the rail- 
road leading from Gorclonsville and Fredericksburg to Kichmond — 
which service it performed, capturing a large wagon train and 
some two thousand horses and mules, with other property. At 
the South Anna Eiver, Company I, with others, was dismounted 
and had a sharp engagement with the enemy, having three men 
killed and eight wounded. Keturning to Suffolk, the regiment 
was dispatched on a scouting expedition along the Black water 
Eiver. During this expedition, Lieutenant Buttz, with twenty-five 
of his men, engaged three hundred of the enemy, and by a dashing 
charge succeeded in taking sixty-seven of the number prisoners 
and capturing a " rocket battery," with a good supply of ammu- 
nition. The enemy thus handsomely routed by the Jerseymen, 
consisted of members of the Second Geprgia Cavalry and one 
company of infantry. Thirty-two of the prisoners had severe 
wounds in the head, inflicted by the sabers of the assailants, whose 
loss was only one killed and three wounded. While in this depart- 
ment, Lieutenant Buttz was on several occasions detailed for service 
on court martials, as Judge Advocate, and for a period of two 
months was Provost Martial at Suffolk. AYhen Longstreet beseiged 
that place, Lieutenant Buttz acted as Aid-de-camp to Major-General 
Peck, and on one occasion, being detailed with a part of his com- 
pany for special service, captured forty-eight of the enemy — the 
exploit receiving favorable mention in General Peck's report to the 
War Department. During the remainder of the war, the " Jersey 
Company " served with distinguished credit — of the whole num- 
ber three being killed, five wounded, and two taken prisoners and 
never afterwards heard of. Among the killed was Corporal Hanu, 
of Hope, Warren County, who was shot through the heart by a 
guerilla named Smith, who was afterwards captured by Hamrs 
comrades and hung " without benefit of clergy." Hann was a 
brave and noble soldier — one of the bravest of the regiment to 
which he belonged. Of the whole number of survivors, only 
eighteen or twenty members of the company returned to New 
Jersey, the remainder settling in Virginia. Lieutenant Buttz, 
upon quitting the service, commenced the practice of the law at 



758 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Norfolk, where lie became prominent in political movements. He 
has received two brevets — one as Captain " for gallant and meri- 
torious conduct in capturing from the enemy a fall rocket battery,'' 
and the other as Major " for gallant and meritorious services in 
front of Suffolk "—both dating from March 13, 1865. 

Of individual Jerseymen who served in organizations of other 
States, or in the field at large, there were many who achieved dis- 
tinction. Of these, only a few, however, of whose services accounts 
have fortunately been obtained, can be named in this connection. 
Captain William E. Sturges, of Newark, entered the service as 
Quartermaster of the Second Regiment, but developing superior 
executive qualities, was early advanced to a position, on the staff 
of General Kearney. Here he performed his duties with marked 
credit, displaying the most fearless gallantry in action, and winning 
the cordial commendation of his commander, expressed in official 
reports and otherwise. At Williamsburg, he was " brave, active 
and judicious," and in subsequent engagements, finely sustained 
the reputation there achieved. 

Captain George B. Halstead, of Newark, was among the earliest 
volunteers in the National service. On the 16th of April, 1861, 
he was made Secretary of Commodore Stringham, commanding the 
Home Squadron, and subsequently of his successor, Commodore 
Goldsborough, with Yvdiom he remained until November 9th. 
Meanwhile, General Kearney having (August 81st,) offered him a 
staff position and secured his appointment as First Lieutenant, he 
reported to that officer, November 11th, for duty as Aid-de-camp, 
remaining with him until invited by General C. C. Augur to accept, 
with the permission of General Kearney, the position of Assistant 
Adjutant -General on his staff. Being nominated and confirmed 
Assistant Adjutant-General of Volunteers, with rank as Captain of 
cavalry, he joined General Augur at Upton Hill, Virginia, in 
January, 1862, where he commanded a brigade of New York 
troops. Captain Halstead remained in this position until General 
Augur was relieved, on account of sickness, of the command of his 



JERSEYMEN m OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 



759 



division in the Nineteenth Corps, after the surrender of Port Hud- 
son, July 9, 1863. During this period, Captain Halstead participa- 
ted in several severe engagements, being taken prisoner in the battle 
of Cedar Mountain, in Angust, 1862, while carrying an order to 
a distant part of the field. After remaining some two months in 
Libby Prison, Eichmond, he was paroled, and subsequently being 
regularly exchanged, rejoined his command in time to participate in 
the Banks' Expedition to Louisiana. In July, 1863, he was assigned 
to duty as Assistant Adjutant-General of the Corps d'Afrique, Briga- 
dier-General George L. Andrews commanding, with headquarters 
at Port Hudson, where he remained until the spring of 1864, when 
he was ordered North and assigned to duty in Tennessee with 
Brigadier-General Augustus L. Chetlain, with headquarters at Mem- 
phis. Captain Halstead remained in this department, engaged in 
organizing colored troops, until late in the summer, when he was 
ordered to Washington, and subsequently to his home in New Jer- 
sey to await orders. PXis next assignment to duty was with Major- 
General G. K. Warren, commanding the Fifth Corps, Army of the 
Potomac, then actively besieging Petersburg. Here he remained 
until the close of the war, participating in all the movements of 
the corps, and sharing in the battles of Quaker Eoad, White Oak 
Koad (where he was wounded but remained on the field), Five 
Forks, and Appamattox Court House. After the dissolution of 
the Armies, he was ordered to duty with Brigadier-General John 
Ely, at Trenton, where he remained until he received his honora- 
ble discharge, March 12, 1864, having been in the Nation's service, 
on sea and land, for a period of five years, lacking one month and 
four days. He was given a brevet Majority,. April 9, 1865, for 
gallant and meritorious services, which was but a fit recognition of 
the fidelity and efficiency with which he had discharged the duties 
of every position in which he had been placed. Captain Halsted 
was an early advocate of the organization of negro regiments, and 
while in the Gulf Department did as much as any other man to 
promote the utilization of the blacks by converting them into sol- 
diers, and educating them in the soldier's duty, There, as else- 
where, he was esteemed by all who came in contact with him as a 



760 



new jersey and the rebellion. 



genuine patriot and intrepid officer, whose whole heart was in the 
work in which he was engaged. 

George Arrowsmith, a native of Middletown, Monmouth County, 
entered the service as a Captain of the Twenty-sixth New York 
Eegiment, May 26, 1861. This regiment was assigned to Briga- 
dier-General McDowell's Division, where, in a short time, Arrow- 
smith's intrepidity gained for him universal favor. In the light of 
Culpepper, his gallantry was so conspicuous as to lead to his pro- 
motion by General Towers, to be Assistant Adjutant-General of 
his brigade. In the second battle cf Bull Bun he again distin- 
guished himself, and, when General Towers was wounded, led his 
command. At one time, not recognizing the rank of General 
Schenck, he rallied and led two regiments into the fight, amid a 
shower of grape and canister. His services at this battle gained 
marked encomiums from General McDowell, and one of the Gene- 
ral's staff wrote: "Arrowsmith has covered himself with glory." 
Although not wounded, his cap and clothes bore evidences of his 
narrow escape. Subsequently, he was offered the Colonelcy of the 
One Hundred and Seventy-seventh New York, but declining the 
position, was made Lieutenant-Colonel, in which capacity he dis- 
tinguished himself at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. In the 
latter battle, with his hat in one hand and his sword in the other, 
he went forward exclaiming, " Come, boys, follow me!" Suddenly 
the Colonel found his Lieutenant missing, and moving to the right 
discovered him lying on his back, badly wounded in the head, 
evidently insensible, and near his end. 'So terrible had been the 
exposure to which he had led his men, that only eighty out of four 
hundred and twenty who went in came out of the fight, and but 
eight officers out of twenty-six remained. Owing to the hot fire 
of the enemy, it was impossible to remove him, and his wounded 
comrades report that in a very short time he died. His Colonel 
describes him as "a brave man, a skillful officer, possessing a 
keen sense of honor, generous to a fault, and of the noblest 
impulses." And we may add that he was a truly religious man. 
His body has its resting place in Fair view Cemetery, Middletown 
township, where a comely granite monument, erected by citizens 



JERSEYMEN IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 



761 



who loved him in his youth and graduates of his University, attests 
their appreciation of his character and achievements. 

Huntington W. Jackson entered the service as Second Lieutenant 
of the Fourth Eegiment, in September, 1862, abandoning his col- 
legiate pursuits in order to engage in his country's defence. He 
was soon promoted to First Lieutenant and Aid-de-camp to Major- 
General Newton, of the First Army Corps, and subsequently had 
a p'ace on the staff of Major-General Howard, Army of the Ten- 
nessee, serving with the Army of the Potomac from the battle of 
Antietam until April, 1864, and with the army of General Sher- 
man, from Chattanooga to Jonesboro, Georgia. In all the battles, 
including some of the severest of the war, in which he participated, 
he displayed not only the highest courage but a discretion and 
maturity of judgment seldom found in one of his years. In the 
Chancellorsville campaign, he was commended by General Sedg- 
wick for special gallantry in volunteering to rally an assaulting 
column at Marye's Heights, Fredericksburg (May 3d, 1863). The 
column had broken and the men were falling back, but Lieutenant 
Jackson having obtained permission, and exposing himself to a fire 
that killed and wounded one hundred and sixty men out of four 
hundred in the leading regiment, rallied the column and passed 
with it into the enemy's works. General Newton, while speaking 
of Lieutenant Jackson's military and personal conduct as uniformly 
meritorious and effective, refers particularly to several conspicuous 
acts of gallantry, using the following language : : ' At the battle of 
Gettysburg, he was distinguished for gallant services, and at the 
assault upon the rebel works at Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 
27th, 1861, while at the front, and in the act of encouraging the 
men, he was wounded and brought off the field. While at home 
recovering from his wound, his regiment likewise being in the 
course of muster out, he obtained permission to rejoin my staff, and 
was present at the closing operations of General Sherman, which 
led to the capture of Atlanta." 2 General Howard, in a letter to the 
War Department, recommended Lieutenant Jackson for three 



2 Letter of General Newton to the War Department. 

96 



762 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



brevets, "one for special gallantry at Eocky Face Kidge, near Dal- 
ton, Georgia, one for gallantry at Kenesaw, and a third for the 
battle of Jonesboro," where he served on that officer's staff. Lieu- 
tenant Jackson was brevetted Lieutenant-Colonel in 1866. Among 
the many young men whose bravery and efficiency conferred honor 
upon New Jersey, none were his superiors in any of the qualities 
which help to constitute the perfect soldier. 

Captain Joseph C. Jackson, brother of the last named, entered 
the service at an early period in the war, serving for a time on the 
staff of General Kearney, and subsequently on that of General 
Franklin, enjoying in a large degree the confidence of both com- 
manders. In the Peninsula campaign, his duties, necessarily ardu- 
ous and difficult, were performed with marked ability and efficiency, 
while on other occasions in his experience demanding courage and 
sagacity, he exhibited an intelligence and zeal for the good of the 
service, which secured for him an enlarged appreciation among our 
best and most discriminating officers. 

William S. Stryker entered the service in response to the first 
call for troops, serving as a private with the three months' men. 
Subsequently he assisted in organizing the Fourteenth Kegiment, 
and in February, 1863, was made a Paymaster and ordered to Hil- 
ton Head. There he was made Major and Aid-de-camp to General 
Gilmore, participating in the capture of Morris Island, and the 
bloody night attack on Fort Wagner. Subsequently, owing to ill- 
ness, he was transferred to the North and placed in charge of the 
Pay Department at Parole Camp, Columbus, Ohio. He was bre- 
veted Lieutenant-Colonel " for meritorious services during the war," 
and resigning in June, 1866, was some months later appointed 
Adjutant-General of the State. His record from first to last was 
that of a brave soldier and true patriot. 

Lieutenant John M. Williams, during the second year of the 
war, was pursuing his studies in the college of New Jersey, but 
filled with patriotic ardor, in September of that year, in company 
with several of his classmates, enlisted in the Anderson Cavalry, 
as a body-guard to General Kosecrans. Late in December, 1862, 
he participated in a skirmish near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, then pro- 



JERSEYMEN IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 



763 



ceeding to Tennessee, where he was for a time engaged in guerilla 
warfare. " His courage in battle and his coolness in the hour of 
danger soon impressed his superior officers, and he was appointed 
a Lieutenant and Adjutant of the Seventeenth Kentucky Volun- 
teers. He was prostrated by fever, and yet so eager was he to dis- 
charge his duty that at the request of his Colonel he took the oath 
of office while reclining upon his couch. But he could not enter 
upon his duties, for he fell in the very outset of his career. He 
died of typhoid fever, August 9, 1863, at McMinville, Tennessee." 8 
Colonel Cornelius W. Tolles entered the service as the private 
secretary of General Kunyon in the spring of 1861, but was soon 
made Assistant Adjutant-General of the detached (militia) brigade. 
On the 17th of August, of the same year, he was appointed First 
Lieutenant of the Thirteenth Regular Infantry, and a year later 
assumed the position of Chief Quartermaster of the Sixth Army 
Corps, retaining it under Generals Franklin, Sedgwick and Wright. 
In this responsible and arduous position he discharged his duties 
with marked ability and fidelity, insomuch that much of the effi- 
ciency of that celebrated corps is said by competent authority to 
have been due to his influence and exertions. He was under fire 
in nearly all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, and saved 
the material of the army both in the retreat to Harrison's Landing 
and in the retrograde movement from Centerville to Drainesville. 
On other occasions he displayed the same high efficiency, extorting 
praise from all who were cognizant of his services. General Meigs 
at one time commended his worth in a general order, and the Sec- 
retary of War mentioned his name with honor in his report. Col- 
onel Tolles possessed high intellectual ability, having before the 
war enjoyed an exalted reputation as a journalist, and was in many 
respects peculiarly qualified for that branch of the military profes- 
sion in which he served. He was eminently methodical, had great 
self-reliance, was incapable of fear, and acted continually, more- 
over, under the pressure of the profoundest patriotic feeling. 
Having escaped the perils of honorable battle^ he finally fell a 



3 " The Princeton Roll of Honor," by Professor Cameron. 



764 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



victim to the murderous malice of guerillas in the Shenandoah 
Yalley. While acting as Chief Quartermaster on General Sheri- 
dan's staff, surrounded by a small escort of twenty -five men, guard- 
ing a single ambulance, himself unarmed, he was ambuscaded and 
shot, and died October 11, 1864, sincerely mourned by all his army 
associates, as well as by a large circle of friends in New Jersey and 
elsewhere. 4 

One of the first Jerseymen to enter the service of the country 
in the war, was Major Lindley Hoffman Miller, son of Jacob W. 
Miller, formerly United States Senator from New Jersey. Major 
Miller had for several years been engaged in the practice of the 
law in New York. He had belonged to no military organization, 
and was actively engaged in the duties of his profession. Instantly 
upon the proclamation of the President, in April, 1861, he left his 
office and sought a place as private in the Seventh Kegiment, then 
about to move to Washington. Sacrificing the happiness of a near 
betrothal, he marched with that regiment on the 20th of April, 
and shared in the duties of that first campaign. Again in the 
summer of 1862 he left his bride at the altar to obey the order, 
summoning the regiment to its second term of service at that 
critical period. In the fall of 1863, he entered the army as a 
Captain in the First Kegiment of Arkansas Volunteers (colored), 
for permanent service. His conduct in several most trying 
positions was so well appreciated by his superior officers that he 
was soon promoted to the rank of Major in a new colored regiment 
in Missouri. During a short visit to his home before entering on 
his new duties, he died in New York, July 2, 1864, from a fever 
which he had contracted during his Western campaigns. His 
military career, though in itself unimportant, furnished an exam- 
ple of that lofty spirit of patriotism in which the war was so 
fruitful. Surrounded by friends, in a promising and lucrative pro- 

4 General Sheridan, in a letter to Professor Cameron, of Princeton College, says of 
Colonel Tolles : "The ability, energy and perseverance displayed by Colonel Tolles, 
while surrounded as he was during the time he served in the Valley, by the innumer- 
able difficulties which naturally attend an army newly and quickly organized, stamped 
him as one of the ablest officers in his department. I cannot say too much in his 
praise." 



JERSEYMEN IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS. 



765 



fessional position, possessing in a high degree the " genius to 
be loved," he surrendered all to his convictions of duty, and 
gave himself, instantly and without hesitation, to the cause of 
Liberty and Progress. Urged by no selfish ambition, tempted by 
no high position, he simply felt that the cause called him — that his 
country needed self-sacrificing men — and having a life to give, he 
gave it. 



CHAPTER XLI. 



THE INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA IN 1863. 

Eaely in the month of June, 1863, the rebel army under Gen- 
eral Lee, abandoning its position in Virginia, suddenly invaded 
Pennsylvania, and moving swiftly to various important points, 
occupied them in force, while detachments of cavalry were advanced 
towards Harrisburg and other strategical centers. The alarm occa- 
sioned by these demonstrations of the enemy was profound and 
universal. The authorities of Pennsylvania, unable to furnish suf- 
ficient troops to offer any effective resistance to the invaders, called 
upon the Governors of adjoining States for aid in the work of de- 
fence — the first appeal from Governor Curtin to Governor Parker 
of this State being made by telegram, on the loth day of June. 
In response to this appeal, Governor Parker on the 17th, issued 
two proclamations — one calling for volunteers to " press forward to 
the assistance of Pennsylvania in this emergency," and the other 
appealing to the nine months' regiments which had just returned 
to unite in the effort to repel the invasion of a sister State. Under 
the first of these proclamations, Colonel William R. Murphy (for- 
merly Colonel of the Tenth Regiment, 1 ) started from Borden town 



1 Colonel Murphy, at the time the war commenced, was in command of a militia 
company, known as "Company A, National Guard," of Trenton. On the day that 
the President's proclamation calling for troops was issued, Captain Murphy called a 
meeting of the company to determine what course it should pursue, hut on the same 
day (April 16, 1861,) an order was placed in his hands by the Adjutant-General direct- 
ing him to report for duty to the Quartermaster-General to garrison the State Arsenal. 
This duty was faithfully performed, and subsequently many of the men served bravely 
in the field. Colonel Murphy was a genuine soldier, and his efforts in reorganizing 
the Tenth Regiment were especially valuable. In reference to his company, here 
alluded to, the Adjutant-General of the State, says : " Company A, National Guard, of 
Trenton, was organized November 30, 1860, and at the time the war broke out was in a 
fine state of discipline. It had in its ranks the best young men of the city. It was 
the first company under arms in the North, and it is claimed, as I think with truth, 



THE INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA IN 1863. 



767 



on the morning of the 18th with one company, reaching Harris- 
burg at twelve o'clock the same night — some hours before any of 
the volunteers from Philadelphia arrived. Three other companies 



that Captain Murphy issued the first military order which was promulgated after the 
publication of the President's proclamation. From the hour when the company was 
detailed for service at the State Arsenal, the most vigorous discipline commenced, 
and Captain Murphy became the great drill-master of the organization. Of the fifty- 
six men on constant duty there, forty-five enlisted in the army or received commis- 
sions therein. The company boasts to-day, with none to challenge it, that it sent, for 
its size, more men to the war than any organization in the North. On the 19th of 
June, 1863, having recruited their depleted i*anks, under the call of Governor Curtin 
' for the emergency,' they hurried to Harrisburg, passing on the route Pennsylvania 
companies organizing, and were the first to report to Governor Curtin for assignment 
to duty. As men of another State they were warmly complimented by him for their 
alacrity and splendid discipline." 

The following shows the subsequent career of some of the men connected with this 
organization : 

Corporal George Heisler, Second Lieutenant, United States Marines ; First Lieuten- 
ant, United States Marines; injured by concussion of shell at the attack on New 
Orleans ; assisted for two hours on flag-ship Hartford, in the bombardment of Vicks- 
burg ; died a few hours thereafter in the hospital at Memphis, Tennessee. Corporal 
James W. McNeely, First Lieutenant, Company G, Tenth Regiment New Jersey Vol- 
unteers ; Captain, Company G, Tenth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers ; Major, 
Second New Jersey Volunteers ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Second New Jersey Volunteers ; 
Colonel, Second New Jersey Volunteers. Corporal Henry R. Clark, Second Lieuten- 
ant, Company A, Fifth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers ; killed at the battle of Get- 
tysburg. Joseph Abbot, jr., First Lieutenant, Company B, Seventh Regiment, New 
Jersey Volunteers; aid to General Hooker; Provost-Marshal of Hooker's Division, 
rank of Captain; Captain, Company B, Seventh Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers ; 
killed at the battle of second Bull Run. Caldwell K. Hall, Adjutant, Fifth Regiment, 
New Jersey Volunteers ; Chief of Ordnance, General Hooker's Staff; Aid to General 
Patterson; wounded at the battle of Williamsburg : Major, Fourteenth New Jersey 
Volunteers ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Fourteenth New Jersey Volunteers ; brevet Briga- 
dier-General, United States Volunteers. James C. Hunt, First Lieutenant, Company 
I, First New Jersey Cavalry ; Second Lieutenant, Second Cavalry (Regulars); Adju- 
tant, Second Cavalry; First Lieutenant, Second Cavalry; Captain, Second Cavalry; 
brevet Major. De Klyn Lalor, First Lieutenant, Company E, Fifth New Jersey Vol- 
unteers ; killed at the battle of Williamsburg. Daniel Loder, jr., First Lieutenant, 
Company A, Sixth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers; Aid to General Peck; Major, 
Tenth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers. William C. McCall, First Lieutenant, Com- 
pany B, Sixth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers ; Captain, Fourteenth Infantry (Reg- 
ulars). Charles J. McConnell, Third Assistant Engineer, United States Navy ; Second 
Assistant Engineer, United States Navy ; First Assistant Engineer, United States 
Navy. John C. MeLaughlin, enlisted in Company K, Twenty-third Pennsylvania 
Volunteers ; Fourth Sergeant, Company K, Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers ; 
Third Sergeant, Company K, Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers ; taken prisoner 
in hospital at Savage's Station, Virginia; released, and died soon after in the hospital 
at Philadelphia. Charles V. C. Murphy, First Lieutenant, Company A, Tenth New 
Jersey Volunteers ; Deputy Provost Marshal of Washington, District of Columbia ; 
Aid to General Wadsworth ; prisoner at Richmond. T. Malcolm Murphy, Sergeant- 
Major, Second New Jersey Cavalry; Captain, Company A, Third New Jersey Cavalry ; 
Major, Third New Jersey Cavalry. William Sloan, Sergeant, Company A, Fifteenth 
New Jersey Volunteers; Captain, United States Colored Troops ; Second Lieutenant, 



768 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



from New Jersey followed, all with orders to report to Colonel 
Murphy, which they did. The command when complete was con- 
stituted and officered as follows : Company A, National Guard, of 
Trenton, Lieutenant Bellville commanding; Company B, of Tren- 
ton, Captain Marshall commanding ; Company C, of Trenton, 
Captain Manning commanding ; Company D, of Lambertville, 
Captain Hughes commanding. There was also a company from 
Camden, under command of Captain James M. Scovel, who were 
ordered by the commanding General to report to Colonel Murphy 
for duty, but as soon as the order was promulgated, the company 
unaccountably disbanded — a fact which perhaps needs no comment. 

Soon after the command reached Harrisburg, an order was issued 
by the War Department directing that all troops volunteering for 
the defence of Pennsylvania should be mustered into the service 
of the United States for six months unless sooner discharged. This 
created a considerable commotion among the men, 2 and Governor 



Eleventh United States Infantry. John Stull, enlisted in Company K, Twenty-third 
Pennsylvania Volunteers ; Second Sergeant, Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers ; 
First Sergeant, Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers; First Lieutenaut, Company 
K, Third New Jersey Cavalry. William S. Stryker, Paymaster, United States Army; 
Aid to General Gillmore, with the rank of Major, in the siege of Charleston ; brevetted 
Lieutenant-Colonel; Adjutant-General of New Jersey. Caleb C. Vansyckle, enlisted 
in Company C, Fourth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers ; First Sergeant, Company 
C, Fourth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers ; Second Lieutenant, Company C, Fourth 
Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers; prisoner at Richmond; First Lieutenant, Com- 
pany F, Fourth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers ; Captain, Company H. Peter D. 
Vroom, Adjutant, First Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers; wounded in the battle of 
South Mountain ; Major, Second New Jersey Cavalry; First Lieutenant, Third United 
States Cavalry (Regulars) ; brevetted Captain and Major. Edgar Whittaker, enlisted 
in Company C, Fourth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers ; Second Sergeant, Company 
C, Fourth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers ; First Sergeant, Company C, Fourth 
Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers ; Second Lieutenant, Company C, Fourth Regiment, 
New Jersey Volunteers ; Adjutant, Twenty-ninth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers ; 
Aid-de-camp to General G. B. Paul. John J. Willis, Captain, Company C, Eleventh 
New Jersey Volunteers. Aaron Wilks, Second Lieutenant, Company B, Sixth Regi- 
ment, New Jersey Volunteers ; First Lieutenant, Company B, Sixth Regiment, New 
Jersey Volunteers ; Adjutant, Sixth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers ; killed at the 
battle of Williamsburg. Samuel K. Wilson, jr., Captain, Company I,' Twenty-eighth 
Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers; Major, Twenty-eighth Regiment, New Jersey 
Volunteers. James C. Hillman, Third Assistant Engineer, United States Navy. 
Frank V. Payson, Assistant-Surgeon, Seventh Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers. 

- Adjutant-General Stockton, in his report for 1863, gives the following account of 
the circumstances under which the "emergency men" were sent forward, and the 
effect of the order of the War Department : 

"On the 15th of the month, a telegram from the War Department informed the 



THE INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA IN 1863. 



769 



Parker being unwilling to lose the control of his troops by per- 
mitting them to be mustered into the National Army, and so made 
liable to be dispatched in any direction and on any service whatever, 
sent his private Secretary with an order directing the return of the 
troops under Colonel Murphy's command. The latter, however, 
being unwilling to abandon Harrisburg while it was menaced by 



Governor that the movements of the rebel forces in Virginia were sufficiently devel- 
oped to show that General Lee, with his whole army, was moving forward to invade 
Maryland, Pennsylvania and other States ; that the President, to repel this invasion, 
had promptly called upon Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Western Virginia for one 
hundred thousand volunteers for six months, unless sooner discharged, and the Gov- 
ernor was requested to inform the Department what number, in answer to a special 
call of the President, he could raise and forward for six months' service without 
bounty, to be credited upon the draft then expected, to which answer was immedi- 
ately made that every means would be taken to ascertain how many men could be 
raised for such service, and that the Department would be notified of the result as 
soon as ascertained. While this information was being obtained, an urgent appeal 
was made by the State of Pennsylvania for assistance, in view of the expected invasion. 

" It was impossible to have men mustered into the service of the United States for 
six months' service as expeditiously as would seem to be required by the appeal of 
his Excellency, the Governor of Pennsylvania ; the nine months' regiments had just 
been returned to the State to be mustered out, and an unfortunate misunderstanding 
before alluded to, gave a hesitancy to such enlistment. 

" The Secretary of War was therefore intormed of the appeal made, and asked by 
telegraph if recruiting for six months' service should be delayed, and State militia 
forwarded to Pennsylvania; to which answer was returned, 'forward to Pennsyl- 
vania all the troops you can.' 

" Under these circumstances, all action under the request for volunteers or militia 
for the United States service was suspended, and the Governor, by proclamation of 
date of 17th of June, called upon the citizens of the State to meet and organize as 
militia of New Jersey, to assist in the defence of their sister State. 

"It had been determined to raise a division of some twelve thousand militia, and 
from the hearty response which was made to this proclamation, it undoubtedly could 
have been done in a short time, but while these troops were being raised, it was 
deemed advisable to accept, for thirty days' service, a battalion of State militia, and 
the Twenty-third and Twenty-seventh militia Regiments, under command of Colonels 
Grubb and Mindil, which had volunteered their services to the State. 

" These troops could be expeditiously forwarded to the succor of Harrisburg, then 
supposed to be in imminent danger, while they could be subsequently relieved by the 
division of State militia, which was in process of organization as has been stated; but 
on the 20th of June, before this division left the State, it became evident that their 
services would not be required, and the Governor accordingly paused in the exertions 
being made towards raising and equipping a large militia force. 

" The request of Governor Curtin, that the State militia in Pennsylvania should be 
mustered into the United States service, was denied, for the reason that these troops 
had been enlisted as State militia. 

" This militia remained in Pennsylvania until the expiration of its term of service. 

"The troops forwarded from this State had the honor of being the first effective 
force that arrived at the Capital of our sister State, and the exertion on the part of 
Governor Parker was gratefully acknowledged by the Governor of Pennsylvania." 

97 



770 



XETV JERSEY AXD THE REBELLION. 



the enemy, induced the Governors messenger to withhold the 
order, and Major-General Couch, who commanded the department 
of the Susquehannah, consenting that the troops from New Jersey 
should be exempted from the order of the War Department, they 
remained on duty. Soon after, the plans of the enemy being more 
fully developed, Colonel Murphy received orders to occupy and 
hold the pass (Clark's Ferry) at the junction of the Juniatta river 
with the Susquehannah, some twenty miles west of Harrisburg. 
At this time, General Early occupied Carlisle with the Stonewall 
Jackson Corps, twelve thousand strong, and it was supposed that 
he intended to move by way of Clark's Ferry so as to flank the 
batteries in front of Harrisburg on the west bank of the Susque- 
hannah, and attack the city in the rear. Colonel Murphy's orders 
were to prevent the crossing at all hazards, but if not possible, then 
to blow up the bridge over the Susquehannah. Before marching, 
a company of Pennsy]vanians was placed under Colonel Murphy's 
command, the entire force numbering about four hundred men. 
It seemed little less than mockery to thrust this little force, with- 
out even a piece of artillery, in the path of the best corps in the 
rebel army, but Colonel Murphy did not hesitate to undertake the 
duty assigned him. 3 Upon arriving at CJark's Ferry, in pursuance 
of orders from General Couch, he surveyed the whole position, and 
finding that it would be useless to attempt to prevent the crossing 
of the Juniatta, it being fordable everywhere, adopted all the 
measures he could devise to hold the bridge over the Susquehannah. 
Among other things, he made a hersillon at the west entrance, 
removed the flooring at a point on the bridge where the distance 
to the water was thirty or forty feet ; built barricades on the 
bridge and along the approaches to it, from which the advance of 
the enemy could be checked and harrassed, and as a last resort to 
impede his progress, placed six kegs of powder, with fuses attached, 
and with timbers on the girders under which the powder was 



s Colonel Murphy learned a few days afterwards from a well-informed negro, who 
was servant to one of Early's staff officers, that this was the route determined upon, 
and that the cavalry attached to the corps had advanced six miles in the direction of 
the position occupied by the Jersey command. 



THE INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA IN 1863. 771 

placed, and reaching to the main cords at the top of the super- 
structure, so that an entire span, over the deepest part of the river, 
could be blown out in ninety seconds after lighting the fuses. Here 
the command remained, constant telegrams from headquarters, and 
statements received by our pickets from the mounted scouts fur- 
nished by Mr. John Wistar, proprietor of some extensive iron 
works, keeping the men lying on their arms for six days, almost 
hourly expecting the advance of the enemy. 4 Fortunately, how- 
ever, that enemy had encountered a formidable obstacle at another 
point of the field, and the Jerseymen lying on guard along the 
Susquehannah were not called upon to face him in deadly conflict. 
The battle of Gettysburg, where other Jerseymen fought with 
royal courage, ended the invasion, and at the end of thirty days 
from the time they left ISTew Jersey, Colonel Murphy's command 
was ordered by General Couch to report at Trenton, where they 
arrived J uly 18th, and were at once discharged. 

It is no more than due to the men composing this little battalion, 
to record that throughout they exhibited the highest soldierly 
qualities. Although but very few of them had ever seen service 
before, they all endured the hardships and privations of the short 
but rough campaign, and submitted to the most rigid and exacting 
discipline, in a manner which would have done credit to vete- 
rans. They were not, indeed, called upon to meet the hazards of 
battle, but their services were none the less valuable as part of the 
general plan of defence, and the high motives which led them to 
hasten to the assistance of a sister State, were certainly no less 
deserving of honorable mention in this record of Xew Jersey's 
part in the war for the Union/ 



* On the 8th of July, the command was ordered to Marysville, about midway between 
Harrisburg and Duneannon (the latter being- three miles below Clark's Ferry), and at 
the junction of the Pennsylvania Central Railroad and the Northern Central Railway. 
This was after the result of the battle of Gettysburg- was known, and when no armed 
rebels remained in the State. 

5 Governor Curtin, in a letter to Governor Parker, dated June 2-ith, said: " I cannot 
close this communication without expressing to you the thanks of the people of 
Pennsylvania, for your promptness in responding to their calls, and to the people of 
|j©w Jersey for the patriotic disposition they so truly manifest, and their willingness 
to take up arms for our defence." An autograph letter from President Lincoln to 
Governor Parker, dated June 30th, expressed a similar acknowledgment of the efforts 
made in New Jersey to get troops forward. 



CHAPTER XLII. 



LEGISLATION OF THE WAR PERIOD. 

Thus — as we have seen in the preceding pages — in the searching 
struggle for national existence, New Jersey performed her part in 
behalf of liberty and of Constitutional Government. Thus, by the 
heroism of her sons, by the fidelity of the masses of her people to 
the great principles involved in the conflict she vindicated her 
name against the sneers and reproaches of unthinking assailants, 
and compelled the whole nation to respect her character. "While 
in some other States, disaffection flowered into open turbulence, 
and unreasoning prejudices menaced with overthrow all the bar- 
riers of order, and all the safeguards of society, ISTew Jersey, with 
only here and there a malignant tory, held up with steady hand 
the authority and power of the Government, faithfully fulfilling 
all the obligations laid upon her by the pressure of events. There 
were, indeed, occasional public expressions of sentiments which 
scarcely did us honor, but they were partizan nnd exceptional, 
and found no hearty echo among the masses of the people. 
So there were men and presses which, if they did not actually 
obstruct, at least had no word of cordial sympathy for the loyal 
cause ; but popular opinion, branding them with infamy as they 
deserved, swept them aside as unworthy of confidence or respect. 
Some of these men were, for seditious utterances, incarcerated as 
State prisoners in Government jails ; others were condemned by 
juries of their peers ; while others, still escaping the clutch of the 
law, skulked into obscurity, smitten to the marrow by the popular 
indignation and contempt. 

In a country like our own, there must, obviously, always be 
varieties of political opinion, seeking development and application 
in hostile parties. It would not be desirable, even were it possi- 



LEGISLATION OF THE WAR PERIOD. 



773 



ble, that all men should agree touching the many questions which 
arise for determination. Antagonisms of opinion in a free society 
are purifiers ; even their violence serves, now and then, to shake 
down abuses and expose evils which calmer controversy would not 
startle from the dusty nooks where they have found refuge and 
shelter. It was only natural, therefore — this being the tendency 
of our life, and the necessity of our form of government — that 
there should be exhibitions of party feeling during a struggle 
which impelled into the arena of discussion a vast multitude of 
grave and novel questions. Even had all men agreed as to the 
justice and propriety of the war itself, it could not be expected 
that the whole people would concur as to all the details of 
the policy upon which it should be conducted. The people 
of England, while unanimously justifying the participation of 
their Government in the struggle in the Crimea, not only pro- 
tested at the time against the method of that participation, 
but condemn to this day the alliance in which, as they claim, 
they merely gave respectability to Louis Napoleon — the man who 
" strangled a nation in the night time" — without reaching a single 
end, in the interest of humanity, that might not have been as 
readily accomplished without his aid. All wars are irruptions of, 
and violences upon, nature, and must in the nature of the case 
provoke into action the baser as well as the grander passions, 
developing every form of sentiment and securing to each a train 
of followers. It ought not, therefore, to excite surprise that, 
during our transition period, there were conflicting parties, repre- 
senting not so much perhaps antagonistic views as to the war itself, 
as radically opposite sentiments as to the manner in which it should 
be prosecuted, and the measures, especially those possessing a 
political significance, which were adopted by the supreme authority 
in furtherance of its objects. In no State, perhaps, did the sentiment 
of the party which objected to the policy of the Government, find 
more violent expression than in New Jersey ; but outside of a 
small circle of political leaders, that sentiment was merely, as we 
may charitably suppose, as to matters of policy, and did not involve 
any actual protest as to the essential righteousness of the struggle 



774 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



in which we were engaged. The legislation of the war period, 
during which the party in question had almost constant control of 
that branch of the State Government, was in the main unexcep- 
tionable ; though, in the debates upon public measures, expressions 
amounting almost to avowals of sympathy with the enemy were 
frequently made, they were seldom supported by acts, and even 
those who ventured upon the obnoxious outgivings would have 
recoiled, perhaps, from the consequences of their universal accep- 
tance. The only conspicuous and deliberate expression of opinion 
by the Legislature which seriously outraged the people, was made 
ill a series of resolutions and a protest adopted in March, 1863, in 
which the General Government was accused of usurpation, and 
Congress was solicited to appoint commissioners to meet commis- 
sioners similarly appointed by the insurgent States, " for the pur- 
pose of considering whether any, and if any, what plan may be 
adopted, consistent with the honor and dignity of the National 
Government, by which the present civil war may be brought to a 
close." This proposition, taken in connection with the terms of the 
accompanying protest, was very generally and properly regarded 
as not merely disgraceful to the people of the State, but as an 
insult to every soldier in the field; as exhibiting, indeed, a spirit of 
cowardice and disaffection which nothing: whatever could excuse. 
The insurgents were still in the field with arms in their hands ; 
they had rebelled without cause, deliberately seeking the life of the 
Nation ; .and for the Government to propose an armistice, or think 
of peace while they still defied its authority, would have been to 
abdicate the right to live, and invoke anarchy, disintegration and 
death. They were the offenders ; from them must come the appeal 
for a cessation of hostilities. Such was the thought and decree of 
all patriotic men; and it was hence inevitable that this legislative 
expression should doom all who united in it to just and deserved 
infamy, as poltroons who would have lowered the Nation's flag — 
never yet dishonored in any combat with foreign peoples — in dis- 
grace and defeat at the beck of traitors and insurgents whose crimes 
had filled the whole world with horror. 

The legislation of the State during the war period, of course 



LEGISLATION OF THE WAR PERIOD. 



covered a great variety of topics. We have said that in the main it 
was praiseworthy and patriotic, and this we now proceed to show 
by a recital of the principal proceedings. Almost immediately 
upon the outbreak of hostilities, Governor Olden summoned the 
Legislature to meet at Trenton for the purpose of considering the 
question of defence, and it accordingly convened on the 30th of 
April, at once addressing itself to the important work before it. 
Its first enactment conferred upon the authorities of the City of 
Newark, authority to issue bonds to the amount of one hundred 
thousand dollars, the proceeds thereof to be applied to the support 
of the families of persons residing in that city who might volun- 
teer in the military service of the Union, or who might be called 
into such service by the Government of this State or of the United 
States. This was followed by acts conferring similar powers upon 
the authorities of Trenton, Jersey City, Eahway, Camden and 
Bordentown — in all of which places, aid was thus given, during 
the whole period of the war, to the families of volunteers. An 
act was also passed authorizing the State to borrow money to an 
amount not exceeding two millions of' dollars, to meet the neces- 
sary expenditures incurred in aiding in the suppression of the 
rebellion, or in repelling any invasion of this State. A further 
law was enacted authorizing the Governor, should he at any time 
deem it necessary, to form, equip and arm four, or any less number 
of regiments, for the protection of the State, and to detach them, 
upon emergency, for the service of the United States ; also to take 
the necessaiy measures for the protection of the exposed seaboard 
and river coasts of the State, and to cause the arms belonging to 
the Commonwealth to be so altered as to be effective. Authority 
was also given for the purchase of ten thousand additional stand 
of arms of the most approved pattern, together with such artillery 
and military stores as might be necessary to the proper defence of 
the State. A law was also passed providing that the sum of six 
dollars a month should be paid to the families of "such married 
persons of the militia of this State, and to the widowed mothers of 
such persons without families, dependent upon them for support," 
as might be mustered into the military service; and also enacting 



776 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



that the pay of the non-commissioned officers, musicians and pri- 
vates so mustered in from this State, should be increased at the rate 
of four dollars a month in addition to the pay allowed by law — 
such increase, however, not to apply to such portion of the State 
Militia as were provided for in payment to their families. 1 

1 " The Supreme Court, iu giving interpretation to this law, was of the opinion that 
the "benefits of the act were confined to those organizations of volunteers or militia 
that were raised in the State by State authority, including all troops accepted by the 
State, whether previously resident here or not, and that the first section of the act 
extended only to families or widowed mothers having their permanent residence in 
this State at the time of the enlistment of the volunteer. 

" The original State pay rolls were prepared in accordance with the opinion given by 
the Supreme Court of the State, and contained the names of those in State organi- 
zations who had families or widowed mothers entitled to the benefits of the act. These 
rolls were forwarded to the Clerk's office of the county in which the respective fami- 
lies or widowed mothers resided, and payment made upon the same. Alterations 
were made from time to time, as the change of the condition of the men, or the change 
of residence of the families demanded, the names of deserters, discharged and deceased 
soldiers were dropped, and additions made, as the exigencies of the service required. 
Alteration or correction of the rolls was made invariably under written instructions 
from this office, where every attention was paid to meet the convenience of the recipi- 
ents of the bounty and to promote the expeditious payment of the money. Owing to 
the expeditious manner in which these corrections were sometimes made, and the 
names of deceased soldiers stricken from the rolls, the families of those who died in 
the service suffered materially, for this State pay was discontinued at the time when 
all pay from the "United States had ceased, and before the family could derive any 
benefit from the back pay, bounty or pension that might be due for the services of the 
deceased. The attention of the Legislature was called to this fact, and a supplement 
to the original act was passed by that body and approved April 14, 1864, which pro- 
vided that the pay of six dollars per month be continued to the families and widowed 
mothers of those who die while in the military service of this State or of the United 
States, for the space of six months after the death of such persons ; provided, that 
such persons are not and shall not at the time of their death be under punishment for 
any military offence, under sentence of a court martial involving loss of pay; and that 
if a pension shall have been or shall be paid by the United States to such family or 
widowed mother before the expiration of six months from the date of the death of 
such persons, then and in that case the payment authorized by this act to be made, 
shall cease from and after the date of the first payment of such pension, and that the 
act should take effect immediately. 

"Immediate action was taken under this supplemental law — the respective pay- 
masters being held responsible that the payment should cease, upon the receipt of 
pension from the United States, before the six months expired. 

" The provisions of the original act were materially extended by a further supple- 
ment approved March 31, 1865. This provided 'that the sum of six dollars per 
month shall be allowed and paid to the mothers of such persons of the militia of this 
State without families, as have been or shall be mustered into the service of the 
United States, where such mothers are dependent on such person so mustered in for 
support, whether the husband of such mother be living or not ; provided the hus- 
band of such mother has abandoned her, and left her without support, or is insane, 
or from any other cause neglects, refuses, or is unable to support her.' The second 
section provided for the payment of six dollars per month to the families of men 
mustered into the service of the United States, notwithstanding the date of marriage 



LEGISLATION OF THE WAR PERIOD. 



777 



The legislation of the session of 1862 was in harmony with that 
of the preceding year, a number of acts being passed looking to 
the vigorous performance by the State of all the duties which it 
might be called to execute. Among other joint resolutions was 
one relative to the defences of ISTew Jersey, Pennsylvania and 
Delaware, earnestly requesting the general Government to provide 
suitable and sufficient defences for the Delaware river and bay and 
the harbors thereof by the construction of gunboats and other 
improved means of defence, and proposing to unite with the States 
above named in advancing the means for the completion of said 
work, should the Government immediately consent to enter upon 
it. Nothing, however, ever came of this proposition, and it was 
probably well that it was not accepted, since any expenditure for 
defences of the character proposed would have been practically 
worthless, there being; no time durinsr the war, after the first six 
months, when the Delaware river or bay, or the harbors thereof, 
were in the least exposed to the ravages of the enemy. 

On the 20th of January, 1863, Joel Parker, who had been elected 
Governor by a large majority in the election of the previous 
November, was inducted into the Executive office, and the State, 
politically, took a new departure. Governor Parker was a Demo- 
crat, educated to regard the creed of his party as exclusively 
embodying the only safe principles of government ; and he had 
been elected upon a platform of avowed hostility to many of the 
measures adopted in the prosecution of the war. There were some 
who feared that he would be unduly controlled by the more radical 
and obnoxious leaders of his party, and that his administration 
would be characterized by parti zan rancor rather than by broad 
principles of public duty. But Governor Parker, while intensely 
wedded to the political tenets which his judgment had accepted, 
was not a demagogue. He loved applause ; he would have pre- 
ferred at all times to enjoy the approbation of every man in his 



shall be subsequent to the enlistment. The third section extended the payment of 
six dollars per month to the families or dependent mothers of naval recruits, credited 
to the State. The fourth section extended the provisions of the original act to 
negroes, their families or dependent mothers."— Adjutant General's Report for 1865. 



778 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



party ; possibly be would rather have possessed their mere partizan 
approval than the enlightened, impartial commendation of the 
same number of political opponents ; but he was a man of pure 
integrity, of mainly conscientious purpose, and withal a patriot; 
and he was not long in disappointing the expectations of the little 
cabal who had hoped that they might induce him to array the 
State against the war, and obstruct the general Government in its 
plans of defence. It is true, he did not conceal his opposition to 
many features in the war policy of the Government. In his inau- 
gural, he spoke positively and emphatically as to emancipation, 
arbitrary arrests and other then prominent topics ; but he at the 
same time denounced the rebellion as unjustifiable and pledged 
himself to the performance of every work in which he might be 
called to aid in maintenance of the Union. That pledge, with now 
and then a partizan bias, he kept to the end ; and during his admin- 
istration, the general spirit of legislation was in accord with that 
of previous years. 2 At the session of 1863, an act was passed 

2 Governor Parker was decidedly more of a partizan than his predecessor ; be min- 
gled to a much greater extent in political affairs, frequently appearing at public meet- 
ings in support of peculiarly party measures ; but he did not neglect the severe routine 
duties of his office, nor the interests of the State. During his official term, he wrote 
with his own hand seven thousand letters, many of considerable length, and covering 
a great variety of subjects. He on several occasions visited the army and reviewed 
those New Jersey regiments within reach, and he claims never to have made any pro- 
motion for political reasons. A number of soldiers condemned to be shot for various 
offences were saved by his intercession, and he exhibited, in other ways, a proper con- 
cern for their welfare, establishing a State Agency at Washington, and appointing Mr. 
Charles D. Deshler and others as agents, to visit our troops in the field, and in the 
hospitals of the Southwest and other points. During part of the war, Dr. R. R, 
Corson acted as State Agent in Philadelphia, rendering important service. [The ser- 
vices of Mr. Deshler among the troops west of the Alleghany Mountains, it may be 
here remarked, were attended by excellent results, and were performed in a manner 
entirely satisfactory to the State. They covered a period of five months, during which 
he secured for New Jersey soldiers many advantages which proved of permanent 
value]. When General Grant crossed the Rapidan, in response to a call of the Sur- 
geon-General for volunteer Surgeons and nurses, Governor Parker dispatched a delega- 
tion of nine physicians, together with nurses, hospital and sanitary stores — the latter 
being the first articles of the kind to reach Fredericksburg after its occupation by our 
troops ; subsequently, in response to a second call, the Governor sent another delega. 
tion of thirteen volunteer Surgeons to White House, Virginia, where their services 
were of great value. 

During the riots in New York, in 1863, General Wool and Mayor Opdyke applied to 
Governor Parker for troops to aid in suppressing the disturbance. He replied that all 
the available militia of the State had been dispatched to Pennsylvania; but even had 
it been otherwise, he would probably have declined to send the men asked for, holding 



LEGISLATION OF THE WAR PERIOD. 



779 



authorizing the Governor and Treasurer to borrow the additional 
sum of one million dollars for war purposes, together with a num- 
ber of others empowering various towns and counties to raise 
money for the purpose of promoting volunteering. In 1864, in 
addition to a law authorizing a further loan of one million dollars, 
joint resolutions were adopted authorizing the Governor to expend 
three thousand dollars in the removal of the bodies of New Jersey 
soldiers who died on the battle-field near Gettysburg, to the National 
Cemetery at that place, and to assist in the erection of a monu- 
ment, and also authorizing the appointment of Marcus L. Ward, 
Daniel Haines, William A. Newell, Edwin A. Stevens, Charles S. 
Olden and Theodore S. Paul, as commissioners to make inquiries 
and report what legislative provision ought to be made in behalf 
of the wounded and disabled soldiers of the State, and whether a 
State retreat or home should be built for such purpose. This act 
was passed mainly through the efforts of the gentleman first named 
as commissioner. A large number of bounty laws were also 
enacted at this session ; legislation of this character, indeed, occu- 
pying the greater part of the sitting. In 1865, among the first 
resolutions adopted, was one authorizing an expenditure in excess 
of the amount previously specified in aid of the erection of a sol- 
dier's monument at Gettysburg. A law was also passed creating 
"The Soldiers' Childrens' Home," a corporation for the purpose of 

that the introduction of other than domestic troops would only have tended to aggra- 
vate the disorder. When, subsequently to the battle of Monocacy, in 1864, the cities 
of Washington and Baltimore were endangered, Governor Parker promptly called for 
troops to meet the emergency, and, Captain R. H. Lee, of Camden, responding with a 
company of militia, speedily dispatched him for duty at the Relay House, Maryland. 

Governor Parker opposed, during his entire administration, what were known as 
"arbitrary arrests," and at one time, upon the petition of certain citizens, appointed 
Abraham Browning and Mercer Beesley, well known lawyers, to test in the United States 
Courts the constitutionality of the Congressional Act regulating (and suspending) the 
habeas corpus. This matter, however, was never pressed to an issue, but the action 
of Governor Parker exhibited his opposition to summary procedures of the character 
named, and at the time occasioned a great deal of comment. Governor Olden, how- 
ever, had before him protested, in a correspondence with the State Department, 
against the system of " arbitrary arrests," insisting that, at all events, every man who 
might be so arrested should be afforded a speedy opportunity, upon a frank and full 
statement of the charges against him, to vindicate himself, and showing that the oppo- 
site course was, in New Jersey at least, productive of evil rather than of good — inflam- 
ing the temper of the anti-war party and augmenting the difficulties of the political 
situation in the State. 



780 



NEW jersey and the rebellion. 



providing a home, supporting and educating the destitute children 
of any soldier, whether living or dead, who may have been 
engaged in the war for the Union. At the same time, the com- 
missioners appointed for the purpose having reported a plan, an 
act was passed authorizing the erection and establishment, at an 
expense not exceeding fifty thousand dollars, of a Home for Dis- 
abled Soldiers of this State. At the session of 1866 ; when the 
control of legislation passed into the hands of the Kepublican 
party, an appropriation of ten thousand dollars was authorized for 
the purchase of a site for the Soldiers' Childrens' Home, and an 
additional appropriation of twenty thousand dollars for the erection 
of suitable buildings thereon. It was also enacted that in order to 
support the said Home, the sum of thirty-seven dollars and a-half 
be paid, quarterly, out of the State Treasury, for each child main- 
tained in the institution. At the same session, the act for the 
establishment of a Home for Disabled Soldiers was so far modified 
as to permit the necessary grounds and buildings to be leased 
instead of erected ; and in pursuance of this authorization, premises 
were at once rented in the city of Newark, and the advantages 
proposed b}^ the act secured to ail who chose to claim them. The 
buildings for the Childrens' Home were erected in the city of 
Trenton, and already vast benefit has been conferred by the insti- 
tution upon the class for whom it was specifically designed. 

It is plain from this brief glance at the legislation of the war 
period that there is little in it of which the State need be ashamed. 
It may, in some respects, have been hesitating and reluctant ; 
measures may sometimes have been enacted only in obedience to 
the pressure of popular opinion, or under the stimulus of urgent 
importunity from public-spirited citizens ; but whatever may have 
been the motives or the circumstances under which certain specific 
laws were passed, we have simply to deal with them as results, as 
they appear upon the record, and upon each and all in harmony 
with the loyal spirit of the time, can only bestow cordial and 
unqualified approbation. 



CHAPTEE XLIII. 

POPULAR SYMPATHY WITH THE CAUSE. 

It was not alone in the halls of legislation that cordial response 
was given to every appeal in behalf of the Cause and its defenders. 
The masses of the people, everywhere, exhibited unfailing sympa- 
thy with the men in the field. No war in history was ever embel- 
lished by such matchless exhibitions of benevolence, such displays 
of the Christian grace of charity, as this. Never before were the 
people so immediately related to an army in the field, so inti- 
mately identified with its fortunes, or so profoundly solicitous for 
its comfort, as in this sublime struggle between centralized aris- 
tocracy and the spirit of civil and religious liberty. As all ranks 
and orders of men were found in the military service, so all sorts 
and orders of households — the humblest and poorest as well as the 
proudest and most palatial — became contributors alike to the 
stream of sympathy which poured unceasingly into hospital and 
field. The cottage beside far away Northern lakes, the hut in the 
pine forests of distant Maine, the hovel on the frontiers of W est- 
er n civilization, all throbbed and glowed with prayer and sympathy 
for the Nation's defenders, and from all alike hands of blessing — 
often, indeed, but scantily filled, but hands of blessing all the 
same — were stretched out to those who stood between the Govern- 
ment and its foes. The sentiment of patriotism in the hearts of 
the masses, at every call for help, became a sentient force, flowering 
into kindly ministrations. This grand army of the Republic 
belonged to the people ; it was their representative ; the embodi- 
ment of their loj^al purpose; the type of their manhood; the 
pledge of their fidelity. There was a day, not far removed, when 
they whose feet now kept time to the music of its bugles, had 
gone out from the sphere of home duties, with the kisses of loved 



782 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



ones upon their foreheads, to take up the solemn work ot the 
field ; every doorstep in the land had been pressed by some such 
foot ; every mother, sister, wife, some such kiss had given as a 
benediction to some departing volunteer. Was it any wonder 
that thoughts of the absent ones, thus going with their lives in 
their hands to do battle for the Nation, hovered perpetually about 
the homes they had left behind ; any wonder that when the sound 
of battle came upon the drowsy air, each waiting heart grew still 
and anxious ; any wonder that when, as the smoke rolled away 
and the field was revealed, ghastly with dead and dying, the whole 
people hastened to relieve the suffering and touch with cool finger 
the parched, pale lips of the smitten ones ? Could these, maimed 
for us, have been forgotten, and the Nation have stood guiltless 
before the world? Stopping our ears to their piteous cries, could 
we have prayed for God's blessing on the cause in whose defence 
they had perilled all ? Shutting our eyes to the privations, perils 
and needs of the field — to the coarse barbarisms of rebel prison 
hells — to the sicknesses and deaths of the camp, could we have 
looked with joy upon the breaking dawn of triumph or joined 
with exultant voices in pagans of thanksgiving ? 

It has been well said that one of the chief peculiarities of our 
recent war was that all its methods were modified and controlled by 
the great popular ideas which lie at the basis of American civiliza- 
tion. It was a popular war in the widest sense. Not merely was 
the military policy of the time controlled by public opinion, but 
everything which was accomplished, whether good or bad, was due 
entirely to the impulse of popular ideas ; and thus the contest pre- 
sents a perfect picture of the civilization, of the people engaged in 
its prosecution. And nowhere can we find a more complete exhi- 
bition of this civilization than in those organizations of popular 
enthusiasm, sympathy and benevolence wholly outside of the 
Government, but all undertaken to strengthen its hands, without 
whose potent influence the struggle must have been vastly pro- 
longed,, only to result at last, perhaps, in disaster. In no State was 
this organized popular sympathy more promptly tendered, or more 
effectively given, than in our own. With the very beginning of 



POPULAR SYMPATHY WITH THE CAUSE. 



783 



the contest, popular attention was directed to the work of providing 
means for ministering to the aid and comfort of the volunteers who 
flocked to the field. Before a single regiment had left the State, 
nimble fingers were engaged in fashioning articles of convenience 
for those preparing to march. Nor was this impulse any less gen- 
eral than it was spontaneous. In every town and hamlet of the 
State, men who were unable to bear arms, and women, genuine 
sisters of mercy, were inspired with a zeal and enthusiasm in be- 
half of those who went forth in their stead, which, in its depth 
and earnestness, and at last, as experience was gained, in its prac- 
tical efficiency, was wholly without parallel. There were many 
reasons, aside from zeal for the cause in which they were engaged, 
both in the character of the volunteers raised immediately after 
the fall of Sumter, and the circumstances by which they had been 
suddenly transformed into soldiers, which made them from the 
beginning peculiarly the objects of tender popular care and solici- 
tude. The nuclei of all the first regiments raised were the militia 
or volunteer companies existing in the various towns and cities. 
For the most part the men were without any experience whatever 
in campaigning, and their knowledge of a soldier's duties was con- 
fined to the requirements of a holiday parade. They were, moreover, 
on many accounts those likely to suffer most seriously from the 
fatigues and privations of a soldier's life. But at this time the 
Government had failed entirely to organize effective measures for 
promoting the health and comfort of the troops ; and the mo- 
ment that the volunteers began to gather into camps or barracks, 
the result was seen in the prevalence of diseases that might easily 
have been prevented, and in the absence of any provisions what- 
ever for the relief of the sick or ailing. It was just here that the 
popular sympathy found a reason, aside from any considerations of 
interest in the cause, for exertion and contributions in aid of those 
in the service. The people must supply what the Government had 
omitted to provide ; must organize, as best they could, systems of 
relief; must pour in, by whatever channels might offer, their offer- 
ings of sympathy and affection for those who had abandoned the 
comforts of home to stand on the outposts of danger. 



784 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



The earliest organized movement in New Jersey for army relief 
was made by the women of Newark, who on the 24th of April, 
1861, formed an association (of which the wife of ex-Governor 
Pennington was chosen President) for the purpose of preparing 
necessary comforts for the volunteers from that city. Four days 
before this, a number of ladies of Jersey City had tendered their 
services as nurses, but, so far as can be ascertained, no organized 
effort was made in that city until a later date. During the follow- 
ing fortnight, similar aid societies were formed in all the larger 
cities and town, and before the close of the year nearly every town 
in the State had its relief association. In many places, these 
organizations originated in the churches : in others, they were the 
result of a spontaneous popular sympathy in which, religious senti- 
ment was in no sense the controlling impulse. In every instance, 
women of all classes of society were alike interested in, and con- 
tributors to, these organizations. The American, the German, the 
Irish, all brought their gifts and laid them upon the altar. Some 
women, more conspicuous than others for energy and executive 
capacities, naturally achieved prominence in the eyes of the com- 
munity ; but often the gifts of the humbler had in them more of 
the spirit of lofty self-sacrifice than the offerings and deeds of more 
favored sisters. 1 During the war, a number of Jerseywomen served 
faithfully in the hospitals in and about Washington, and one, as 
an accredited agent of the Sanitary Commission, accompanied the 
Army of the Potomac in all its campaigns, ministering with unre- 
mitting care to the wants of the sick and wounded. Another, 
Miss Cornelia Hancock, of Salem County, was even more distin- 
guished for her labors in this direction. Miss Hancock first visited 
the field as a nurse in July, 1863, when she was the first woman 
who reached, and ministered to, the wounded of the Second Army 
Corps on the bloody field of Gettysburg. Her labors here were of 
the most exhausting and valuable character, and were highly 
appreciated by the men. She remained in the field hospital until 



1 Among the women of the State none exhibited a profounder interest in the welfare 
of our soldiers than the wife of Governor Olden. 



POPULAR SYMPATHY WITH THE CAUSE. 



785 



the establishment of the general hospital at Camp Letterman, 
where she assisted in the care of the wounded for several weeks 
longer — the soldiers of the Third Division voting her a silver medal 
as an expression of their appreciation of her services. In October 
following, proceeding to Washington, Miss Hancock offered her 
services in the Contraband hospital, and was there employed until 
February, 1864, when, in obedience to a summons from the Sur- 
geon in charge at Brandy Station, she went to that place — the 
medal given her at Gettysburg securing her a pass from the Secre- 
tary of War and proving everywhere a passport to the favor of 
subordinate officials. At Brandy Station the men built her a log- 
house, and she ministered in various ways to the comfort of the 
sick and wounded. She remained here until April, when she 
returned to Philadelphia. 

In May commenced that series of terrible battles which termi- 
nated in the overthrow of the rebellion. As soon as the news 
reached the North, Miss Hancock at once left for Washington. 
Several applications were made by members of Congress, at the 
War Department, for a permit for her to go to the front. Each 
was refused, as being unsafe and improper. But with a woman's 
tact she made application to go as assistant to one of the Surgeons, 
and this plan succeeding, she proceeded to Belle Plain, where she 
arrived on the 10th of May. There were at this time several 
thousand men, soldiers, prisoners of war and wounded, at and 
around the Landing, lying for the most part on the open hillside, 
or among the low timber filling the ravines. Going promptly 
ashore, she addressed herself vigorously to the work in hand, 
making coffee and furnishing the sufferers as far as possible with 
food. With the earliest opportunity, she passed on in an ambu- 
lance, and was the first woman from the North to enter Freder- 
icksburg, where some thousands of wounded were already con- 
gregated. Here she remained for a fortnight, laboring night and 
day in aid of the suffering. 2 On the 28th of May, all our wounded 

2 An army Surgeon, who was a witness of her labors, wrote as follows to the New 
York Tribune: 

" All day (the fivst of her arrival) she worked assiduously in her sphere. When, the 

99 



786 



HEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



having been sent to Washington, Miss Hancock (with another 
female nurse) set out on a march with the army, ministering while 
en route to the comfort of some Union prisoners who had been 
nearly three weeks in the Wilderness and were almost starved. 
On the 2d of June, having reached White House, she again 
became actively employed, being frequently, while engaged, 
exposed to the shells of the enemy. In one instance, she writes, 
u a rifled cannon ball passed between Mrs. Husbands and myself, 
and a shell, at another time, struck the rear of the carriage I was 
in." On the 26th of June, proceeding to City Point, Miss Han- 
cock, with three men detailed as assistants, took charge of the 
wounded at that place — remaining thus employed until September, 
when she returned home on a hospital transport. In October, 
however, she again went to City Point, where she remained during 
the following winter, laboring in the well organized hospitals which 
were established towards the close of the war. After the fall of 
Richmond, she visited that city, and active operations having 
ceased, she proceeded to Alexandria, where a hospital was estab- 
lished for those soldiers who might be exhausted in the homeward 
march. Here she remained a fortnight, when, her services being 
no longer needed, she finally quit the field, endeavoring to forget 
the fearful scenes which it had been her lot to witness, and happy 
in the reflection that she had done what she could to alleviate the 
sufferings by which she had so long been surrounded. 3 



next day, I opened a new hospital at the Methodist Church, I invited her to accom- 
pany me. She did so, and if success attended the efforts to ameliorate the sufferings, 
it was in no small degree owing to her indefatigable labors. "Within an hour from the 
time one hundred and twenty men had been placed in the building, she had seen that 
good beef soup had been administered to each, and during the period I was there, no 
delicacy or nutriment attainable was wanting to the men. Were any dying, she sat by 
to soothe their last moments, to receive the dying messages to friends at home, and, 
when it was over, to convey by letter the sad intelligence. Let me rise ever so early, 
she had already preceded me at work, and during the many long hours of the day she 
never seemed to weary or flag ; in the evening when all in her own hospital had been 
fully cared for, she would go about the town with delicacies to administer to those who 
were so situated that they otherwise could not obtain them. At night, she sought a 
garret (and it was literally one) for her rest. One can but feebly portray the ministra- 
tions of such a person. She belonged to no association, and had no compensation. She 
commanded respect, for she was lady-like and well educated. So quiet and undemon- 
strative, that her presence was scarcely noticed, except by the smiling faces of the 
wounded as she passed." 
3 In this connection, we have the following in reference to the labors of a daughter 



POPULAR SYMPATHY WITH THE CAUSE. 



787 



What has so far been said relates purely to the methods of army 
relief instituted and employed by the patriotic women of the State. 
There were other expressions of sympathy with the soldier and 
those dependent upon him, which were hardly less praiseworthy or 
important. Among these may be specified as particularly signifi- 
cant and valuable, the movements, early initiated in all parts of 
the State, for the relief and support of the families of volunteers, 
many of whom, but for this provident help, must have suffered 
from absolute want. The first movement of this character, so far 
as the newspaper records show, was made in the town of Lambert- 
ville, where, as early as April 17, 1861, a considerable sum of 
money for this purpose was raised. This was followed, within a 
week, by similar movements in Trenton, Mount Holly, Jersey City, 
.Newark, Paterson and all the larger towns of the State — in many 
of which, during the entire period of the war, soldiers' families 
received material aid, the aggregate amounting to millions of 
dollars. The effect of this popular sympathy with those who 
marched afield at the country's call was, as may be conceived, most 
salutary, not only as it affected those immediately benefited, but 
also in its broader bearings and influence upon the cause itself. 
While relieving the soldier of anxiety as to the fate of his family, 
certainly a most important consideration, these movements had 



of Massachusetts, who was greatly and gratefully identified with New Jersey troops 
and especially the Second Brigade. The facts are supplied by a Surgeon of that bri- 
gade : 

" There is one person who deserves special mention for her services. T refer to Miss 
Helen S. Gilson, from Chelsea, Massachusetts, and the gentleman who accompanied 
her, the Honorable Frank B. Fay, Mayor of Chelsea, and now State Senator of Massa- 
chusetts. Miss Gilson was truly a ' Florence Nightingale' to the Second New Jersey 
Brigade. At the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and in the 
battles just prior to the surrender of Lee's Army at Appamattos Court House, she 
was ever present, relieving the necessities of our wounded braves. She represented no 
Society, or benevolent class of persons particularly, but came with a heart overflowing 
with love for her country, and its noble defenders, aided by the generous hand and 
purse of Mayor Fay, to do what she could to mitigate the sufferings entailed by war i 
and nobly did she perform her mission. 1 do not speak of her as I would of a great 
many women who came to the army to do good (and who doubtless did it). Her 
sphere of life, her place in society, and the people in Boston whom she represented, 
united with her high order of intellect, and her graces of manner and character, enti- 
tle her to a much higher place in the estimation of the historians of this war. She 
combined, more than any person 1 ever knew, the useful woman with the thorough 
lady." 



788 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



even a higher value than this, which no student of the war can fail 
to discern. They assured him of the lively sympathy of the peo- 
ple in the grand work to which he consecrated his life ; discovered 
to him inexhaustible depths of sympathetic feeling, of confident 
resolve and of loyal conviction in the great heart of the nation ; 
and so nerved his arm, confirmed his faith and deepened his enthu- 
siasm in every hour of doubt and perplexity — making him invin- 
cible to ordinary calamities, and girding him with more than regal 
courage in every moment of thickening conflict. Men may fight 
bravely, indeed, for glory and the pomp of fame ; may die grandly 
for one word of applause from some Napoleonic Captain ; but they 
only fight with sublimest courage, with a fortitude that rises supe- 
rior to all accidents, when they feel the heart of the nation — of 
which they are themselves a part — behind them, beating in fullest 
sympathy with their own ; when they have an enlightened, con- 
scious, personal stake in the combat ; when they know that the 
blow which shivers the power of the foe brings safety to their own 
kin, and will be saluted with glad acclaim, not merely because it 
carries victory with it, but because that victory is achieved by 
them. Thus it was that all through, the terrible conflict, the sol- 
diers of the Union, fighting as it were in the very presence of their 
homes; fighting with memorials of home affection in their knap- 
sacks, or worn as talismans upon their breasts ; fighting in the con- 
sciousness that dear remembered faces would pale with shame if 
they faltered in duty, and hands that had never ceased to minister 
to their needs would grow listless if their own withdrew from any 
work — performed prodigies of valor which challenge the homage 
of the nations, and in the end achieved a triumph which saved the 
world from the ghastliest spectacle of the age — the overthrow of 
Christian civilization on the field towards which all the centuries 
had marshalled the forces of good and evil. 

As among the loyal women of the State some were more con- 
spicuous than others in their labors of beneficence in this behalf, 
so there were men who became eminent above all their fellows 
for the extent and value of their efforts. None in the State, no 
one, indeed, in the country, achieved greater eminence as a friend 



POPULAR SYMPATHY WITH THE CAUSE. 



789 



and benefactor of the soldier, from the very commencement to the 
close of the war, than Mr. Marcus L. Ward, then a private citizen 
of Newark, and afterwards Governor of the State. Being chosen 
Chairman of the Public Aid Committee of Newark, 4 in April, 
1861, Mr. Ward was among the first to discover the peculiar diffi- 
culties and necessities of the soldiers, and with rare consecration, 
he at once resolved to devote himself to the work of promoting 
and guarding the interests, not only of the volunteers, but of their 
families as well. To that end, abandoning his personal business, 
he opened an office, and employing clerks, established a bureau of 
correspondence and collection, which very soon had relations with 
every regiment in the field. By means of a system at once simple 
and perfect, he collected and distributed to the families of volun- 
teers the pay of thousands who might otherwise have frittered it 
away in self-indulgence — thus saving to those directly interested, 
and bringing into the State, millions of dollars, without the loss of 
a single dime, and without a farthing's expense to any man in the 
service. 5 These operations, extending over a period of four years, 
and reaching to every part of the widely extended field, involved 
necessarily the closest fidelity, as well as very considerable expen- 
ditures, on the part of Mr. Ward ; but the service, voluntarily 
undertaken, was faithfully performed to the end, and, indeed, for a 
considerable period subsequent to the termination of the war. It 
was not alone in this direction, however, that Mr. Ward's patri- 
otism and energy found expression. Whatever concerned the 
comfort and welfare of the soldier found in him a hearty sympa- 
thizer, and he was as ready to minister to the wants of the sick and 
wounded in the hospital or field, or to intercede for a rectification 



4 This committee was organized April 22, 1861, and up to the 38th of September fol- 
lowing, expended the sum of thirty-seven thousand three hundred and fifty-eight dollars 
in aiding soldiers' families, encouraging enlistments, &c. The committee consisted of 
Marcus L. Ward, Joseph P. Bradley, George Peters, Ira M. Harrison, and Beach Van- 
derpool. 

5 Mr. Jonathan Cook, of Trenton, also performed excellent and commendable service 
in collecting, under the patronage of the State authorities, the pay of New Jersey 
soldiers and conveying it to their families. Mr. John Hill, of Boonton, was also inde- 
fatigable in similar labors, and in the care of our sick and wounded in the field and 
hospital. 



790 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



of abuses in regimental discipline, or to secure the reversal of 
harsh judgments of court-martial in cases of trivial offence, as to 
perform less arduous labor. . In many instances, when regiments 
had been without their pay for a considerable period, he succeeded, 
by ceaseless importunity, in bringing the Government to act upon 
the important matter; and in one case was instrumental in obtain- 
ing the passage of a special act by Congress, appropriating some 
millions of dollars for the express purpose of paying the Army of 
the Potomac the amount due it for months of difficult service. He 
also secured the location and establishment of a Government Hos- 
pital in the city of Newark, in order that the wounded soldiers of 
this State might be brought within reach of their friends, instead 
of being detained at Washington or more remote points ; and for 
a time gave his personal attention to the supervision and direction 
of the immense establishment — advancing, moreover, from his own 
purse the money necessary to equip it for occupancy. 6 Persons 



6 Mr. Ward's report in reference to the institution of this hospital, says : 
"Having been applied to, as Chairman of the Public Aid Committee, of this city, 
on Sunday morning, May 11, 1862, to furnish accommodations for several New Jersey 
soldiers who had been wounded at the battle of Williamsburg, and who had arrived by 
the night train from the seat of war, and being thus brought to a realizing sense of 
our utterly unprepared condition to receive and care for our brave and suffering sol- 
diers, I immediately repaired to the residence of his Excellency Governor Olden, at 
Princeton, to secure his authority for the establishment of a hospital in this city. 
Governor Olden promptly and cordially authorized the undertaking, and empowered 
me to procure necessary buildings, furniture, surgeons, nurses, assistants, stores, and 
indeed all things needed to promote the comfort and well-being of the patients, ap- 
pointing the undersigned superintendent of the hospital to be thus established. 

" On the following day, May 12, I secured a large and commodious building — situate 
at Centre street, between the Passaic River and the New Jersey Railroad — answering 
the conditions of the Government, which requires that military hospitals shall, when 
practicable, be easy of access by railroad and water communication. I proceeded at 
once to have the building freed of its contents, cleansed, and otherwise prepared for 
the reception of patients. On the same evening a dispatch was received from Gener. 1 
Dix, military commander of Baltimore, giving notice that forty-six wounded Jersey- 
men were en route for Newark, and requesting that accommodations should be provi- 
ded for them. The following day, the 13th of May, the soldiers arrived, and constitu- 
ted the first patients received at the hospital, demonstrating at the same time the 
great necessity for its establishment. In the conduct of the institution it became evi- 
dent that to secure order, proper subordination, and the greatest good to the patients, 
the hospital should be under military and Governmental control. To accomplish these 
important objects (and with the consent of Governor Olden) I visited Washington, 
and secured from the Secretary of War, on the llth day of June, the acceptance of the 
institution as a United States military hospital, the Government agreeing to assume 
the expenses from its organization. On the 17th of June, Brigadier-General Ham- 



POPULAE SYMPATHY WITH THE CAUSE. 



791 



who have given thought to an examination of the records of per- 
sonal and individual service during the war, all concur that in 
the extent and beneficence of his operations, the patriotic and 
humane spirit by which all his acts were characterized, and the 
splendor of the example which he presented to the country, Mr. 
Ward was without a peer, and deserves to be gratefully remem- 
bered as having illustrated in the highest form the intelligence, 
patriotism and humanity of his age. 

In November, 1863, it being felt that the work of sanitary relief, 
which with the increase of our armies had grown to unexpected 
proportions, demanded a more thorough and general organization, 
a meeting was held, upon the call of Dr. George Taylor and 
Eeverencl GL 0. Grlavis, at the hospital in Newark, for the purpose 
of listening to a statement from Eeverend Doctor Bellows, Presi- 
dent of the United States Sanitary Commission, in reference to the 



mond, Surgeon General, commissioned Doctors J. B. Jackson and Isaac A. Nichols as 
Acting Assistant-Surgeons in charge." 

The whole medical faculty of the city, from the moment the hospital was opened, 
exhibited a deep interest in its success, and for a long time gave daily and gratuitous 
attention. The vromen of Newark also most generously co-operated in the good work ? 
supplying all sorts of delicacies for the sick, and in some cases acting as nurses. On 
several occasions, as on Thanksgiving and similar festival days, sumptuous dinners 
were provided for the patients numbering several hundred, and at such times the en- 
joyment was universal. Those patients who died in the hospital, were Juried in 
Fairmount Cemetery, where a large and eligible plot of ground was given for the pur- 
pose. 

Some time hefore this, (April 9, 1S62,) a hospital, by direction of Governor Olden, 
had been opened at Jersey City, for the reception of the sick and wounded New Jersey 
soldiers arriving in New York from North Carolina and Virginia — Mr. Cornelius Van 
Vorst being made superintendant. This hospital, however, was closed on the 16th of 
August, and the patients removed to that at Newark. The total number of patients 
admitted was three hundred and eighty-three, all of whom received subsistence, such 
clothing as was required, and medical treatment. The medical department of this 
hospital was under the care of Doctors Lutkins, Olcott, and Olcott, jr., all of whom 
rendered their services gratuitously. Mr. Van Vorst, in his report to the Quarter- 
master-General, says : 

"Although the Government furnished the principal medical stores, clothing, subsist- 
ence and furniture for the use of the inmates of the hospital, still we were dependent 
upon the beneficence of the citizens of the State for many articles indispensable for 
the health and comfort of the sick. Plain dressing gowns, shirts, drawers, socks, 
lint, bandages, and delicacies such as the sick and wounded men would relish, were 
hountifully supplied by the several ladies' aid societies of the State. * * * To the 
ladies of Jersey City, who, by their bounty liberally bestowed, and their daily personal 
attendance at the hospital, alleviated much suffering, is due the efficiency and success 
of the enterprise." 



792 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



plan of operations of that great charity. At this meeting arrange- 
ments were made for a public demonstration a few weeks later, 
which resulted in the formation of the " United States Sanitary 
Commission for New Jersey," Messrs. Cornelius Walsh, Stephen E. 
Condit, Stephen G. Gould, Samuel P. Smith, Thomas T. Kinney, 
and Dr. George Taylor, being appointed a Committee with full 
power to add to their number and take all necessary measures to 
extend the organization throughout the County and State. Subse- 
quently Mr. Walsh was chosen President, Marcus L. Ward Treas- 
urer, and Dr. George Taylor Secretary of the association — Dr. Glavis 
being appointed to visit the different townships and cities, and 
enter into correspondence with the leading citizens, for the purpose 
of securing united action in promoting the interests of the United 
States Sanitary Commission throughout the State. Up to this time, 
all the contributions of the State for purposes of relief had passed 
through the hands of Mr. Ward, but from this date forward the 
Commission assumed the responsibility of this labor, Mr. Walsh 
contributing largely by his efforts to promote public interest in the 
work. During the first year of the operations of the Com- 
mission, the money and goods contributed by the people of 
the State in aid of the Commission amounted to $63,513.61 in 
cash, and $65,263.24 in supplies, of which nine hundred and 
thirty-one boxes were sent to the field, in addition to which 
it was estimated that the State contributed in goods and money? 
through the Central Fair of Philadelphia, some $40,000, while 
the contributions of many societies, organized through the instru- 
mentality of the Commission, were sent direct to New York, 
Washington, and the army, amounting in value to some $20,000. 
The largest contributions in supplies were made by Elizabeth 
($7,755), Boonton ($4,140), Salem ($4,136), Millville ($2,062), 
Plainfield ($3,322), Paterson ($3,122), Rahway ($2,348), Somer- 
ville ($2 216), Woodstown ($1,598), Lodi ($1,616), Montclair 
($1,793,) and Schralenburg ($1,838). The largest contributions 
in money were made by Newark ($7,052), Jersey City ($5,566), 
Hoboken ($1,050), and Pequannock Township (1,015). 7 



7 During the remaining period of the war, contributions were liberally continued, 
but no data are at hand as to the amount either of cash or supplies. 



POPULAR SYMPATHY WITH THE CAUSE. 



793 



The receipts from the New Jersey department of the Metropolitan 
Fair amounted to $48,960.58/ 

It was not alone, however, through the Sanitary Commission 
that the offerings of our people reached the field. Many religious 
bodies, as well as private citizens, preferring the plan of operations 
pursued by the Christian Commission, directed their contributions 
in that channel, and tens of thousands of dollars, in money and 
supplies, were thus added to the volume of relief furnished by our 
people. In connection with this latter Commission, moreover, 
hundreds of our citizens, clergymen and others, labored at various 
times in the field, caring for the sick and disabled. It may be said, 
comprehensively, on this whole subject, that no State in the Union, 
in proportion to its population, did more liberal things for the 
soldiers of the Kepublic, and their families at home, than ISTew 
Jersey. 



8 The following is supplied by Mr. Walter Rutherfurd, chairman of the New Jersey 
department in this fair : 

" The result of the contributions from New Jersey was as follows : 
"Gross amount of sales, 816,214.11; cash contributions, 818,849.47; sale of tickets, 
85.400 — total, 840,463.58. Counterfeit bill, 85 ; expenses, 815. Contributed to 
mechanical department, 81,287.40 ; arms and trophies, 82,000 ; floral department, 
82,000; India rubber, 8517; cottage, 8600; sent to Philadelphia, 81,600— total, 
848,960.58." 



100 



CHAPTER XLIY. 



ATTITUDE OF THE CHURCH. 

It will not be denied that up to the assault upon Fort Sumter, 
the American Church in many respects occupied an equivocal posi- 
tion touching questions of high national significance. In some 
denominations there had been a sensible decline of the righteous 
sentiment of abhorrence of slaveholding and the practices and doc- 
trines which it nourished, which once almost universally prevailed ; 
in some States, indeed, the Church had actually arrayed herself on 
the side of barbarism and oppression, ignoring the dictates of jus- 
tice and suppressing the instincts of true piety. In many Northern 
pulpits a shameless timidity held up holy hands in protest against 
even the discussion of questions involving the very life of the 
nation, while in others gowned arms were stretched out with bene- 
dictions upon the vilest abominations that ever debauched a peo- 
ple. There were, it is true, some faithful witnesses in all the 
churches, during the sad days of ecclesiastical infidelity ; the pious 
abhorrence of slavery which had characterized the fathers of the 
Church, was never entirely suppressed; but the general influence 
and tendency, as evinced in ecclesiastical decisions, in the failure 
of her discipline to take cognizance of glaring iniquities, and in 
other ways, were wholly pernicious and impossible of defence. 

And, perhaps, there are few who, looking back over these five 
bloody years, would care to attempt a justification of this recreancy 
among religious bodies ; few who are not prepared to admit all that 
may be written in condemnation on this point. For, certainly, a 
wonderful change has come over the pulpit of the country as to all 
these matters. Discussion is no longer stifled. There is no longer 
a disposition to apologize for flagrant political evils, or shut the 
eyes to crying abominations in our life as a people. The Bible is 



ATTITUDE OF THE CHURCH. 



795 



no longer twisted and distorted to accommodate its monitions or 
adapt its instructions to peculiar phases of sentiment in the pews. 
The clergy no longer fear, as they once did, to shock the prejudices 
of politicians or offend the schemes of parties. It is true, indeed, 
that the black image once so widely worshipped is broken and 
there is no longer need of silence as to this species of idolatry ; but 
even before it was shivered, while yet millions at the South and 
thousands at the North were striving to save it and perpetuate its 
worship, the Xorthern pulpit began to speak out with pronounced 
and emphatic utterance. With the first flash of the guns about 
beleaguered Sumter, a new flame began to burn and glow in all the 
churches of the North. The lire that burned and scorched the 
walls of that bravely defended fort, consumed in thousands of pul- 
pits the last vestige of sympathy with slavery and the lords of mis- 
rule. Human governments are ordained of Grod ; and the ministry 
which for fifty years had reprobated as sinful, all agitation and dis- 
cussion which tended, in their opinion, to unsettle the foundations 
and enfeeble the popular confidence in this Government of ours, 
now condemned with equal vehemence the unjustifiable and wicked 
attempts of Southern insurgents to tear it in pieces and establish 
upon its ruins a gigantic crime in the outraged name of law and 
order. Here and there, it is true, there were those who came up 
slowly to the work of proclaiming loyalty as a religious duty ; but 
as a body, the Church spoke with grand and majestic voice; her 
alarms and appeals sounding out like a trumpet-call over the 
awakening land. Men who had defended slavery in all its aggres- 
sions ; who in all their sympathies and avowals were identified 
with the retrograde opinions of their day, suddenly became oracles 
of freedom, teaching men to break the enervating enchantments of 
the past, and purifying and exalting all within their reach by the 
power of their quickened and almost singular enthusiasm. Before 
the apparition of a great catastrophe, they ceased to be triflers and 
hold-backs ; some becoming courageous and intrepid to a fault in 
rebuking the false : many marching afield with their lives in their 
hands ; few, indeed, hesitating to speak, strongly or weakly, for 
liberty and law. 



796 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



If it shall be inquired how a pulpit, which for so many years 
had been faithless, could thus suddenly rise to the height of its 
great duty, the answer is obvious. The good and evil qualities of 
men inevitably declare themselves in a vital social crisis. In the 
face of tremendous peril, the moral nature comes necessarily upper- 
most. A torpid age develops only the sensuous life of a people ; 
but when God compels them to stand in some central current of 
His providence and grapple with problems of life and death, 
conscience, though slumbering through drowsy years, becomes a 
spur, a burning fire, consuming all the dross of life, preserving 
only the fine gold — kindling with a ruddy blaze forgotten truths, 
quickening the soul to new discoveries of duty, and rousing the 
whole moral nature into keener scrutiny and more vigorous action. 
The Northern pulpit, with all its failings and omissions ; its mis- 
conceptions of its true relations to political and social questions — 
was not in the main without a latent conscience ; did not lack 
genuine religious life. The one had been, indeed, perverted ; the 
other had not borne the fruits for which men looked ; but both 
existed. For some years, moreover, before the outbreak of hos- 
tilities, many in the pulpit had began to question among them- 
selves whether, after all, slavery was a divinely instituted system, 
and whether men, presuming to teach the truth of God, were 
justified in keeping silence touching its growing evils. Now and 
then a voice was heard breaking the silence of years and calling 
the people, in manly tones, to defend their heritage. At last that 
monstrous crime lifted its hand in actual menace against the 
Nation's life. Its triumph, beyond all peradventure, would involve 
not merely the downfall of liberty but the desolation of Zion ; the 
corruption of the morals, the defilement of the whole life of the 
people. The hideous spectre of a nation debauched and cast to 
the tormentors, rose solemnly into view. Then it was that the 
better qualities of the pulpit declared themselves, and the moral 
nature of clergy and laity alike became irresistably dominant. 
Then it was that the Church, girding her loins and calling her sons 
around the standard of the Cross, set beneath it the Nation's flag, 
and bade them go, with her blessing, to the battle whose lines 
were already arrayed. 



ATTITUDE OF THE CHURCH. 



797 



Thus the Church, in the blood of some of her best and bravest, 
wiped out the guilt of years of infidelity. In conscience and 
before God she could not have done less. To maintain the duty 
of allegiance to the Government in time of civil war is the mani- 
fest, the imperative duty of all religious bodies. " The same civil 
obligations rest upon the Church, in her corporate or organic 
capacity, as rest upon any other organizations of men, or upon 
the individual citizen, so far as they nisty apply to each respect- 
ively. These bodies, as such, are under civil protection, which 
the Government is bound to render ; they enjoy immunities which 
the civil authorities grant and guard ; they hold property under 
the laws of the land ; their charters and franchises are from the 
State ; they have the same rights and privileges at law and in 
equity which other corporations enjoy. By virtue of these things, 
they owe, in their organic character, full allegiance to the civil 
authority. Every principle of the Word of God, of human law, 
of common sense, and every principle in any way entering into 
the welfare of society, shows this beyond dispute." 1 The Church, 
then, in declaring for the Government and denouncing the rebel- 
lion, only did her duty — that and nothing more. 

In New Jersey, the attitude of all religious bodies was from the 
very first positive and unequivocal. There was no pelting the 
monstrous wickedness of rebellion with dainty pellets of rose- 
leaves ; but sharp, courageous, telling blows were rained down upon 
it from nearly every pulpit. On the Sunday following the assault 
upon Sumter, voices which had long been hushed found strength 
to speak for order, loyalty, and freedom. In some cases, full com- 
panies of volunteers were at once raised in individual churches for 
service in the field. 2 In whatever direction, and in whatever way, 
sympathy could be shown with the Government, there and in that 



1 Reverend R, L. Stanton in "The Church and the Rebellion." 

2 The First Baptist Church of Newark sent one hundred and seventy-two of its 
members into the military and naval service of the Union, of whom some thirty were 
killed. Besides this number of volunteers, some thirty of the church and congrega- 
tion were represented in the persons of substitutes. Other churches in the same city 
sent an almost equally large number to the field, and in several other cities, almost 
entire companies were recruited in individual churches. 



798 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



manner it was manifested. All denominations, without exception, 
at the earliest opportunity, gave formal expression to the preva- 
lent sentiment of loyalty. The first formal " deliverance" was 
made by the Presbytery (New School) of Rockaway, on the 18th 
of April, 1861, in the form of resolutions denouncing the rebellion 
as designed to " perpetuate and extend a system of human oppres- 
sion, abhorrent to reason, religion, and the best interests of the 
country," and calling upon all patriots and Christians to stand by 
the Constitution and laws, and to do all in their power to repel the 
attack of traitors upon the peace and welfare of the Nation." 
About the same date, Bishop Odenheimer of the Protestant Epis- 
copal Church, issued a Pastoral letter, specifying and authorizing 
the use of a prayer for the country in the trials which had come 
upon it ; but that Church by no means confined its supplications in 
behalf of the Nation's cause to that somewhat cold and rigid for- 
mula. The prayer may have been the prayer of the Bishop ; but 
it was not that of the great body of his flock. These apparently 
preferred to address the Throne of Grace in language of sincere, 
heartfelt longing, rather than in the delicate phrases of polite indif- 
ference, not believing, perhaps, that God could be mocked. 3 The 
next authoritative " deliverance" was made, so far as evidence 
exists, by the East New Jersey Baptist Association, composed of 
representatives of some fifty churches, which, on the 5th of June, 
adopted, unanimously, resolutions invoking the favor of God 
upon our arms, and declaring it to be "a Christian duty to sustain 
the authorities in their eminently righteous endeavors to enforce 
the laws, holding with Paul that ' whoso resisteth the powers re- 
sisteth the ordinance of God.' " The Association also addressed a 
circular letter to the churches urging the duty of showing respect 
to those in authority, placing person and property at the service 

3 The laity in the Episcopal Church and a greater part of the clergy, were in fall 
sympathy with the Government. All over the State, the National ensign floated from 
their churches, and the willing hands of men and women identified with that commu- 
nion labored for the Nation's defenders. But it is none the less to he regretted that a 
too strict construction of the canons of the Church prevented any authoritative expres- 
sion, in its annual conventions, of the real sentiment of its membership, and that every 
proposition to speak officially on the state of the country was met by the objection that 
" the Church has nothing to do with affairs of State." 



ATTITUDE OF THE CHURCH. 



799 



of the Government and contributing, in a word, in every possible 
way, to the public weal. During the whole period of the war, 
this Association was conspicuous for its outspoken loyalty, suffering 
no occasion for manly utterance to pass unimproved. On the 13th 
of September, the West New Jersey Baptist Association, in session 
at Mount Holly, declared, in a formal deliverance, that :: it is our 
duty as citizens, as Baptists, and as Christians, to resist traitors, 
North and South, by speech, with the pen and with the press, and 
if need be with the implements of death on the field of battle."' 
On the 18th of September, the Presbytery (New School) of New- 
ark, convened at Caldwell, in a series of resolutions on the state of 
the country, committed itself and its churches to a vigorous and 
unfaltering support of the Government ; and in later expressions, 
cordially approved the policy of emancipation and all the meas- 
ures which grew out of it — declaring it to be the duty of all loyal 
men to labor for the purification of the Nation from all taint of 
sympathy with the sin which had so long defiled it. Early in 
October, the Synod of New Jersey (Old School) meeting at Potts- 
ville, Pennsylvania, (two or three Presbyteries in that State being 
attached to this Synod) adopted unanimously the following reso- 
lution : " That this Synod, in the spirit of that Christian patriotism 
which the Scriptures enjoin, and which has always characterized 
this church, do hereby acknowledge and declare an obligation to 
promote and perpetuate, so far as in us lies, the integrity of these 
United States, and to strengthen, uphold and encourage the Federal 
Government in the exercise of all its functions under our noble 
Constitution : and to this Constitution, in all its provisions, require- 



4 This Association in 1862, declared that "as slavery is the sole and vital cause of 
this wicked treason, which by its continuance has forced the issue upon us of deciding 
between a continuance of slavery and the Union, we are convinced that a sure and 
lasting peace cannot be secured short of its complete overthrow, and * * * we 
earnestly urge the adoption of such a line of policy" (as emancipation), &c. These 
resolutions were transmitted to the President, who replied in a strain of " sincere and 
grateful emotion." In 1S63, similar resolutions were adopted, and at each subsequent 
session of the Association during the war, deliverances were made exhibiting with 
equal emphasis the loyalty of the Church it represented. Partial reports show that 
two hundred and thirty-two members of the churches connected with this Associa- 
tion were engaged in the country's service during the period of the war. 



800 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



ments and principles, we profess our unabated loyalty." 5 On the 
17th of October, the Synod of New York and New Jersey (New 
School), the largest ecclesiastical body in the United States, in ses- 



5 This Synod held advanced ground during the whole period of the war, and at the 
meeting in 1865, held at Princeton, unanimously adopted the following, as attested by 
Reverend Doctor R. R. Rodgers, Clerk of the Synod: 

" "Whereas, Since the Synod last met our beloved country, then afflicted and deso- 
lated by one of the most fearful wars which have ever scourged our race, has been, in 
God's good providence, restored to peace and measurable harmony; 

"Whereas, This happy result has been connected with the destruction, almost 
total, of the system of human bondage, which had so long divided, agitated and cursed 
the nation, and for the extinguishment of which the General Assembly of 1864 
exhorted all to strive and pray ; and Whereas, This Synod, during the progress of 
the war, again and again, by both example and precept, urged united and earnest 
prayer for the restoration of the Union, the overthrow of its enemies in arms, the 
removal of the causes which had been so prolific of discord and conflict, with the 
pardon of our National and individual sins, and the return of God's favor to our 
afflicted land — therefore 

"Resolved, That we would humbly recognize, as a Synod, and would press upon our 
churches the duty of thanksgiving to the Great Head of the Church and Ruler among 
the nations, for the merciful answer which he has vouchsafed to our prayers, for the 
triumph of our National cause, for the re-establishment of our Government over the 
whole Union, for the almost universal emancipation of the slaves, and for the bright- 
ening prospect of a happy restoration of fraternal and Christian feeling throughout 
our paciflcated country." 

The Presbytery of New Brunswick, at a meeting held in Princeton, April 20, 1S65, 
adopted the following minute in reference to the death of President Lincoln : 

" The Presbytery of New Brunswick regard the assassination of President Lincoln 
as one of the most atrocious crimes which stain the annals of our guilty race. We 
have no words in which adequately to express either our sorrow for his loss, or our 
indignation at the authors and abettors of his assassination. That a Chief Magistrate 
so great, so good, so beloved, and who had rendered such inestimable services to his 
country and to humanity, should be suddenly cut down by the hand of violence, has 
plunged the whole Nation into the profoundest grief. 

" In view of this great affliction, this Presbytery acknowledges the Sovereignty of 
God. God reigns, and the Judge of all the earth must do right. We therefore bow in 
submission to His will. The Presbytery also feels called upon to record its repro- 
bation of Treason, and of the spirit of pride, insubordination and malice from which 
this fearful crime has sprung." 

In reference to the attitude of the Presbytery of West Jersey, consisting of twenty- 
one clergymen and twenty-two churches, we have the following statement: 

"While the Presbytery of West Jersey has but seldom taken action directly upon 
the questions of loyalty and slavery, it has never held a doubtful position. When 
voting in the Synod, sometimes in the minority, it has been almost if not quite a unit 
tor the country and the Assembly. 

"It appeals for its record to the minutes of the General Assembly from 1861 to 1866 
inclusive ; and can proudly say that through its Commissioners it has never failed to 
record its vote on the side of the country and the Assembly : while the reports of our Com- 
missioners have been approved without a dissentiug voice. 

"No church within our bounds failed to send her sons to the rescue ; and every pul- 
pit (save one for a part of the time) was vocal with the fervent prayers of a loyal peo- 
ple. 



ATTITUDE OF THE CHURCH. 



801 



sion in the city of Newark, adopted unanimously a minute on the 
aspect of national affairs breathing the purest spirit of loyalty — 
pledging to the Government the undivided support and confidence 
of the churches within its bounds, and counseling the use of all 
lawful means and efforts to aid in maintaining constituted authority 
and putting down the rebellion. Moreover, believing that slavery 
" lies at the foundation" of the existing troubles, the Synod declared 
it to be the duty of all Christian men to pray more earnestly than 
ever for its removal. Some days later, the Evangelical Lutheran 
Synod of New Jersey gave expression to similarly emphatic senti- 
ments of loyalty, and on October 30th the New Jersey Baptist 
Convention, speaking for all the churches of that denomination in 
the State, in a solemn " deliverance," reaffirmed the resolutions 
adopted a few weeks previously by the West Jersey Association/ 
Meanwhile, the Methodist 7 and other denominations in all parts of 



" There are unmarked graves where our truest and bravest fell ; and there are bleed- 
ing hearts that still thank God for the sacrifices that have helped to redeem the Nation. 

" J. W. Hubbakd, Stated Clerk of Presbytery." 

The following resolutions were adopted by this Presbytery, with only two dissenting: 
votes, on the 5th of October, 1864 : 

" Resolved, that this Presbytery greatly rejoices in the action of the General Assem- 
bly, on the subject of slavery — action which, as we believe, brings the church into 
more entire harmony with the manifest purposes of God, as made known in His provi- 
dence — into more perfect harmony also, with the spirit of her own past deliverances, 
and with the spirit of her Master — (both her's and ours) whose great and blessed mis- 
sion it was to open the prison doors to them that are bound, and to break every yoke 
—and that we hereby pledge ourselves to do with our might whatsoever in our judg- 
ment God in His providence may make it our duty to do, to the end that the stupen- 
dous evil referred to, the manifest occasion of all our woes as a Nation, may be has- 
tened to a speedy and everlasting extinction." 

6 In 1862, this convention formally approved of the emancipation proclamation, and 
appealed for increased vigor in the prosecution of the war. In 1863, it expressed the 
hope that the conflict would terminate " in the utter extinction of the system of 
slavery throughout all the National territory," and in 1865, after the cessation of hos- 
tilities, declared: "That as nothing is settled until it be settled rightly, we recommend 
that prayer, vigilance and effort do not cease until treason and traitors be rendered so 
odious and so impotent as to sink into everlasting obscurity and ignominy, and until 
equality before the law be secured to all, both white and black, who may claim to be 
American citizens." In 1866, going still further, the convention asked "in the name 
of God, and justice and National tranquillity, the right of franchise for all men, white 
or black." 

7 The annual conferences of the Methodist Church had been held (in 1861,) before 
hostilities commenced, but the position of the denomination was never for a moment 
doubtful. Its pulpits rang with appeals for Liberty and the Union of the fathers from 
the very outset of the conflict. Upon the meeting of the New Jersey Conference, in 

101 



802 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



the State had spoken in no less positive and unqualified terms as to 
the duty of loyalty and the necessity of purging the land of every 
abomination invoking the divine displeasure ; and the Church as a 
whole, within six months after the opening of the bloody tragedy, 
stood firmly, inflexibly and grandly on the side of liberty and the 
Union. 

There can be no question as to the great influence of these decla- 
rations of our religious bodies upon the minds of the people. All 
experience shows that the more intelligent classes in society — 
statesmen and others of the highest abilities, who are connected 
formally with the Church, as well as the mass of her members — 
have their opinions formed or modified, in a good degree, as to the 
moral and religious aspects of public questions, by the views and 
teachings which the Church proclaims ; by the formal action of her 
ecclesiastical assemblies ; b} T the writings of her distinguished min- 
isters and by the discussions of the pulpit. In a land like ours, 
the press is, indeed, a great and marvellous power, but the Church 
exerts a yet greater influence ; appealing to the habitual reverence 
which men have for sacred things, to the emotional as well as the 
intellectual nature, and sometimes to superstitious fear and preju- 
dice, it sways to an extent which no line can measure the thoughts 
and opinions of the masses. When, therefore, the religious bodies 
of New Jersey, reaching in their declarations, remotely or directly, 
nearly every household in its borders — proclaimed, promptly, 
clearly and with fervid enthusiasm, the duty of standing by the 
Government at whatever cost, and exacted of every man profess- 
ing fellowship with them, prayer and effort for the Nation's cause, 
they gave the most powerful aid to the Government — each fresh 
exhibition of ecclesiastical confidence and loyalty being worth to 
the cause infinitely more than millions of money. Thus stimulated 



1862, resolutions of the most emphatic character were at once adopted, the rebellion 
being characterized as " abhorrent in spirit, and proposing- objects the accomplishment 
of which would be one of the greatest calamities to the interests of civilization and 
Christianity." The Newark Conference, meeting soon after, adopted similar resolu- 
tions, one declaring that "with our prayers, with every element of our influence, and 
with all our strength, we will stand by the Government in its patriotic efforts to sup- 
press rebellion. " 



ATTITUDE OF THE CHUHCH. 



803 



and encouraged, men went confidently and eagerly to the field ; 
and to-day in all our churches there are scores of vacant seats, the 
manly forms that once filled them lying under the turf of trampled 
fields where, with the battle flame upon their faces, they fell with 
all their armor on. 

Nor has the Church of New Jersey, since the termination of the 
war, shrunk from the great responsibilities which the changed 
condition of Southern society has imposed. She lias taken up 
bravely and carried forward faithfully the work to which Provi- 
dence summoned her, in the education of the freedmen, the 
enlargement of missionary efforts among the degraded whites, and 
the occupation of the whole Southern field with every possible 
agency of moral and intellectual cultivation. In this work, the 
Methodists, Presbyterians and Baptists have been especially active, 
contributing liberally in support of all movements looking to the 
elevation of the suddenly emancipated population of the revolted 
States, and sending scores of laborers and teachers to assist in the 
sublime work of laying the new foundations in justice, purity, 
intelligence, and an enlarged recognition of religious truth. The 
results of these efforts, time alone can disclose ; but it is some- 
thing to know that the Church, here and elsewhere, thus promptly 
accepts the logic of events and faithfully performs the work which, 
evolved from the ruins of war, has in it blessing and honor for 
the Nation. 



CHAPTEE XL Y. 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL F F I C E RS— K E A R N E Y , 

In the list of distinguished General officers who entered the 
field from New Jersey, General Kearney was confessedly first and 
foremost. In the highest sense, Philip Kearney was the type 
Volunteer General of the war. More nearly than any other, he 
represented in his views and theory the popular conception as 
to the methods upon which the war should be fought. He 
reflected, moreover, more truly than any other high commander 
the exalted, unselfish, uncalculating patriotism which glowed in 
the hearts of the people. His fiery nature took affront at every 
attempt to dwarf the grand contest into anything else than a 
struggle for the sublime principle of Nationality. He had no 
confidence in politicians, but little respect for dignitaries, no love 
for anything but the Cause. Intriguers, cowards, martinets, small 
men essaying to crowd down great ones, he detested with implaca- 
ble detestation. But to Courage and upright Manliness, he lifted 
his hat with instinctive reverence. For the soldier, whether 
officer or private, who cherished a genuine pride in his profession, 
and labored, only for duty's sake, to excel in every requirement of 
the service, he had esteem unbounded — not always exhibited, 
indeed, by outward act, but none the less genuine or profound. 
In battle, fierce as a lion, on parade sometimes stem and impetu- 
ous, almost to injustice— in the hospital, by the bed-side of the 
wounded and dying, his heart grew tender, his voice as soft as a 
woman's; even his touch had healing in it. Men who only saw 
him with the hood of pride upon his face, judged him incapable 
of emotion. They did not know how, under all the hard crust, 
there lurked the tenderest thoughtfulness for the health, comfort, 
and lives of his command ; how, out of his own purse, he minis- 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — KEARNEY. 805 

tered to their wants ; how, even in the heat of battle, thoughts of 
home and kindred, like flashes of sunshine, illumined the seemingly 
stony, stoical nature ; how, in the battle-pauses, he was wont to pen 
messages of remembrance from the ghastliest fields to those who 
afar off watched his plume with solicitude and affection. It is no 
wonder, indeed, that men misjudged him ; he had no mirror set in 
his breast, that all the world might see and know his thoughts ; 
rather, he was reticent, reserved, surrounded by a hauteur which few 
men cared to penetrate ; and so, in the estimation of all but a few 
intimates, he suffered a sort of martyrdom when he should have been 
crowned a kinsr of men. 

Philip Kearney was born June 2, 1815. On his father's side his 
lineage was Irish. His mother was descended in part from 
Huguenot ancestry. From his boyhood, Philip inclined to military 
pursuits, and having passed through Columbia College, and then 
studied law, he sought and obtained, upon reaching his majority, 
a commission as Lieutenant in a regiment of dragoons, in which 
Jefferson Davis was a Captain, with which he proceeded to the 
West. Here he spent something over a year, applying himself to 
the details of the military profession, acquiring skill in horseman- 
ship, and perfecting himself in all branches of his duty. In 1839, 
the French Government having accorded to the United States per- 
mission to send three officers to pursue the course of instruction in 
their military school at Saumur, Lieutenant Kearney was selected 
as one of them, and, going out in 1840, he at once addressed him- 
self to the work of mastering the profession. After a time, quitting 
the school to go with the French forces to Africa, he was attached 
to the First Chasseurs d'Afrique, and was present at two engage- 
ments, being distinguished for his skill and fearlessness, and win- 
ning the warmest encomiums from his superiors. Eeturning from 
France in 1811, he was attached to the staff of General Scott, in 
whose military family be remained until the outbreak of the war 
with Mexico. Having at that time risen to be Captain of dragoons, 
he recruited a company in the West, offering from his private purse 
a premium additional to Government bounty, in order to secure 
both men and horses of the very best character. As a result, his 



806 



XEW JERSEY AXD THE REBELLION. 



troop was superior to any other in the army ; but being taken by 
General Scott as his body-guard, no opportunity for personal dis- 
tinction was offered until the battle of Cherubusco, fought at the 
very gates of Mexico. At this battle, in order to avoid being 
flanked, General Scott had given up his escort and retired upon his 
center, having first detached Captain Kearney for i; i ■ il service. v 
That officer was not slow in seizing the first opportunity which 
offered to strike a telling blow. The enemy being discovered in 
retreat, the cavalry were ordered to pursue. At the point in ques- 
tion, Mexico is approached by a narrow causeway, crossing a deep 
marsh, which flanks it on either side. Along this causeway the 
Mexicans fled in great disorder, seeking the protection of the gates 
and of a battery which guarded them. Kearney, getting upon this 
causeway, and discovering the battery, saw at once that hi3 safety 
lay in pushing desperately forward, giving the enemy no opportu- 
nity to rally. Upon that conviction he acted. An officer was 
sent to command his return, but hurriedly indicating his situation, 
Captain Kearney was permitted to continue the charge, rushing up 
to the gate itself, sabering all who resisted. Upon retiring, he was 
fired upon by the enemy, who had now somewhat recovered, and 
here had his left arm shot away by a shower of grape. 

For his gallantry in this action Captain Kearney was promoted 
to be Major. In 1850-52, he was employed in California and 
Oregon against the Indian tribes. Then, resigning his commission, 
he traveled extensively throughout Europe and the East, making 
his residence in Paris — only returning to this country for a short 
time at various periods. In 1859, during the Italian war, he was 
attached as Aid-de-camp to the staff of General Morris, command- 
ing the cavalry of the Guard, and was present, under fire, at the 
battle of Solferino. In consideration of his services in this cam- 
paign, the Emperor Napoleon III conferred on him the Cross of 
the Legion of Honor. 

At length the slaveholders' rebellion, so long plotted, flowered 
into open, actual hostilities. Instantly Major Kearney, abandon- 
ing the luxury and congenial ease of his continental life, hastened 
to tender his sword to his Government. Arriving in this country 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — KEARNEY. 807 



early in the spring of 1861, he applied to General Scott for employ- 
ment, and at his instance sought a commission first from the Gov- 
ernor of ISTew York. Failing there, jostled aside by political 
intriguers who no more comprehended the magnitude of the strug- 
gle than they cared for the principles at stake, he turned away in dis- 
gust — burning to serve the country but absolutely denied the privi- 
lege. Fortunately, a prominent Jerseyman hearing of his arrival in 
America, interceded in his behalf with the authorities of the State, 
urging his appointment to the command of the First Brigade, then 
forming for the field. But weeks passed, and the appointment was 
not made. At length the disaster of the first Bull Eun startled 
the people and their rulers into a truer conception of the work 
before them, and then, when the need of officers of the highest 
attainments became so obvious as no longer to admit of doubt, 
Major Kearney, still panting for the fray, willing to lead a regiment 
or take even a subordinate command, was made Brigadier-General 
of Volunteers. 1 

The story of his connection with the First Jersey Brigade has 
more than once been rehearsed. His talents as an organizer, his 
fervid enthusiasm for his profession, his close study of the art of 
war, his intuitive perception of character, his strategic genius, his 
generosity and lavish expenditure of his large wealth in order to 
promote the efficiency of his command — all these qualities from 
the outset distinguished his career. In a little time, his brigade 
was confessedly the best disciplined in the army. Keeping ever 
before his command the fact that the duty of the soldier was to 
fight, pushing them forward into the van of the army, he made 
them active and vigilant, and when at last opportunity came, they, 
of all the army, were fully prepared to meet it. 

The autumn passed ; the army grew daily stronger ; but nothing 



1 The spirit with which General Kearney entered the army, may be inferred from 
the following extract from a letter written by him shortly after taking command of 
the First Brigade. After speaking of the difficulties experienced in organizing and 
disciplining the troops, he continued: "But I ought not to complain of this. My 
position here was not an ambition, but I felt that I was paying an early debt I owed 
to the country. My only hope is, not to live, but that I may not be killed early in art" 
engagement. If I am not, New Jersey shall have no cause to be ashamed of mo. 1 ' 



808 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



was done. MeClellan was planning, halting, doubting. The 
Nation cried for action, still trusting to the god it had set up. 
But Kearney was not long in seeing the truth as to the Command- 
ing General, 2 and he expressed it, not insubordinately but confi- 
dentially, and with many cautious and generous hopes that he 
might be mistaken. In October, 1861, he writes : " I see a vacil- 
lation in his great objects— allowing small objects to intrude." In 
February, 1862, he writes that early in the previous September 
the enemy might have been easily manceuvered out of Manassas, 
but for inefficiency at headquarters. In March, he speaks yet 
more decidedly : " Although there is no one exactly to replace 
MeClellan, I now proclaim distinctly that unless a Chief, a live 
officer, not an engineer, of military prestige (success under fire 
with troops), is put in command of the Army of the Potomac 
(leaving MeClellan the bureau duties of General-in-Chief), we will 
come in for some terrible disaster." Later, when, as is detailed in 
the narrative of the First Brigade, he had advanced upon and 
occupied Manassas, 3 McClellairs neglect to take advantage of the 
success and follow up the retreating enemy, completely satisfied 
General Kearney of his incompetency. From that time nothing 
could change his opinion. " The stupid fact is," he writes March 
17, 1862, " that not content with letting me or others push after 
the panic-stricken enemy, fighting him a big battle and ending the 
war — for his panic promised us sure success— MeClellan, so power- 
ful with figures but weak with men, has brought us all back. It 
is so like our good old nursery story, ' The King of France, with 
twice ten thousand men, marched up the hill and then marched 
down again.' The result will be that in Southern character they 
will more than recuperate, more than think us afraid of a real 

2 Address of Mr. Cortlandt Parker before the New Jersey Historical Society. "We 
are indebted to this admirable address for many of the facts famished in this sketch 
as to General Kearney's opinion of men and measures. 

3 General Kearney announced this event to the Adjutant-General of the army as 
follows : 

" The Third New Jersey Volunteers, under Colonel Taylor, occupied Manassas and 
planted the United States flag at the main fort, at the Junction, at half-past nine 
o'clock, a. m., March 11th, arriving by Union Mills and the line of the railroad. They 
understood from the occupants and citizens that they were the first troops to enter." 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — KEARNEY. 809 



stand-up fight, meet us at the preferred points, possibly play ugly 
tricks at the Capital, and non-plus or force us to fight with the 
worst of chances against us ; and all this because McClellan, out 
of confidence since his failure at Ball's Bluff, despairing of a direct 
attack on Manassas, having invented with the aid of engineers the 
plan of turning the enemy by a sea route, instead of availing him- 
self of the good luck of the enemy's retreat — thinks that he must 
still adhere to his sea plan. Like the over-stuffed glutton who 
thinks he must cram because he has on hand an ' embdrras de 
richesess. 1 " At a later date, writing upon the same subject, General 
Kearney says : " It would have been so beautiful to have pushed 
after the enemy, and in doing so, isolate Fredericksburg, carry it 
easily, occupy that road, and thus turn those river batteries, all the 
while near enough to Washington in case of any attempt upon it." 

The meaning of these criticisms is plain. Some two hundred 
thousand men lay at that time around Washington. The rebel 
force was barely forty thousand. What hindered our advance — 
why was it not made ? Kearney could not comprehend this delay 
and inactivity ; he believed in action ; he knew that a direct 
advance would have been overwhelming. No measures, indeed, 
could have resisted it. Success, complete and overwhelming, must 
have crowned such a movement. 

During the month of March, General Kearney was tendered com- 
mand of a division vacated by the promotion of General Sumner 
to a corps. General Kearney was only too glad to accept, but 
desiring to carry his brigade with him, and being refused, he 
promptly declined the proposed command, and, while ranking 
many Division Generals, generously remained with his brigade. 4 
The act was characteristic, but it deepened his hold upon the men, 
and the scene of enthusiasm upon his return to camp, after having 
declined to leave his command, was one never to be forgotten. 



4 In a letter dated March 19, 1862, addressed to General Setli Williams, General 
Kearney said : "A few days since, the General-in-Chief honored me by appointing me 
.to command a division, transferring me without my brigade. My duties as a volunteer 
General to those with whose welfare I had linked myself, appeared to me paramount, 
and I declined the same. In all truthfulness I asserted utter abnegation of self in this 
war." 

102 



810 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



One who was with him, still tells how even his eyes filled with 
tears as he rode down the welcoming lines, saluted with peal upon 
peal of cheers. 

The services of General Kearney in the Peninsula campaign 
have passed into history. Just before reaching Yorktown, a vacan- 
cy occurred in a division of Heintzleman's Corps. The division 
being actually under fire, he felt bound to assume at once the posi- 
tion to which he was ordered, and with a grief which he could not 
conceal, he laid down his command of the Jersey troops (April 
30th), and thenceforward ceased to be known as their General. 
But his thought, down to the hour of his death, was ever with 
them, and in every engagement his concern for their welfare, and 
his solicitude for their success, was no less earnest and profound 
than for the reputation of his own immediate command. 5 The 
losses of the brigade at Gaines' Mills, where the Division General 
failed to appear on the field, he never ceased to deplore, nor did he 
hesitate to denounce in vehement terms the unaccountable derelic- 
tion of the offending commander. 

In all the battles of the Peninsula campaign, General Kearney 
displaj'ed conspicuous bravery and skill. Three days after he 
assumed command, he participated in the battle of Williamsburg, 
coming to the support of Hooker and his New Jersey troops at a 
most critical moment, and handsome!} 7 saving the army from dis- 
aster. He entered this battle with five regiments, going in at 
double quick, the band playing and Kearney moving impetuously 
far in advance of the little column. At another time, he lei two 
companies to the charge to drive back the sharpshooters of the 
enemy, and during the whole engagement he displayed a coolness, 
discrimination and courage which elicited the admiration of all 



5 Next to his sense of the disgrace inflicted upon the army at large, and the coun- 
try, by the retreat which he so severely denounced, "was his grief at the losses 
and almost ruin of his pet Jersey Brigade, upon whose fate he ever looked with 
parental anxiety. " I am sickened," he writes in a letter of July 2-ith, " by the false- 
ness of the times, and the gratuitous sacrifice of the Jersey Brigade is enough to make 
me so. Why did not their Division General go to command in person? It was his 
own part of the division (Slocum's). It was half of his provisional corps, and surely 
why not place it in the fight, even if he did no more?" — Mr. Parker's Address. 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS- 



1 — KEARNEY. 



811 



beholders. 6 In the battle of Fair Oaks, his division again achieved 
distinction, saving the army from utter wreck after the headlong 
stampede of Casey's Division. In the fight of the second day, his 
troops, with those of Hooker, again beat back the exultant enemy, 
driving him broken and crippled from the field, and had McClellan 
vigorously pursued his advantage, he might without doubt have 
marched, at the conclusion of this engagement, straight into Rich- 
mond, already smitten and trembling with fear. 7 Both Hooker 
and Kearne}^ were earnest, not only in conviction, but in request- 
ing that they might pursue the enemy and capture his Capital ; but 
McClellan was still timid and undecided, and not perhaps really 
knowing his own mind or the actual facts of the situation, refused 
permission, and once more the fruits of victory were lost. General 
Kearney, his impatience deepened still more by this fresh exhibi- 
tion of incompetency, did not hesitate to speak his mind in refer- 
ence to the whole subject, characterizing, as it deserved, the weak 
vacillation of the commanding General. In a letter written three 



6 Chaplain Marks, in bis account of this battle, in bis interesting work, " The Penin- 
sula Campaign," says : 

"And now Kearney performed one of those brilliant feats which made him the 
model soldier of his division. In order to disclose to his troops the concealed position 
of the enemy, and to exhaust their fire, be announced his determination to ride in 
front of the enemy's lines. Surrounded by his aids and officers he dashed out into the 
open field, and as if on parade, leisurely galloped along- the entire front. Five thousand 
guns were pointed at him, the balls fell around him like hail, two of his aids dropped 
dead at his side, and before he reached the end he was almost alone. He secured by 
this hazardous exploit what be aimed to accomplish, the uncovering of the enemy's 
position — then riding back amongst his men he shouted, ' Tou see, my boys, where to 
fire!' " 

" Chaplain Marks, on page one hundred and ninety-eight, of his " Peninsula Cam- 
paign," says : 

" There is no doubt of the truth of the statement often made, that the enemy on 
this day was thoroughly defeated, and that it was possible for us to have taken Rich- 
mond. The rebel soldiers rushed into Richmond, heralding their defeat and spreading 
alarm, thousands of them throwing away their guns in their flight; and if we had 
pushed vigorously forward we could have been in Richmond before night. General 
Johnston had been severely wounded the previous day, and the enemy acted without 
concert or plan." 
Of General Kearney's conduct in this battle, Chaplain Marks says: 
"General Kearney showed himself equal to every emergency, dared every danger, 
and risked his life in the most hazardous positions. His men seemed to be capable of 
performing anything under his eye, for their confidence in his courage and military 
sagacity was unbounded. I have often beard the men speak at the camp-fires of his 
unruffled coolness during both of those days." 



812 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



weeks after the battle, he said : " Here we are again at a dead-lock ; 
Manassas over again ; both parties intrenched up to their eyes ; 
both waiting for something ; unluckily, our adversaries gaining 
two to our one. Oar last chance to conquer Eichmond — for Dame 
Fortune is resentful of slighted charms — was thrown away when 
our great battle of Fair Oaks was thrown away. We had tempted 
the enemy to attack us whilst divided by the Chickahominy. 
Fortunately, he tailed. The prestige, nearly lost to us by oar inac- 
tion since Williamsburg, was once more in the ascendency. It only 
required McClellan to put forth moral force and his military might, 
and Eichmond would have been ours. But no ; delay on delay ; 
fortifications, as if we were beaten, met by stronger counter-fortifi- 
cations, on points previously neglected ; undue concentration of oar 
troops on points already over-manned, met by a net-work envelop- 
ing us by them ; supineness in oar camps, met by daring forays 
by them ; the boasted influence of our reserve artillery, counter- 
balanced by their availing themselves of the respite to get up 
artiller} 7 even of greater calibre ; the reliance on further troops 
from the North more than met by reinforcements of two to one by 
their recalling troops from the South. Indeed, everything so beto- 
kens fear on the part of the General commanding, and the enemy 
show themselves so emboldened, that, with the numbers crowding 
up around us, I arn puzzled to divine the next act of the drama. 
It will be either another inexplicable evacuation, or the suffocation 
of this army by the seizure of our communications when least 
expected. The enemy wish us to attack. McClellan has proved 
by his fortifications that he is feeble. We are surrounded in front 
by a cordon of troops and forts. It is true that they will fail if 
they attack us ; but, if they do not do that, they will leave enough 
troops in our front, and, crossing the Chickahominy, cut us off 
from our lines of communication and sustenance." 

The wonderful foresight — amounting to actual prophecy — which 
is developed in this extract, cannot but attract the attention of 
every careful reader. Only a week later, the event here predicted 
actually came to pass; our communications being cut, and the 
army driven from the position where it was rotting behind intrench- 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — KEARNEY. 813 



ments to the banks of the James, with a loss of life, materiel and 
prestige which, in the first hours of the disaster, seemed fatal to 
all our hopes of success over the rebellion. 

As to General Kearney's action in the battles of the seven days' 
retreat, the accounts of the time give full and glowing particulars. 
In every action in which he shared, he exhibited the same fearless 
intrepidity and high resources of command which had given him 
success on every other field. In the battle of White Oak Swamp, 
he seemed ubiquitous, directing all movements, and imparting by 
his presence and bearing the most determined courage to his men. 
" Wherever the danger was greatest, there he pressed, carrying 
with him a personal power which was equal to a reinforcement. 
In a pre-eminent degree," adds Chaplain Marks, " he exhibited 
that military prescience, or an anticipation of what was coming, 
and the point of an enemy's attack, which has characterized every 
great man who has risen to distinction in the art of war." In this 
battle, as the troops passed General Kearney's position, marching 
into the open field, he looked on each man, saying cheerily, "Go 
in my boys ! go in gayly, go in gayly !" and during all the subse- 
quent conflict, they heard the voice of their General, " Gayly, 
gayly, my boys !" At Malvern Hill, " Fighting Phil. Kearney " 
was again "the grandest Roman of them all," and his indignation 
at McClellan's failure to improve his opportunity to advance upon 
Richmond was violent in the last degree. When the order to 
retreat to Harrison's Landing was received, he exclaimed in the 
presence of many officers, "I, Philip Kearney, an old soldier, 
enter my solemn protest against this order for retreat ; we ought, 
instead of retreating, to follow up the enemy and take Richmond. 
And in full view of all the responsibility of such a declaration, I 
say to you all, such an order can only be prompted by cowardice 
or treason. " s In a letter to a friend in New Jersey, he said : 
" Yery far from having a base to act on, General McClellan has 
boxed us. You will soon hear of the James River being rendered 
impassable for our supplies, and then, like drowned rats, we must 



8 Chaplain Marks' " Peninsula Campaign." 



814 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION. 



soon come out of our holes. But it will be done with more awful 
sacrifices of useless, because avoidable battles. We are fortifying 
here again, unnecessarily so. It breaks the hearts of the soldiers ; 
gives them the idea that they cannot win fields, and yet in a few 
days, sooner or later, we will have to burst through the net-work, 
that the enemy are preparing around us, and, if we do not, look 
out for Washington. That city will go. They will crush Pope, 
by leaving McClellan in ignorance of their departure, then for a 
foreign alliance, and good night to the .North. Even now McCJel- 
lan's defeat will be likely to produce this. His { change of base' 
may cheat the American newspapers and fool the American 
people; but the ignominious retreat, the abandonment of the 
sick and wounded, the abandonment of stores, and loss of strat- 
egical supremacy, cannot be concealed from military eyes in 
France, England, nor elsewhere." 

Again, General Kearney's predictions were justified by the event. 
The enemy did crush Pope, but not until Kearney had given his 
life in a brave and desperate endeavor to rescue him and his army 
from the peril into which they had been brought by blunders 
amounting to crimes. In all the later fighting of the Pope cam- 
paign, he was everywhere the lion of the fray, fighting with tre- 
menduous audacity, and striking the enemy with a power which 
more than once sent him reeling to the dust. But in all that cam- 
paign the fates were against us. Fighting bravely and brilliantly, 
the soldiers of that grand army could not overcome both treachery 
and imbecility among its own commanders, and the swarming 
legions of the foe, fighting as they had never fought before. On 
the 30th of August, Pope, betrayed by some of his own lieuten- 
ants, was driven, or compelled to retire across Bull Eun, with a 
view of concentrating about Centerville. Lee, however, did not 
mean that our disordered army should reach the Potomac if he 
could help it, and accordingly, on the afternoon of the 1st of Sep- 
tember, the enemy made a bold flank attack on General Reno with 
the remains of two divisions, near Chantilly, endeavoring to gain 
possession of the Fairfax road, with a view of interposing a bar- 
rier between us and Washington. This movement, so threatening 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — KEARNEY. 815 



in its character, needed to be promptly met ; the enemy must be 
repulsed, in order to save the army, if not indeed the Capital itself. 
In such a crisis, (jreneral Pope was naturally unwilling — we quote 
the language of one who was on the bloody field — to trust any 
untried commander, and looked for help to those who had never 
failed in any duty. Kearney, Keno and Stevens were selected for the 
task. Their divisions had been shattered and thinned by the pre- 
ceding struggles, but with Kearney as their leader, there was no 
thought of failure^ Eeno and Stevens attacked, but after desperate 
fighting against overpowering numbers, were compelled gradually 
to retire. Stevens fell, flag in hand, cheering and leading on his 
old Highland regiment, in the very front of the battle. At this 
moment, as our forces were giving way, General Kearney appeared 
upon the field. With all the impetuosity which ordinarily charac- 
terized his attacks, he hurled his columns against the exultant and 
advancing lines of the enemy, unlimbered Eandolph's guns, shot- 
ted with double canister, and then placing himself at the head of 
Birney's charging column, ordering staff and orderlies to the rear, 
broke through the enemy's center, dashed him back in disorder and 
confusion, saved Pope's Army and the Capital, but paid for the vic- 
tory with his own precious life. Biding forward, about sunset, to 
reconnoiter the enemy's position, he unexpectedly came upon the 
rebel lines, and was summoned to surrender, but refusing with 
words of defiance, was shot dead as he turned to fly, his body fall- 
ing into the hands of the enemy. 

No more conclusive testimony of the popular appreciation of Kear- 
ney's character and talents could possibly have been furnished than 
was given him in the universal outburst of lamentation over the news 
of his death. Everywhere it occasioned the profoundest grief. In 
Washington, the intelligence of his fall was especially depressing. 
At eight o'clock on that dismal morning, the writer, walking the 
streets of the Capital, met everywhere groups of men with saddened 
faces and tearful eyes, talking together with subdued voice of the 
nation's loss. At Willard's, the lobbies and halls were thronged 
with ofrker^ and civilians listening to the details of the sad event 
as rehearsed by members of his staff and others fresh from the 



816 



NEW" JEKSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



front. At the telegraph office, as a dispatch was handed in to dis- 
tant friends of the dead General, the operator, a grey-haired man, 
ith a sob in his voice, exclaimed, " This is the sorest loss of all." 
At the White House, the rough, grand, heroic man into whose 
face the last week's losses and reverses had brought a deeper sad- 
ness and an almost holy look of patient weariness and grief, 
mourned no less keenly the knightly soldier fallen, saying in his 
heart also, "This is the sorest loss of all." In the hospitals, 
crowded with mangled heroes ; in the barracks and camps in and 
about the Capital ; among the cavalry riling over the Long Bridge 
and moving towards the upper Potomac ; everywhere, the words 
" Kearney is dead," smote upon the listening ear like a knell. He 

n Captain Henry N. Blake, (Eleventh Massachusetts Regiment,) in his "Three years 
in the Army of the Potomac," says, in closing his account of the battle of Chantilly : 

"The army mourned the National loss of Major-General Kearney, -who was killed at 
Chantilly; and his memory will be cherished as long as exalted patriotism, inspiring 
courage, and justice towards men, are revered by mankind. Qualified to be the head 
of the army, he accepted the command of a brigade. Leaving the comforts which his 
large wealth afforded, he welcomed the most trying hardships of the service. In 
another zone, the enemies of his country had taken his arm; but his zeal triumphed 
over the disability, and he fought until he had sacrificed his life. Placing the reins 
between his teeth, and grasping in his single hand the two-edged sword, he led his 
men in the charge that was never checked. Humane to those who were his inferiors, 
the orderlies were directed to bring water in canteens to the soldiers when the exigen- 
cies of the hour required that all should remain in the ranks at the front. Impetuous 
in thought and action as the flash of his fiery eye, he censured with the same vehe- 
mence the misconduct of a private, or the General of the highest rank in the Union 
forces. Beloved by his division, the red badge which he instituted was always worn by 
the officers and men with the same proud feeling with which the heroic commander 
displayed the cross of the Legion of Honor, which never enrolled a nobler chevalier. 
Bravely performing his public tasks, the death of this pure patriot and consummate 
soldier was a fitting conclusion of his eventful life." 

Chaplain Marks' thus details his last interview with General Kearney : 

"From this time I had no personal intercourse with General Kearney, until the fatal 
day of Chantilly. While the army was yet at Centcrville, I entered his room to obtain 
permission to visit the wounded at Fairfax Station. This, without a moment's hesita- 
tion, he granted, and urged me to remain with him for a few moments ; during the 
course of our conversation he spoke of the causes which led to the disastrous defeat 
of the previous Saturday, and then of the spirit which animated the South. For the 
first time in our intercourse he spoke on the subject of religion. He regretted that it 
had been so little his study, but said his knowledge of the world and experience taught 
him that the only hope of the future was in the gospel of our Lord, and that every- 
thing else would signally fail in producing peace on earth and good-will amongst men. 
He said the scenes in which we were living more deeply impressed him with the value 
of the teachings of the Bible. 

" We parted, and in the sanguinary struggle of the evening General Kearney fell, and 
with him a thousand hopes for the country and the army. He was a man of far more 
talent than many have been willing to concede to him. While ardent and impulsive, 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — KEARNEY. 817 



had fought for the nation, for unity, liberty, law; and the nation, 
with the last flash of his sword in its eyes, took him to its heart 
and shrined him there, with the chief and best of those who, from 
Bunker Hill downward through the lapsing years, had received in 
their breasts the fatal thrusts intended for its own. 

Of the personal characteristics of General Kearney, something 
still remains to be added. As a disciplinarian he was, as already 
intimated, stern, exacting, pitiless. Possibly, he may have been some- 
times unnecessarily severe, his impetuous temper hurrying him into 
actions which sober reflection could not justify. But no man was 
more ready than he to confess an error or correct a wrong. His 
nature was at bottom, frank, generous, just, and as, upon occasion, 
he was swift to censure with unsparing epithets, so when the blood 
cooled, he was no less quick to compensate for any injustice of 
which he may have been guilty. Even in the enforcement of 
necessary discipline, he often showed his tender side. Frequently, 
after having reprimanded an officer in presence of his command, 
for some slovenliness of dress or carelessness of drill, he was known 
to say privately to the object of his rebuke : c: This reprimand 
was necessary, sir ; I must have discipline ; come and take dinner 
with me." The officer, however greatly his sensibilities may have 
been wounded, could not but appreciate the man who, while thus 
faithful to the responsibilities of command, uniformly respected 
the manhood of his subordinates ; and we believe there was never 
an instance in which a reprimand, however sharp or severe, led to 
permanent resentment or estrangement. As for the men in the 
ranks, their love of Kearney amounted to idolatry. It was a 
passion, deep, intense, headlong. They swung their caps for him 



lie was capable of the most wily caution; while often stern and withering in rebuke, 
he was generous and forgiving, and though ambitious, he was above all low, mean 
jealousies. No officer in the army was more laborious and sleepless ; his keen eye was 
everywhere ; and with an energy that never faltered, he corrected every abuse, and fully 
investigated everything that pertained to the discipline and well-being of his division. 
If he had lived, his brilliant and chivalrous qualities would have won for him a very 
high place in the admiration and gratitude of his country." 

103 



818 



NEW JEESEY AXD THE REBELLION. 



as lie passed their camps : gossiped proudly of his peculiarities 
and achievements in tent and bivouac ; and wore his homely 
flannel badge, as the Old Guard of Napoleon wore the cross of the 
Legion of Honor. It was not wonderful that he inspired this 
feeling. He was not merely faultlessly brave; he was careful, 
even in the heat of the most desperate action, of the safety and 
lives of his troops, while in camp he was ever studious of their 
comfort. Many a delicacy from his private larder found its way to 
sick and wounded sufferers in the hospitals of his command. Of 
these latter he was a constant visitor, and with the details of their 
organization, no less than with the wants and condition of all their 
inmates, he took care to be always familiar. 10 Thus thoughtfully 
cared for — knowing that whatever fortune might overtake them, 
his eye would seek them out and his hand minister to their com- 
fort, it was no wonder that the men revered and confided in him 



10 Chaplain Marks in his interesting work, " The Peninsula Campaign in Virginia," 
makes frequent reference to General Kearney's humanity and sympathy with the sick 
and wounded. Once he said to the Chaplain, who had been looking after the sick at 
Baltimore Cross-Roads, " Everything relating to my sick men touches my heart ;" and 
"from that hour," adds the writer, "he was my warmest friend." During the battle 
of Fair Oaks, he sent the Chaplain to Savage Station with the instruction, "All the 
men of my division that you find there wounded or dead, attend to them, sir, and I 
will thank you." This interest in the suffering was exhibited, it should be remem- 
bered, during all the excitements and anxieties of battle, and it showed the ever 
thoughtful concern of the model soldier tor the welfare of his men. The following 
letter addressed by him to Chaplain Marks, during the Peninsula campaign, is of deep 
interest in this connection: 

" Headquarters, Third Division, Fair Oaks, | 
" June 15, 1S&2. f 
" Dear Sir : — I return you my grateful acknowledgments for your noble and ener- 
getic conduct in behalf of our poor sufferers of this Division. 

" From long experience in the field no one appreciates more sensibly the service you 
thus render to humanity and to our cause. 

"If there has been one point, more than another, where I have hitherto laboriously, 
and conscientiously, and successfully fulfilled my duties as an officer, it has been in my 
solicitude for the sick and disabled. I am thankful to find in you a stroug coadjutor 5 
and when I am a little more free to separate myself from the cares of being on the spot 
to command in case of attack, I will ever be found a constant visitor of the hospitals. 
"Most respectfully, your obedient servant, 

" Philip Keaexey, Brigadier-General." 
In a letter after the battle of Fair Oaks, General Kearney wrote : 
" One curious fact; knowing the ease of carrying off my sick and wounded from 
Fair Oaks (I sent them off early), 1 was ordered to unload them and abandon them ; 
but I did not, and carried them off; but, although I had twenty empty wagons, was 
prevented taking off those of another hospital. Fortunately, they, too, principally 
got clear." 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — KEARNEY. 



819 



with an absolute trust ; no wonder that they followed him gladly 
iuto the thickest danger, and counted a word of approval from his 
lips as more than compensating for the sorest pains and the dreari- 
est sufferings. 

ISTor was the generous kindliness of this rare soldier expended 
alone on the soldiers of his command. He pitied sincerely the 
misfortunes of many among the enemy, and in his wide-reaching 
charity of soul lost no opportunity to mitigate the sufferings result- 
ing to Southern families from the presence of our troops among 
them. A few cases in illustration of this fact deserve to be stated 
here. Among the estates within the limits of Kearney's command, 
while lying at Alexandria, was that of Miss. E. P. Herbert. Cir- 
cumstances having rendered her comparatively helpless, her case 
was at once laid before General McClellan in the following charac- 
teristic letter : 

" Headquarters New Jersey Brigade, j 
Camp Seminary, November 24, 1861. f 
" Sir : I liave the honor to apply for a safeguard for the house and property of Miss 
E. P. Herbert, in Alexandria. Her case is peculiarly distressing-. She was possessor 
of " Vancluse," a point in my camp necessary for military occupation, at an early 
period. When threatened with an attack I was obliged to garrison the premises by 
the two flank companies of Colonel Simpson's Fourth New Jersey Volunteers. The 
lady was obliged to leave. Her house in Alexandria had been forced open, and all 
her furniture destroyed. She is without any friends, and quite advanced in years, 
and cut off from all pecuniary resources — being additionally burthened with her sister, 
infirm in mind as in body. In Alexandria, she has not been treated with due consid- 
eration. As the military instrument of much of her distress, I feel bound to help 
her, and I have done so. She needs it, for her mind has given way to high nervousj 
excitement and fear. 

"A 'safeguard' for her residence in Alexandria will do much to secure her from 
future annoyances, and to calm her. I respectfully trust that it may be granted. 

"Indemnity is due to her, and could not be refused, if her case had a hearing. In 
no instance could humanity have juster scope for its exercise. 

"Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"P. Kearxey, Brigadier-General." 

This letter finely displays both General Kearney's humanity 
and sense of justice ; and his action in this case is only a type of 
other deeds no less noble and generous. Before writing this letter, 
he had personally helped the obje2t of his interest, having on the 
26th of October put his banker at her disposal " to the best of 
his means," and tendered her other assistance no less valuable. 
Another instance in which this same benevolent temper found 



820 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



expression, is disclosed in a letter to the Assistant Adjutant-General 
of Franklin's Division, dated February 12, 1862, as follows : 

"Sir: I respectfully again call the attention of General McClellan to the great 
distress of Mrs. Godwin, a lady of high social position, and the necessity of her being 
permitted to go to Richmond, as she has no male relatives in the North. 

"It is now a month since Mr. Godwin died, and left herself and numerous daughters 
thus helpless. They have no support except what aid they may receive from myself, 
and other officers. Excepting the principle of private individuals passing the lines, 
they could easily he left at Mrs. Fitzhugh's, two and a half miles from our post, and 
by her forwarded to Manassas. 

"They have never had any means of information, and what they witness in my 
command can only be in favor of the spirit, comfort and cheerfulness of the Union 
army. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"P. Kearney, Brigadier-General." 

But with all his sympathy for the inevitable distresses of war, 
with all his commiseration for the misfortunes of the proud and 
haughty First Families who suddenly saw all their props swept 
away, General Kearney resented as a personal affront any and all 
manifestations of sympathy with treason within the limits of his 
command. Himself clear as the day, with his whole nature fired 
with lofty zeal, he despised and abhorred all hypocrisies and dou- 
ble-dealing, all infractions of good faith or comity on the part of 
those who were held at the mercy of the conqueror. And his 
treatment of all persons so offending was as sharp and decisive as 
it was often unexpected. Two illustrations only of his stern 
fidelity to principle in cases of this character can be given here, 
and that in the form, of letters from Kearney's own hand. On the 
13th of December, 1861, lie wrote to a Mrs. Brooks, of Alexandria, 
who had been guilty of a seditious act, as follows : 

" Headquarters, New Jersey Brigade, ) 
" December, 13, 1861. f 
" Madam : Certain articles for a prisoner in my Brigade Hospital, have been received. 
They were unnecessary as tending to the comfort of the prisoner, as I had already 
supplied him with clothing from my own wardrobe, and the hospital has complete 
sets — as to delicacies, they are equally unnecessary, as our own hospital is richly pro- 
vided. Be assured that in this sad war, I ignore individuals, more particularly if 
wounded and prisoners, and that I have made no distinction between this prisoner and 
my own people. 

"The package, on being examined, contained what was seditious. The insignia of 
rebellion attending openly the bouquet presented, is equally liable to condemnation. 

"In reference to this, Madam, with the kindest feelings that civil war admits of, I 
can only see in it an unpardonable defiance and contempt for the feelings of myself and 
command, who have ever been your safeguard and protection. It is aggravating to the 
highest point with myself, whom the very consideration I show, above all others, to 
the undefended, seditious or Union, causes to detest, despise and loathe those factious, 
egotistical Southerners, who have introduced anarchy and schism, reducing us, a proud 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — KEARNEY. 



821 



first-class Nation, to (if they could) the insignificance, themselves and us, of a petty 
German Principality. 

" Madam, if I were to construe my duty strictly, it would be to denounce you to the 
surveillance of the Alexandria authorities, hut I accept as your excuse, the weakness 
of your sex, and your unprotected situation. I must, as a friend, caution you for the 
future. It was with great difficulty, owing to your sentiments, that I protected you 
whilst here. Does it ever occur to you that those who like myself, and most others, 
have sacrificed comfort, interest, and their homes, to protect our glorious Union, 
must feel insulted, as no male dares to insult us (did we allow private annoyances to 
mix with our high vocation), in thus being bearded in the face of our might by expres- 
sions of disloyalty, and that as to the individual for whom it is called forth, it could 
only prevent or restrain our full benevolence to him as a sufferer ? 

"With best respects, your obedient servant, 

"P. Kearney, Brigadier-General, 

" P. S. You will please not to hold further communication with the prisoner." 

Two days later, the above letter was followed by this note, in 
which courtesy and firm adherence to duty are strangely blended : 

"Seminary, December 15, 1861. 
"Dear Madam : I received yours of this date ; I did not read it ; it was sufficient to 
glean from it that you feel aggrieved by me. I most respectfully apologize, and dis- 
claim any feeling of personality, although injured. But in doin<r so, I am left only my 
official duty — that of reporting secret correspondence with the enemy, a prisoner 
under my charge. 

"With great respect, your obedient servant, 

"P. Kearney, Brigadier-General. 

"To Mrs. Brooks." 

In another case, the action of General Kearney was even more 
sharp and decisive. A Mrs. E. Godwin having offered an insult 
to the flag, he addressed her (March 29, 1862) as follows : 

"Dear Madam: The conduct of the ladies of your family has been so impudent, 
by its public demonstrations, that I am left but one of two alternatives to save you, 
viz : The obtaining for you a safeguard from General McClellan ; but this obliges an 
oath of allegiance to the Union. Ladies do not always like this straining of their 
X^rivate predilections. 

"The other alone remains for me, therefore, viz: The planting over your door, by 
my high authority (not, therefore, the abuse as by an irresponsible individual), that 
flag of our old Union, under which we have all lived so long, and in which I have so 
strong a faith that the North and the South, the East and the West, will sooner or 
later be once more united, and all doubts and discord past, will learn once again to 
appreciate each other, without reference to section. 

"Most devotedly and sincerely, your obedient servant, 

"Philip Kearney, — - 
"Brigadier-General Commanding Camp at Seminary." 

The flag, under which the high-strung Virginia ladies had 
declared their solemn purpose never again to walk, was planted 
over the door, as Kearney promised, and they walked under it, 
rebuked and humiliated, spite of all their sneers and boasts, so long 
as his authority extended over their acres. 



822 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Did the war produce another General in whom, were thus united 
so many of those high and peculiar traits which go to make the 
perfect soldier ? Did it produce another who fought more unselfishly 
or with more lofty fidelity to principle ? Another who, with keener 
prophetic eye searched out and foretold the weaknesses and disas- 
ters under which we staggered so drearily and long? Another 
who, unawed by the frown of authority, always declared with equal 
boldness and emphasis the thought that was in him? Another who 
looked towards a higher mark, or measured all his deeds by a higher 
or broader standard? 



Major-General Gershom Mott. 

Major-General Gershom Mott is a native of Mercer County, in 
this State, and upon, the commencement of the rebellion was thirty- 
nine years of age. During the Mexican war he served with marked 
credit as Second Lieutenant in the Tenth Infantry, one of the ten 
regiments which were attached to the regular army during that 
period. At the time when the first call was made for volunteers 
to aid in suppressing the rebellion, he held a desirable position as 
cashier of the Bordentown Banking Company, but with genuine 
patriotic feeling, he at once offered his services to Governor Olden 
in any capacity he might designate, and on the 4th of August, 
1861, was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fifth New Jersey 
Volunteers. This regiment, which was composed of a superior 
class of men, he thoroughly drilled and disciplined — being its com- 
manding officer during nearly all the time he was connected with 
it — advancing it to a high state of efficiency and preparing it for 
the arduous and terrible campaigns in which it was destined to 
share. In the first demonstration against the enemy made by the 
Second New Jersey Brigade, this regiment carried off the honors, 
being selected by General Hooker to cross the Potomac and seize 
the rebel works at Cockpit Point, which was done, under Mott's 
direction, in the most gallant and satisfactory manner. In the 
memorable battle of Williamsburg, the regiment fought with the 
most obstinate bravery, occupying an advanced position, and ren- 



DISTINGUISHED GENEEAL OFFICERS — MOTT. 



823 



dering service of inestimable value in the general plan of opera- 
tions. Immediately after this battle, Mott, who had distinguished 
himself by his coolness and courage, was promoted (May 7, 1862) 
to the Colonelcy of the Sixth Regiment. This regiment he com- 
manded with such skill and success in all the contests in which it 
participated on the Peninsula and up to the second Bull Run, as to 
win the lavish encomiums of his superiors, eliciting from them a 
strong and unanimous recommendation for his promotion to a Briga- 
dier-Generalship. The President, satisfied of his merits as an offi- 
cer and soldier, promptly acted upon this recommendation, ordering 
the promotion on the 7th of September. At this time Mott was 
at home suffering from a wound received at Bull Run while gal- 
lantly leading and encouraging his men, but as soon as possible 
(December 4th) returned to the field, and, upon the urgent request 
of General Hooker, then commanding the Center Grand Division 
of the Army of the Potomac, was assigned to the command of the 
Third Brigade, Second Division, Third Corps, or what was more 
generally recognized as the Second New Jersey Brigade, then com- 
posed of the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth New Jersey and the 
One Hundred and Fifteenth Pennsylvania and Second New York 
Regiments. In the battle of Chancellors ville, this brigade dis- 
played the most heroic gallantry, bearing the brunt of the fighting 
on that part of the line where it was placed. Here, General Mott, 
who fought with the same bravery and skill as on other fields, at 
one time carrying the colors in his own hand as his columns swept 
to the assault, was again wounded, but refused to leave the front 
until completely exhausted from loss of blood, when he retired a 
short distance to the rear. On the 29th of August, having recov- 
ered from this wound, he rejoined his command at Bealtou, and on 
the loth of October engaged the enemy at McLean's Ford, where, 
being in sole command of our forces, he handsomely defeated a 
large body of the enemy. On the 3d of April, 1864, as the army 
commenced its Grand Advance upon the enemy, General Mott was 
placed in command of the Second Division of the Third Corps, 
but subsequently, upon the consolidation of the Fourth and Third 
Divisions of that Corps, and their incorporation with the Second 



824 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Corps as one division (the Third), fell back temporarily to his old 
brigade. Shortly after, however, he again took command of the 
division, and held that position until the close of the war. On the 
10th of September, 1864, he was brevetted Major-General, and 
after the army broke up, was put in command of a division of 
the Provisional Corps which was then formed — the division consist- 
ing of the remnants of the old Second Corps. Upon that corps 
being mustered out, he was ordered to report to the Department of 
Washington (July 28, 1865), and on the 5th of August was made 
a member of the Wirz Commission. Subsequently (on the 25th 
of November, 1865), he was appointed on the Commission to inves- 
tigate the difficulties between the State of Massachusetts and the 
Austrian Government, growing out of the enlistment of Austrian 
subjects by the former. He remained on this commission until the 
15th of January, 1866, having been made a full Major-General on 
the 1st of December preceding. On the 20th of February following, 
his resignation from the service, sent in some months previously, 
was accepted, and he retired to private life, carrying with him the 
warmest expressions of confidence from Secretary Stanton and 
other members of the Government. 

General Mott was the first officer of volunteers who was bre- 
vetted a Major-General from the Army of the Potomac, and is the 
only full Major-General from New Jersey. As a soldier his record 
is without spot, and his advancement was purely the result of 
merit. Some Generals — not a few, indeed — acquired prominence 
rather through the friendly intervention of politicians and hired 
correspondents, than by actual performance in the field ; but Mott 
owed nothing to influences of this character, suffering rather from 
the hostility of the one and the prejudice of the other. More tha'n 
once, the credit of achievements performed by his brigade and di- 
vision was ascribed to others, and even the historians of the war 
have not altogether corrected the false judgments of cotemporane- 
ous writers as to a number of engagements in which he participa- 
ted, as is clearly shown elsewhere in the history of the Second New 
Jersey Brigade. 

As a disciplinarian, General Mott possessed qualities of the 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — MOTT. 825 

highest order, and his division was at all times conspicuous both for 
the efficiency of its officers and the courage and endurance of its 
men, At one time during the campaign from the Wilderness to 
Petersburg, General Mott furnished from his division over half a 
dozen Colonels to command brigades in other divisions, and all 
justified the confidence which induced his superiors to look to his 
command for officers of the highest skill and capacity. But with 
all his admitted courage and genuine capacity, Mott had little 
magnetism of character, and rarely depended for success upon the 
arts of command. He was purely a man of method, as was natu- 
ral in view of his education and business pursuits, and he held 
tenaciously to military rules, being inclined, indeed, to view with 
a sort of contempt any officer who failed to fight militarily, in 
precise accordance with established regulations. He was at all 
times thoroughly self-possessed in action, but was not always above 
the influence of passion. With his familiars he was genial and 
hearty to the last degree, but could be frigid as an iceberg to any 
against whom, whether justly or otherwise, he had conceived a 
prejudice. During the battle of Chancellorsville, having been car-' 
ried to the rear when exhausted from loss of blood, an officer of a 
regiment in his brigade, entered the place where he was lying, some 
mile or so from the front, and seemed about to make himself com- 
fortable, when Mott, seeing no signs of any wound on the person 
of the visitor, enquired sharply, " What are you doing here, sir V 1 
The officer replied that he had been injured, but his manner show- 
ing that he was really skulking, Mott, too indignant for speech, 
turned his face to the wall with an air that said, " begone, thou 
coward," and from that hour, there was a barrier between that offi- 
cer and himself that nothing could ever beat down. 

General Mott was four times wounded — once in each year of the 
term_ during which he was in the service. When last wounded, 
during the pursuit of Lee, his division had just come up with the 
rear guard of the enemy, and but for his being compelled to leave 
the field and abandon to others the execution of his combinations, 
some thousands of the rebels, with a large part of their train, must 
have been captured. All were, indeed, a few days afterwards sur- 
104 



826 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



rendered, but it would have been a fitting close to Mott's career, 
and a crowning glory to the old Second Brigade, could the enemy 
have been at that time captured and held as trophies of New Jersey 
valor and endurance. 

Brevet Major-General Torbert. 
A. T. A. Torbert entered the Military Academy at West Point 
in 1851, and graduated four years after, in 1855, being promoted 
to Second Lieutenant in the Fifth United States Infantry. He 
joined that regiment in the same year, in Texas, and served con- 
tinuously until 1861 on the frontiers of that State, and in Florida, 
Utah and New Mexico. In Februar}^, 1861, he was promoted to 
First Lieutenant, and on the 17th of April following reported to 
Governor Olden, of New Jersey, by order of the War Department, 
for mustering duty. He continued in the performance of this duty 
until September of the same year, being promoted in August to 
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster. In September he declined a 
staff appointment, and was promoted Captain in the Fifth Infantry. 
About the same time he received permission from the War Depart- 
ment to accept the Colonelcy of a regiment of Volunteers, and was 
thereupon made Colonel of the First New Jersey by Governor 
Olden, assuming command on the 17th, at Camp Seminary, Virginia. 
During the fall and winter months he devoted himself to the work 
of drilling and disciplining the regiment for active service, and 
soon advanced it to a state of proficiency which enlisted the warm- 
est encomiums from General Kearney and others. In March, 1862, 
Colonel Torbert commanded his regiment in McClellan's advance 
to Manassas, and subsequently accompanied it to the Peninsula, 
serving in that disastrous campaign from March to July, being 
engaged in the battle of West Point, the skirmish at Mechanics- 
ville, the battle of Gaines' Mill, and in the seven days' fight in 
McClellan's retreat to the James Eiver. In August, 1862, he was 
assigned to the command of the First New Jersey Brigade, known 
as the First Brigade, First Division, Sixth Army Corps, then lying- 
near Alexandria, Virginia. The brigade took part in General 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — TORBERT. 827 



Pope's campaign, and subsequently in the campaign in Maryland 
under General McClellan, participating in the battles of Crampton's 
Pass and Antietam. Upon the termination of this campaign, the 
Fifteenth and Twenty-third ISTew Jersey Regiments were assigned 
to the brigade. Torbert participated with his command in the 
battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, and in January, 
1863, left on sick leave, not being present at the second Freder- 
icksburg battle. In the following June he rejoined the brigade 
near Fairfax Court House, and marched with the army, under 
Hooker, into Maryland, serving through the whole of the Mary- 
land and Pennsylvania campaigns, under General Meade — taking 
part in the battles of Gettysburg and Fairfield, in July, 1863. He 
then commanded the brigade continuously down to April, 1864, 
when he was placed in command of the First Division of the Cav- 
alry, Army of the Potomac, and moved with it in the Grand 
Advance. In May, he was assigned to the command of all the 
cavalry (about three thousand) with that army, General Sheridan 
being on the Eichmond road with the Cavalry Corps proper. Tor- 
bert commanded at the cavalry fights at Milforcl Station on the 
Fredericksburg and Richmond Railroad, May 21st, and on the 
North Anna three days later. Joining his division on the 26th, 
he commanded in the engagement at Hanovertown on the 27th, 
and was present at the fight at Hawes' Shop on the 28th. He then 
commanded in the actions at Old Church on the 30th, and at Cold 
Harbor on the 31st and June 1st, subsequently taking part in the 
cavalry engagements at Trevillian Station, June 11th, .at Mallo- 
way's Ford Cross Road, June 12 tb, at White House and Tan- 
stairs Station. June 21st, and at Darbytown June 28th. On 
the 30th of July he was ordered to embark at City Point 
with his division, proceed to Washington, and report to General 
Sheridan at Harper's Ferry. Reporting on the 8th of August, he 
was promoted to Chief of Cavalry of the Middle Military Division, 
on the staff of the General of Cavalry — his command consisting of 
the First and Third Cavalry Divisions from the Army of the Poto- 
mac, commanded by Generals Merrit and Wilson, and the Second 
Cavalry Division of the Army of the Shenandoah, commanded by 



828 



NEW" JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



General Averill. In the fighting in that department, Torbert had 
a conspicuous part, commanding at the battle of "Winchester, 
August 17th, and at Kearneysville (with the First and Third Divi- 
sions), August 25th. In the famous battle at Opequan, September 
19th, he commanded in person the First and Second Divisions, 
sharing also actively in other engagements following upon that 
victory. In the fights at Mount Crawford, October 2d, and at 
Toms River on the 9th, he commanded the First and Third Divi- 
sions, under Merrit and Custer. In the general engagement at 
Cedar Creek, October 19th, he commanded the First, Second and 
Third Divisions, and November 12th, was present at the engage- 
ment near Middletown. He then commanded at Liberty Mills, 
December 22d, with the First and Second Divisions, Army of the 
Shenandoah, and at Gordonsville, December 23d, with the same 
command. On the 9th of September, of that year, he had been 
promoted to brevet Major-General, and assigned to duty by the 
President according to his brevet rank. On the 23d of April, 1865, 
he was assigned to the command of the Army of the Shenandoah, 
headquarters at Winchester —the command embracing three divi- 
sions of infantiy, one of cavalry, and six batteries. On the 12th 
of July, this army being broken up, he was assigned to the com- 
mand of the District of Southeastern Virginia, headquarters at 
Norfolk. He was relieved from command and mustered out of 
the service of volunteer rank in December, 1865, and November 
1, 1866, having meanwhile been on leave of absence, resigned from 
the army and retired to private life. He was once wounded slightly, 
namely, on September 14, 1862, at Crampton's Pass, Maryland — 
where his brigade, as shown in another part of this work, performed 
one of the most brilliant feats of the war. During the war he 
received the following brevets in the Regular Army : brevet Major, 
July 4, 1863, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of 
Gettysburg; brevet Lieutenant-Colonel, May 28, 1861, for gallant 
services at Hawes' Shop ; brevet Colonel, September 19, 1864, for 
gallant services at the battle of Winchester ; brevet Brigadier-Gen- 
eral, March 13, 1865, for bravery at Cedar Creek ; brevet Major- 
Gen era], March 13, 1865, for meritorious services during the war. 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICEES — TORBERT. 829 

Few officers were more highly esteemed by the authorities of 
New Jersey than General Torbert. It was owing in a large degree 
to his industry and fidelity that they were enabled at the outbreak 
of hostilities to promptly fill all the requisitions made upon them 
for troops — his experience and familiarity with the methods of 
organization wonderfully diminishing the difficulties of the task 
which was so suddenly imposed upon them. For a period of six 
months, Torbert labored in this work with unexampled activity, 
proving a strong right arm to the Executive — never shrinking for 
a moment from any undertaking, however formidable ; never fail- 
ing in the performance of any duty laid upon him. Yet all this 
whjle there were some, strange to say, who* questioned his loyalty, 
and who labored to undermine him in the confidence of the 
authorities and impair his influence with those by whom he was 
surrounded. This hostility, so far as has ever been ascertained, 
had no better foundation than the fact that General Torbert was a 
native of the South, and had been associated for the most part 
with Southern officers — having many influential friends among 
Southern politicians, with whose views upon the slavery question 
he in some degree coincided. But over against this stood the fact 
that with the very first mutter of treason he arrayed himself vig- 
orously and earnestly on the loyal side, doing more than any sin- 
gle mustering officer in the Northern States to hurry troops to the 
field to aid in maintaining the authority of the Government, and 
the further fact also that he was at all times outspoken and em- 
phatic in denouncing the whole rebellious conspiracy, never hesi- 
tating to rebuke in others the slightest expression of sympathy with 
it. These facts, amounting to positive evidence, finally, it is grati- 
fying to know, were generally accepted as conclusive as to Tor- 
berths status : and if, later in the war, when his saber was flashing 
over the heads of the Nation's enemies, any still entertained doubts 
as to his loyalty, they must have been of the class with whom 
neither argument nor reason can overcome the influence of irra- 
tional prejudice. 

As a soldier, General Torbert was courageous, vigilant, skillful ; 
with excellent natural capacities for command, uniting much 



830 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



acquired information as to the high arts and rules of war, which made 
him, in point of qualification, vastly the superior of many who 
ranked him in the service. As a cavalry officer, he displayed pecu- 
liarly brilliant qualities, his entire connection with that arm of the 
service being in the highest degree creditable to himself and the 
arnry. Sheridan, under whose eye he fought, held him in the 
highest estimation, finding in him many of the soldierly elements 
which, in his own character, shone so conspicuously. In the bat- 
tles in the Shenandoah, during the summer and fall of 1861, Tor- 
bert was ever foremost in grappling with the enemy, and no blows 
were sharper or more severe than those which his divisions inflicted 
upon Early as, finally, he went reeling down the valley, utterly 
discomfited and broken. Torbert's success in this branch of the 
service was the result not merely of skill in combination and high 
personal courage, but in a large measure also of the enthusiasm with 
which he fought, and which, inspiring his command with confi- 
dence, made it irresistible, whether in the impetuosity of its attack 
or the stubborn tenacity with which, when assailed, it held its 
ground and beat back the assailant. 

General Torbert, like the majority of the General officers from 
New Jersey, was comparatively young in years, being at the time 
he took command of the First Eegiment, under thirty years of 
age. Upon resigning his position in the army and retiring to pri- 
vate life, he took up his residence at Delaware, where, possessing 
a large estate, he rests in the shadow of his own vine, with no 
breath of war blowing among the leaves, no menace of treason 
disturbing the peaceful calm in which, after battles many and 
perilous, he has happily anchored. 

Brevet Major-General Eobert McAllister. 
Major-General Eobert McAllister, at the time the rebellion com- 
menced, was a citizen of Oxford Furnace, New Jersey, engaged 
in an important enterprise, which demanded his closest attention. 
He had already reached the age at which, ordinarily, men of the 
better class prefer the ease and quiet of the well-ordered family 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — MCALLISTER. 831 

circle to the tumults and attritions of worldly strife; and was, 
besides, exempt, by virtue of his years, from the obligation to per- 
form military duty. But he was a man of profoundly patriotic 
instincts, of deep and pervading religious convictions, a lover of 
liberty, a respecter of law; and when that blow was struck 
which menaced law, order, religion and every other high and sacred 
interest with destruction, he surrendered, in a moment, business, 
home, and all accustomed comforts, and with only a burning desire 
to be useful, gave himself to the country. 

Immediately enlisting a company of men upon the first call for 
three year's troops, he reported at Trenton early in May, 1861, and 
on the 21st of that month was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the 
First Eegiment, serving in that capacity, although really in com- 
mand during most of the time, until July 28, 1862, when he was 
appointed Colonel of the Eleventh Eegiment, of which he at once 
assumed command, and with which he remained until June 6, 1864. 
In October, 1862, as ranking Colonel, he took command of the 
First Brigade, Second Division, Third Corps, to which his regiment 
was attached. Upon the consolidation of the Third Corps with 
the Second he was placed temporarily, in the midst of a battle, in 
charge of the Second Brigade, Third Division, Second Corps, 
directing its operations in all the engagements in which it partici- 
pated. On the 24th of June (1864) following, he was relieved and 
took command of the Third Brigade, Third Division, Second Corps 
(Second New Jersey Brigade), remaining in that position during 
the remainder of the war. On the 27th of October, 1864, he was 
appointed Brigadier-General by brevet, " for gallant and distin- 
guished services at Boydton Plank Eoad," and on the 13th of 
March, 1865, was further recognized by appointment as brevet 
Major- General " for meritorious services during the war. 1 ' He was 
mustered out of the service on the 6th of June, 1865. 

From the outset of his career, General McAllister was a man of 
work and action. Sharing in the first battle of the war, he parti- 
cipated also in the last. In all, he was engaged in some forty bat- 
tles, extending all the way from West Point to the fall of Peters- 
burg. He was present at the first Bull Eun, rendering efficient 



832 



NEW" JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



service in arresting the retreat of our forces, and also at the siege 
of Yorktown, though not actually engaged in the operations before 
that place. In the battle of West Point, he fought with great gal- 
lantry, and participated also in the battles of Gaines' Mill, Charles 
City Cross Eoads, White Oak Swamp, and Malvern Hill. In the 
engagement at Gaines' Mill his regiment suffered severely, having 
been ordered into the woods and kept there by Fitz John Porter, 
who refused to permit fresh troops to go to its relief. Subse- 
quently, General McAllister shared in the desperate fighting at 
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, being severely 
wounded in the latter engagement. After an absence of ninety 
days, he returned to the field and participated in the engagement 
at Jacob's Ford on the Rappahannock, being the first man to land, 
under heavy fire from the enemy, in the crossing at Kelley's Ford 
prior to this fight. He was present, during the same campaign, at 
Locust Grove and Mine Run, and in the last grand advance parti- 
cipated in all the battles of the Wilderness, at Spottsylvania, the 
North Anna, Coal Harbor, Petersburg, Deep Bottom. Strawberry 
Plains, Weldon Railroad, Reams' Station, Boydton Plank Road, 
Hatcher's Run, Poplar Grove Church, and in the final contests be- 
fore Richmond — especially distinguishing himself in a picket line 
line fight on the oth of Februaiy, 1865, and in the crowning vic- 
tory of the war — the capture of the enemy's works ^before Peters- 
burg. In many of these engagements, as at Hatcher's Run and 
Boydton Plank Road, General McAllister by his coolness and 
intrepidity won the special commendations of his superiors. All 
the Generals under whom he served, including Humphreys, Prince, 
Carr and several others, united in recommending his promotion, 
bearing the highest testimon}^ to his efficiency and courage as an 
officer, and his worth and excellence as a man, 1 and he retired 

1 Among those letters were the following 
" To 7iis Excellency, the President of the United States : 

" I have the honor most respectfully to recommend for promotion, Colonel Robert 
McAllister, commanding the Eleventh New Jersey Volunteers. 

" He has served under my command for the last year and participated in the battles 
of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, where he was severely wounded. 
On all occasions he has distinguished himself as a cool, intrepid, skillful commander. 

" Colonel McAllister's qualities as a disciplinarian, and extensive experience in the 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — M c ALLISTER. 833 



from the army of the Potomac as highly and sincerely respected 
as any man, perhaps, who had helped to make its name immortal. 

Yet General McAllister was not a brilliant officer, as the world 
uses that term. He had none of the nervous vehemence of Kear- 
ney, none of the dazzle and dash of Sheridan. In the heat of the 
fiercest battle he was as cool and calm as on parade. Plain and 
unpretending, indifferent to the dignity and apparently uncon- 
scious of the privileges and claims of rank, with a temperament 
which nothing ever disturbed, he seemed, at the outset, to many 
who did not know him, destitute of every essential quality of a 
commander ; and there is no doubt that for a time he suffered in 
the estimation of some of his superiors, as well as of his own com- 
mand, from the excessive simplicity of his carriage and the utter 
absence of that sort of bluster which for awhile passed current in 
the army and among the people for genuine courage. Indeed, the 
more thoughtless and reckless among his own regiment, seeing 
him live soberly and simply, and laboring incessantly to improve 
the morals as well as the soldierly efficiency of his troops, were 
wont to grow jocular, around the camp fire, over his more homely 
peculiarities. But when the hour for fighting came, and battle 



field, well qualify him for the position of a Brigadier-General, and as a reward for the 
many valuable services he has rendered his country, I submit for him a promotion to 
that position. 

" I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

" Joseph B. Carr, Brigadier-General, United States Volunteers." 

General Humphreys, in a letter of October 28, 1S63, concurred in the opinion thus 
expressed by General Carr, as to the value of General McAllister's services. 

"Headquarters, Second Division, Third Corps, { 
"Brandt Station, Virginia, November 23, 1863. ) 
"Honorable E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War: 

"Sir: I have heard of the recommendation of Colonel Robert McAllister for pro- 
motion, and beg leave to say as the least in his behalf which my acquaintance will 
justify : 

" The Colonel has commanded a brigade in my division for a month and a half, and 
is now relieved in consequence of the seniority of another officer who has joined for 
duty. 

" During this time we have been marching and changing position almost constantly, 
and he has discharged the duties of Brigade Commander satisfactorily. He has shown 
himself to be a man of high character, both as a soldier and a gentleman, always per- 
forming his duty conscientiously, and stimulating others to do the same. His general 
conduct undoubtedly commands the favorable consideration of the War Department. 

"Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"Henry Prince, Brigadier-General of Volunteers, commanding Division." 

105 



834 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



had been joined, neither officers nor men — neither his superiors 
nor subordinates — cared to remember that they had ever thought 
of him otherwise than proudly. When that time came, he met it, 
calmly indeed, but with a courage, a resolution, an indifference to 
clanger which drew all eyes unto him, and from every lip extorted 
praise. Wherever the fire was thickest and most deadly, wherever 
a wavering line needed encouragement or the stimulus of dauntless 
example, wherever a "forlorn hope " was called to do the barely 
possible, there he was ever found, fighting sturdily to the last with 
unfailing confidence and a face unblanched. Surrounded and left 
to fight alone, with a girdle of fire and steel all about him, as at 
Hatcher's Kim, or menaced and sorely pressed by overwhelming 
numbers, as at the salient point of Spottsylvania's crimson field, 
he was equal always to the great emergency — never abandoning a 
field that could be won ; winning often where more pretentious 
or more "brilliant" men, trying, would have failed. Not a 
soldier of the schools ; slow, perhaps, to apprehend and practice 
upon nice military rules, he yet had what is better than all the 
knowledge of the books — perfect and entire fearlessness, joined 
with the sturdiest tenacity of purpose ; and these, making him a 
leader and so an inspiration to his followers, gave him success in 
the most desperate and exhausting straits, and secured him a place, 
by common voice, among the "fighting Generals" of the war 
whose hearts, as well as their hands, were in the work to which 
they had been called. 

But General McAllister was not merely conspicuous for courage 
on the field in the hour of battle. He was hardly less distinguished 
for the blamelessness of his life in camp and his conscientious devo- 
tion to his duties as a Christian. He was one of those who carried 
their religion with them to the field, and illustrated in the midst of 
all its jostling vices, all its clamorous temptations, the virtues which 
religion nourishes and enriches. No regiments were ever more 
faithfully and jealously guarded from the evils so largely incident 
to army life than those which he commanded. In him every Chap- 
lain had a supporter, every soldier tempted or led astray, a coun- 
sellor and friend, Nor was he without his reward in this labor of 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — RAMSEY. 835 



love. In his own regiment, the Eleventh, the practice of temper- 
ance and kindred virtues became, in time, the rule rather than the 
exception ; and not a few who at first were among the scoffers, came 
at last to holiness of living. Who shall say what a vastly greater 
moral influence the army of this nation might have acquired, or 
how infinitely its conception of the nature of our struggle might 
have been elevated, had all men in command, standing as exem- 
plars and guides, been equally faithful to the moral interests of 
those subjected to their control ! 2 



Brevet Major-General John Eamsey. 
John Eamsey entered the military service of the United States 
as First Lieutenant of Company Gr, Second Eegiment New Jersey 
State Militia. The Captain of the company being elected Colonel 
of the regiment, Lieutenant Eamsey was made Captain (April 28, 
1861), and in that capacity served during his term of enlistment. 
Upon the return of his regiment, he organized another company 

2 Chaplain Cliue, of the Eleventh Regiment, says of General McAllister : 
"He was a self-denying-, laborious officer; often performing duties which men in 
the same position generally devolved on subordinate officers — doing this, for fear all 
might not be done right. And he knew no danger ; always in the extreme front, never 
asking anybody to go where he had not been first himself. I could give many instances 
of great bravery and devotion to his work, but will mention only one. During those 
fearful battles of the Wilderness, he worked so hard, and was so careful and anxious, 
both day and night (as he always was in time of special clanger), that he was entirely 
exhausted, but would not give up. Two horses had been shot under him; he had 
received a blow on an old wound sustained at Gettysburg, and was suffering from this, 
but he would not listen to his friends and take the rest he absolutely needed. After 
the enemy had retired from our immediate point, he did go back to the hospital to get 
a quiet night's sleep, but next morning, early, he was at his post again. His conduct 
was regulated by a pure love of country, and a strict conscientiousness. There was 
no affectation in his fervid patriotism, no absorbing ambition for military renown in his 
desire to meet the foe ; but a quiet determination, and an inflexible firmness which 
were not always seen. He brought to the service a character mellowed by religious 
culture, and was throughout a Christian officer ; loving the approval of conscience 
more than the plaudits of men." 

The following is an extract from a letter written by Brigadier-General Carr, after the 
battle of Gettysburg, to a daughter of General McAllister, referring to his action in 
that conflict: 

"The conduct of Colonel McAllister on that occasion, as well as at Chancellors - 
ville, was such as to merit the admiration and highest encomiums of not only his 
superior officers, but also his brave followers, and others to whom he was entirely 
unknown. You have every reason, as well as the State he represents, to feel proud 
of your father." 



836 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



and was commissioned (August 28th) as Captain, the company 
being attached to the Fifth (three years) Eegiment. In May, 1862, 
Captain Eamsey was commissioned as Major of this regiment for 
" distinguished gallantry at Williamsburg/' where he had fought 
with great bravery. Five months later (October 21st), he was 
made Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment, and in the April follow- 
ing was promoted to the Colonelcy of the Eighth Eegiment. In 
December, 1864, he received a commission as brevet Brigadier- 
General, and was assigned to duty with that rank. He was bre- 
vetted Major-General April 16, 1865. and mustered out of the 
service in June, two months later. 

General Eamsey participated in the siege of Yorktown and all 
the principal battles of the Peninsula, in the second Ball Eun, 
Bristow, Chantilly, McLean's Ford, Fredericksburg, Chancellors- 
ville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Petersburg and a number of other 
engagements — exhibiting in all the highest courage and finest sol- 
dierly proficiency. lie was three times wounded, once at Chancel- 
lorsville, once at Gettysburg and a third time, severely, at Peters- 
burg. General Eamsey was not as covetous of applause as many 
others, and was, perhaps, less careful than some to improve his 
opportunities for advancement, but as a stubborn fighter he had 
few superiors. Indeed, if he did not actually relish the excite- 
ments of battle, he always entered into them without reluctance, 
and never failed to strike telling blows. While in command of a 
brigade, he did some of the most effective fighting of the last 
grand campaign, and more than once received honorable mention 
in official reports. 



Brigadier-General William J. Sewell. 
Among the many New Jersey officers who were conspicuous for 
the rarest gallantry, none possessed a more genuine soldierly spirit, 
and displayed higher capacities for command, than William J. 
Sewell. Mustered into service as a Captain in the Fifth Eegiment, 
Angust 28, 1861, he was among the first to exhibit a true concep- 
tion of the necessities of the service, and promptly adapting him- 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — SEWELL. 



837 



self to its requirements, proved from the very outset a disciplina- 
rian of the highest order, as well as an invaluable support to his 
superiors in all matters affecting the welfare of the regiment. Par- 
ticipating with his regiment in every action in which the corps 
was engaged, from the assault upon Yorktown down to the battle 
of Spottsylvania, in May, 1864, his courage shone conspicuously on 
every field, while his readiness of apprehension and fertility of 
resource in desperate emergencies, marked him on all occasions as 
a man of superior talents. In the battle of Chancellors ville, Gen- 
eral Mott being wounded, Sewell succeeded to the command of the 
brigade, and leading it forward at a critical moment, achieved one 
of the grandest successes of the war, capturing eight colors from 
the enemy and retaking the regimental standard of a New York 
Eegiment. The story of this achievement, as fully told in the 
history of the Second Brigade, is alone sufficient to stamp this gal- 
lant officer as worthy of a place among the best and bravest sol- 
diers of the Eepublic. But he need not rely upon this deed alone 
for the rewards of fame. At Gettysburg and elsewhere he exhibi- 
ted the same magnificent bravery, adding to the reputation achieved 
in earlier conflicts. He was twice wounded — once at Chancel lors- 
ville, and again at Gettysburg, where he sustained a severe hurt, 
while commanding the skirmish line in front of the Third Corps, 
during the attack of Longstreet in the second day's engagement. 
He was made Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fifth Eegiment, July 7, 
1862, and Colonel on the 21st of October following, both promotions 
being made on the recommendation of Colonel Starr, one of the 
bravest and most finished officers connected with the service, 
whose faithful performance of duty as Colonel of this regiment 
never received due recognition at the hands of Jerseymen. On 
the 30th of September, 1864, Colonel Sewell, who had been com- 
pelled to leave the service temporarily on account of illness, result- 
ing from long exposure, was made Colonel of the Thirty- eighth 
Eegiment, then about organizing, and with it returned to the field, 
where he remained until the summer of 1865. He was made bre- 
vet Brigadier-General of volunteers, April 9, 1866, "for gallant 
and meritorious conduct in the battle of Chancellorsville," and no 
honor was ever more worthily or justly bestowed. 



838 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



An analysis of General Sewell's character would probably show- 
that his success as a soldier was largely due to a certain vehemence 
and hauteur of disposition which could not brook opposition or 
defeat. Once fairly entered upon an enterprise, his natural enthu- 
siasm carried him impetuously forward, while his great strength 
and obstinacy of will, enabled him to overcome obstacles which 
would have entirely baffled men of less resolute purpose. All his 
qualities as an officer were solid, robust, positive, and his reputa- 
tion rests now, as it will continue to do in the future, upon a basis 
of solid achievement of which the whole State may justly be proud. 



Major-General Judson Kilpatrick. 
Among the earliest volunteers in the service of the Union, when 
Southern traitors assailed its integrity, was Judson Kilpatrick, then 
a cadet at the Military Academy at West Point, Fired with patri- 
otic ardor, immediately upon graduating he entered the field, and 
was among the first to fall wounded at Big Bethel, June 11, 1861, 
in the first battle of the war. Recovering from his wound, he 
recruited in Sussex County two companies for the Harris Light 
Cavalry, of which he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, being also in 
September promoted to First Lieutenant, First Artillery, in the 
Regular Army. Winning rapidly the respect of his superiors, he 
was soon after made a member of the board for examining cavalry 
officers of the volunteer service, and performed, in addition to 
other duties, that of Inspector-General of McDowell's Division. 
In all the earlier cavalry engagements of the war, he was conspic- 
uous, exhibiting an intrepidity, dash and readiness of resource 
which no other officer in that branch of the service had ever dis- 
played. In 1862, he inaugurated a series of "raids" which, in 
point of daring, rapidity of execution, and effectiveness of results, 
were altogether unequalled, appalling the enemy while they filled 
the whole North with exultation. In the battles of Brandy 
Station, Sulphur Springs, Groyeton, Haymavket, and the second 
Bull Run, he was ever prominent, winning fresh laurels in each 
conflict, and coming to be recognized as, at that time, the cavalry 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — KILPATRICK. 839 



leader of the war. 'When the Cavalry Corps of the Potomac 
Army was organized, he was placed in command of a brigade, 
and in the Stoneman expedition advanced to within two miles of 
Richmond, inflicting immense damage upon the communications 
of the enemy. In subsequent battles, all of which are described 
more or less fully in the account of the Sussex Squadron of the 
Harris Light Cavalry, Kilpatrick performed eminent service, and 
upon the reorganization of the army, under General Meade, was 
placed in command of a division as Brigadier-General. His 
record subsequent to this date was the record of the war in Vir- 
ginia, and to rehearse it here would only be to reproduce some 
of the brighest pages of the history of the Grand Army of the 
Potomac. 

General Sherman having been assigned to the command of the 
Military Division of the Mississippi, General Kilpatrick was ordered 
to report to him at Nashville, being there assigned to a cavalry 
command and at once sent to the front. When the armies under 
Sherman moved against the enemy, Kilpatrick led the advance 
with the column commanded by General Hooker, but subsequently 
co-operated with the Army of the Tennessee in its movements on 
Resaca, Georgia, success attending all his movements, until, in one 
of the engagements before that place, he was badly wounded and 
compelled to leave the field. Going North, he remained in quiet 
for a brief period, but growing impatient, returned to the front, 
against the advice of his physician, in time to participate in the 
final movements against Atlanta. In the March to the Sea, he 
several times engaged the cavalry of the enemy, in all cases putting 
him to rout, and by his uniform success winning new laurels. 
General Sherman, upon reaching Savannah, thus recognized the 
valuable services of the Jersey General : "I beg to assure you that 
the operations of the cavalry have been skillful and eminently suc- 
cessful. The fact that to you, in a great measure, we owe the march 
of four strong infantry columns, with heavy trains and wagons, 
over three hundred miles through an enemy's country, without the 
Joss of a single wagon, and without the annoyance of cavalry dashes 
on our flanks, is honor enough for any cavalry commander." On 



840 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION". 



the 14th of January, 1865, Kilpatrick was made Major-General, 
and a week later started on the Carolina campaign. 

Of the services of the cavalry in that memorable campaign, it 
need only be said that they insured the complete success of Sher- 
man's plans, and that to no one man was that result more largely 
due than to Judson Kilpatrick. In one instance he defeated, with 
only a portion of his command, the combined forces of Generals 
Wheeler and Wade Hampton, and in every engagement his cour- 
age and capacity had fresh and honorable development, insomuch 
that with the close of the campaign and the war, no name shone 
more lustrously than his. 

As to General Kilpatrick's characteristics, it need only be said 
that he was a genuine soldier in the very broadest understanding 
of the character, and withal was a patriot of the purest and most 
unselfish type. His success in the field greatly depended upon the 
magnetism of his example, and the care he took of his men — their 
arms, equipments, clothing and subsistence, being looked after by 
him with anxious solicitude. Readiness of mind was another strong 
element of his character ; his fertility of resources and ability to take 
advantage of occasions as they arose, giving him a constant advan- 
tage. There was, too, his rare knowledge of men, and acquaint- 
ance with human nature. He knew how to put " the right man 
in the right place," and always kept the right sort of men about 
him, even to his orderly, his servant, and his cook. Yet another 
trait that contributed to his success was, his great tact and business 
talent, or " administrative ability," in which he so far excelled the 
most of military men as to place him, in this respect, beyond com- 
petitors ; for his natural powers, in themselves quick, ready, elastic, 
were improved by science, study, and cultivation, and, combined 
with tact, rendered him pre-eminent and successful. 1 

As a fighter, Kilpatrick was audacious, impudent, and fearless 
to a fault. Some have questioned his courage; but those who 
know him best, know that no braver soldier ever went afield. 
Self-reliant in a remarkable degree, he believed himself the equal 



1 Sketch of Kilpatrick, by Doctor James Moore. 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICEES — HE C KM AN. 841 



of the best man in the land, and lie never for one instant lowered 
his sword in fear, no matter how great the odds against him. There 
were more intellectual men, men of more solidity of character 
among the Generals of the Union army, but there were none who 
more faithfully or successfully performed the work assigned them, 
or fought with loftier or nobler purpose, than General Judson 
Kilpatrick. 

Brevet Major-General Charles A. Heckman. 

Charles A. Heckman was born at Easton, Pennsylvania, Decem- 
ber 3, 1822, and entered upon his military career during the war 
with Mexico, in which he served as First Lieutenant of Company 
H, First United States Yoltigeurs, taking part in the battles of 
National Bridge, Contreras, Cherubusco, Molino del Bey, and 
Chapultepec, and being present at the capture of the City of 
Mexico. Upon his return to his home at the conclusion of the. 
war, he was engaged as a conductor by the Central Bailroad Com- 
pany of New Jersey, remaining in the service of that Company 
until the commencement of the rebellion, when, under the first 
call of the President, he raised a company of volunteers, which, 
by order of Governor Curtin, was assigned to the First Pennsyl- 
vania Begiment. Serving with distinction during the three 
months' campaign, Heckman returned to Phillipsburg, New Jersey, 
but additional troops being called for, he once more responded, 
being made Major of the Ninth Begiment by Governor Olden, 
who discovered in him peculiar qualifications for a command. 
Indeed, it was mainly owing to his knowledge and skill that this 
regiment was so rapidly advanced in efficiency, no officer but him- 
self being at the time of its organization sufficiently familiar with 
the rifle practice to drill the men therein with any degree of intel- 
ligence or profit. 

Upon reaching the field, Heckman at once became conspicuous 
as a soldier of the highest accomplishments. Perhaps no General 
officer ever behaved with greater gallantry in action than he. He 
was, as truly as any man that ever lived, insensible to fear, 
106 



842 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



During the whole period of his service, he was never once found 
in any other position than at the head of his columns. Indeed, 
in his headlong bravery, he often exposed himself unnecessarily, 
pushing beyond his lines, usually accompanied only by Surgeon 
Woodhull, straight into the jaws of danger. But he did this, like 
everything else, upon principle. He felt it to be his duty never 
to trust to others what he could do himself, and held it to be an 
evasion of responsibility to ask his command to engage in any 
service, dangerous or otherwise, in which he was not willing to 
participate. It is somewhat remarkable that although thus con- 
stantly exposing himself, mingling always in the thickest of the 
fight, he was never wounded. His clothing, however, was repeat- 
edly perforated by bullets. 

In the winter of 1864, having been made a Brigadier-General 
two years before, Heckman relieved Major-General Getty in the 
command of twenty thousand troops defending the approaches to 
Norfolk, and subsequently was offered by General Butler com- 
mand of a division of infantry with two regiments of cavalry, and 
a battery of artillery. The Old Star Brigade to which Heckman 
was greatly attached, not being included in the proffered command, 
this offer was declined. Upon his return from Eichmond, whither 
he was carried a prisoner, in May, 1864, he assumed command of 
the Second Division, Eighteenth Army Corps, which he command- 
ed at the capture of Fort Harrison. In this desperate engagement 
he captured two regiments of rebels with four pieces of artillery. 
General Ord being wounded, Heckman took command by virtue 
of his rank, and immediately ordered an attack upon a river bat- 
tery, which, together with the garrison, was captured. This bat- 
tery being found untenable (being covered by the rebel monitors), 
he had it destroyed, and then abandoned it. After this he opera- 
ted against an annoying Fort, situated between Forts Harrison and 
Gilmore, but was unable to capture it. For the ability displayed in 
these operations he was highly complimented by General Grant. 
Major-General Weitzel being sent to that part of the field, relieved 
General Heckman, who then took command of his old division, 
with which he remained until the consolidation of the Teuth and 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — MINDIL. 



843 



Eighteenth Corps, when he was placed in command of the First 
Division, Twenty-fifth (colored) Corps, and soon after, General 
Weitzel leaving for Fort Fisher, became commander of the whole 
corps, then but partially organized. The task of moulding this 
organization into effective form was one of great difficulty, but by 
unceasing exertion, strict discipline, and the close personal supervi- 
sion of the commander, success was finally achieved, the troops 
becoming genuine soldiers in the broadest sense of the term. On 
the return of General Weitzel, he appointed Heckman Chief of 
Staff, which position he held until May 25, 1865, when, the war 
being considered at an end, he resigned, and returned to his home. 
He subsequently received a Major-General's brevet, to date from 
the capture of Fort Harrison. 

General Heckman is a man of fine personal appearance, and pos- 
sesses great physical activity and powers of endurance. Ordina- 
rily calm and self-poised, his manner when excited is almost fierce 
in its heat and violence. His voice is singularly loud, ringing and 
sonorous, and in the noise of battle, his commands pierced the 
tumult like the blast of a trumpet. While in the service, he had 
one passion, but it was rather harmless than otherwise, being sim- 
ply a passion for music. His flute was scarcely less precious to him 
than his sword, and many a weary hour was solaced by its sooth- 
ing murmurs. Perhaps it was this very passion which led him 
into the thickest of every combat, wooed by the music of scream- 
ing shell and whistling ball. 

Brevet Major-General George W. Mindil. 
General Mindil entered the military service of the United States, 
when only eighteen }^ears of age, as First Lieutenant of Company 
B, Twenty-third Eegiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, in July, 1861, 
being promoted to the Captaincy in October following, and remain- 
ing with the command until March, 1862, when he was assigned to 
staff duty with Brigadier-General David B. Birney, commanding 
Second Brigade, First Division, Third Army Corps. During the 
Peninsula campaign, he served with distinction, not only on the 



844 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



staff of General Birne} r , but in more responsible capacities — at 
Williamsburg leading the decisive charge of the day, and winning 
the applause both of General Kearney and his immediate com- 
mander. At Fair Oaks, he again distinguished himself. " his supe- 
rior intelligence and activit}^" in the language of the commander of, 
the brigade, " being manifest everywhere." In the withdrawal of 
Kearney's Division from its position in front of Richmond, Mindii 
was selected to mask the movement, which he did with such skill 
as again to secure honorable mention, with an invitation from Gen- 
eral Kearney to accept a position on his staff. Upon repc rting to 
that officer, he was assigned as Inspector of the Division — a posi- 
tion in which he displayed the highest soldierly abilities and won 
the approbation of some of the best officers in the service. About 
this time, Captain Mindii was strongly recommended by Generals 
Kearney, Berry, Hayes, Egan and others for a position in the 
Eegular Army — another paper, signed by Generals McClellan 
Heintzleman, and others, urging his appointment to a field officer's 
rank. In the battles of Pope's campaign, he shared all the perils 
of the field — at the second battle of Bull Run being the only mili- 
tary aid of General Kearney who was present for duty — a fact 
which the lamented officer gratefully acknowledged in his last offi- 
cial report. Upon. General Kearney's death, Captain Mindii, after 
accompanying the remains to New Jersey, was assigned for duty 
at Army Headquarters, being subsequently — when McClellan again 
took the field — left with others in charge of the Washington office. 
In October he was offered command of the Twenty-seventh New 
Jersey Regiment, and accepting the position, at once reported for 
duty at Newark. The Twenty-seventh, under his leadership, upon 
reaching the field, soon established a high reputation for efficiency 
and drill, and during its whole term of service, both in the East and 
West, enjoyed the fullest confidence of its superiors. Its record, 
as given elsewhere, is the highest compliment which can be paid to 
the courage, intelligence and abilitjr of Colonel Mindii. 

Upon the expiration of the term of service of the Twenty- 
seventh Regiment, Colonel Mindii proceeded to Washington with 
a view of securing employment, but while there was called to the 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — MINDIL. 



845 



command of the Thirty -third Eegiment, then forming at Newark. 
With this regiment he proceeded to Tennessee, participating in the 
movement against Atlanta, and in the subsequent March to the 
Sea, For his gallant conduct in the assault at Mill Creek Gap, 
and his meritorious services in the battle of Chattanooga, .Colonel 
Mindil received, although not until some time afterwards, the 
brevet rank of Major-General. At Savannah, he was a second 
time recommended for a full Brigadiership by Generals Sherman, 
Howard and Geary. 1 Before the answer came, however, the 
Carolina campaign was opened, and as the commander of the 
Second Brigade, Second Division, Twentieth Corps, Colonel Mindil 
took the field. In that campaign his brigade took an active part, 
in skirmishing with the ever-retreating enemy, and in the destruc- 
tion of the railways and bridges throughout the State. Daring 
the obstinate engagement at Bentonville, in North Carolina, every 
spare soldier was needed by Slocuni to restore and hold his lines, 
and to Colonel Mindil, with his small brigade, reinforced by the 
First Michigan Engineer Eegiment and a pontoonier battalion, was 
assigned the duty of conveying to a place of safety the immense 
wagon trains of his corps. Despite the horrible condition of the 
roads, his meagre topographical information of the country, and 
the harassing demonstrations of the enemy's cavalry, he succeeded 
in bringing the entire trains in safety to Goldsboro on the same 
day that the army arrived. For this service especially, and for his 



1 In calling General Sherman's attention to Colonel Mindil' s claims for immediate 
promotion, General Howard says : " At the "battle of Chattanooga, and subsequently, 
Colonel Mindil has shown himself to he an able and efficient officer, and well qualified 
to command troops. In the management of his regiment he proved himself to be a 
thorough disciplinarian, and during the Knoxville campaign, he ably commanded a 
brigade with yourself." 

General Geary in his recommendation, said : " The Colonel is one of the most accom- 
plished tacticians and drill officers in my division, and wherever he has been engaged 
in action with the enemy, he has exhibited a high degree of coolness and courage. 
Before his connection with this army, he served with distinction as Assistant Adju- 
tant-General on the staff of the gallant and lamented Kearney, and in other positions 
during the Peninsula campaign in front of Richmond. I therefore recommend him to 
your consideration for promotion to Brigadier-General, believing him worthy of this 
mark of recognition." 

On the 5th of January, 1865, General Sherman approved of the promotion, and the 
papers were forwarded to Washington for the action of the proper authorities. 



846 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



" good conduct during the campaign," bis name was forwarded for a 
brevet by Generals Geary, Mower, Slocum and Sherman — the doc- 
ument also meeting the approving signature of the Lieutenant- 
General. Mr. Lincoln had already determined to give him the 
full rank on the Savannah recommendation, when his regretted 
and untimely death intervened, and the brevet rank and an assign- 
ment in accordance therewith, was accordingly at once granted by 
the Department of War. 

In the closing campaign of the war to Raleigh and beyond, 
which ended in the surrender of the remaining armies of the Con- 
federacy, General Mindil commanded the First Brigade of his 
division. He participated in the grand review of Sherman's army 
on the 22d of May, and remained in command of a force consisting 
of most of the old regiments of the famous " White Star Division," 
in the vicinity of Washington, for some months after Kirby 
Smith's surrender. General Mindil should have received his first 
star long before he did, but he was far away in the Western army, 
and disdained to use the political influence which would have 
aided him and could have procured it for him at home. The fact 
that he was recommended for the full rank of Brigadier in 1863 
and at the termination of every subsequent campaign in which he 
participated, and that Mr. Lincoln intended to confer the rank, 
having been made known to the authorities at Washington, the 
next highest rank above was cheerfully granted him, and his 
"Major-Generalship," in justice to his services, was dated back, 
being granted for his gallantry at Chattanooga, Mission Ridge 
and Mill Creek Gap. General Mindil left the service August 2, 
1865, after four years of constant duty, and resumed his former 
mercantile pursuits in Philadelphia. 



Brigadier-General George W. Taylor. 
George W. Taylor, who gave his life in defence of the country, 
was a native of Hunterdon County, in this State, and early exhib- 
ited a predilection for military pursuits. Graduating, at the age of 
eighteen, at the celebrated military school of Colonel Allen Par- 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — TAYLOR. 



847 



tridge, in Connecticut, he entered the navy as a midshipman and 
made several cruises — subsequently, however, resigning and engag- 
ing in mercantile pursuits. But the love of adventure and excite- 
ment had not been entirely banished from his nature, and when 
the Mexican war broke out his military instincts and native patriot- 
ism incited him to raise a company of volunteers, of which he was 
commissioned Captain, and which was offered to the Government, 
accepted and ordered to Mexico, where it arrived in time to 
endure some fatiguing marches and many hardships, but too late 
to participate in any of the battles. Upon the outbreak of the 
rebellion in 1861, Captain Taylor was one of the first to respond 
to the appeal for troops — at once engaging in the formation of com- 
panies and inciting the people of his county generally to patriotic 
action. This done, he made preparations to leave home, with his 
horse and arms, with a view of offering himself as a volunteer 
upon the staff of some General already in the field and at the post 
of danger. He was, however, arrested by the unexpected, and so 
far as he was personally concerned, unsolicited offer by Governor 
Olden, of the Colonelcy of the Third Kegiment, then in process of 
formation. Unhesitatingly accepting the commission, Colonel Tay- 
lor at once addressed himself to the task of reducing his new levies 
into a state of discipline, and on the 8th of June, 1861, accompanied 
them to Washington, where with the rest of the brigade they 
reported for duty and were stationed in the forts or advanced as 
pickets near Washington. On the 21st he assisted, with the other 
Jersey regiments, in checking the disgraceful flight from Bull 
Bun and rendered other efficient service. Upon General Kearney 
being assigned, in the following spring, to tbe command of 
a division, Colonel Taylor, being the senior officer, became 
Acting Brigadier-General of the First Brigade, and was subse- 
quently (June 10, 1862) promoted to that rank. He com- 
manded the brigade during the battles of the Peninsula, dis- 
playing in all the most indomitable courage. Keturning with 
the army to Alexandria, he was sent forward (August 27th) to 
Bull Bun Bridge, with a view of moving up to Manassas Junction 
and dispersing a rebel force reported to be at that point. Upon 



848 



Stew jersey and the rebellion. 



reaching the field, however, the command found itself confronted 
by the entire corps of Stonewall Jackson, and being violently 
assailed, was compelled to fall back with severe loss. In withdraw- 
ing. General Taylor was severely wounded in the leg, and being 
carried to Alexandria, died, on the 1st of September, from the 
effects of the amputation of the limb — his spirit remaining firm 
and undaunted to the last. 

As a soldier, General Taylor's prominent characteristics were 
courage, intelligence, and inflexible devotion to duty. As a disci- 
plinarian, he was stern almost to harshness, and for a time was, on 
this account, far from popular with his command. In personal 
manners he was haughty and reserved, seldom unbending from 
his lofty mood even among his intimates ; but under all the hard 
crust throbbed a nature at once passionate and noble — a nature 
which scorned injustice and held unyieldingly to convictions 
honestly and deliberately formed. Had his life been spared, he 
must have attained a high rank among the Generals of the Union 
army, in which, whatever its misfortunes, courage and unselfish 
patriotism always commanded generous and certain applause. 



Brigadier-General William S. Truex. 
General William S. Truex entered the service as Major of the 
Fifth New Jersey Regiment on the 21st of August, 1861, and 
served with that regiment until the 7th of March, 1862, when he 
was promoted to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the Tenth Regiment. 
On the 7th of July following, he was appointed Colonel of the 
Fourteenth Regiment, which left the State on the 2d of September 
of the same year, proceeding to Monocacy, Maryland. On the 
20th of January, 1863, he was assigned to the command of Fred- 
erick City and the troops in that vicinity, consisting of a battery of 
the Fourth Artillery (regulars), a battalion of the Sixth Pennsyl- 
vania Cavalry, the Third Delaware and the "Purnell Legion" — a 
Maryland regiment. He remained in this position for some 
months, when he was sent with the Fourteenth New Jersey and 
One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Pennsylvania, to open communi- 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — HALL. 



849 



cation with Harper's Ferry, which was considered at the time a 
very hazardous task, but which he successfully performed. His 
regiment was then brigaded, and after the battle of Gettysburg, 
joined the Army of the Potomac, participating in the battles- 
of Wapping Heights, Locust Grove, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, 
North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Monocacy, Snicker's Gap, 
Charlestown, Opequan, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, 
Petersburg (second assault), and Sailor's Creek. General Truex 
commanded a brigade in the Wilderness, at Spottsylvania, North 
Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Monocacy, Petersburg (second 
assault), Sailor's Creek, and at Lee's surrender, being wounded at 
Cold Harbor. He was appointed Brigadier-General by brevet on 
the 15th of June, 1865. 

During the Mexican war, General Truex served as Second Lieu- 
tenant of the Tenth Infantry, and consequently brought to the 
command of the regiments with which he was identified in the late 
war, an amount of experience and knowledge which rendered his 
services peculiarly valuable. In action he was always cool, brave, 
and self reliant, while as a disciplinarian he possessed qualities of 
the highest order. 



Brigadier-General Caldwell K. H.all. 
General Hall, born in Philadelphia on the 10th of March, 1839, 
was, at the time the war broke out, a practicing lawyer in Trenton, 
whither his father, Eev. John Hall, D. D., removed in 1811. Enter- 
ing the military service as Adjutant of the Fifth Eegiment, August 
28, 1861, he was made Acting Assistant Adjutant-General of the 
Second New Jersey Brigade, under Colonel S. H. Starr, filling that 
position for some nine months. Upon the accession of Brigadier- 
General F. Patterson to the command of the brigade, Hall was 
transferred to his staff as Aid-de-camp, serving as such for three 
months. He participated in the battle of Williamsburg and the 
Peninsula campaign ; and on the termination of the latter, was 
relieved from duty with that army, accepting (August 25, 1862) 
the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the Fourteenth Eegiment, then being 
107 



850 NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 

raised at Freehold, under command of Colonel William S. Truex. 
This regiment soon after joined the Eighth Army Corps and was 
stationed at Frederick, Maryland, being employed in guarding the 
railroad and picketing the neighborhood, in apprehension of a 
rebel invasion. After some months service at this point it was, 
subsequent to the battle of Gettysburg, incorporated with the Army 
of the Potomac, with which it remained during the rest of its term 
of service. Colonel Hall was continually on duty with the regi- 
ment, participating in all its battles till the battle of Monocacy, 
when, being wounded, he was sent to hospital at Baltimore, and 
(September 21, 1864) was honorably discharged the service on 
account of disability from the wounds received in that action. He 
was subsequently brevetted Colonel "for gallant and meritorious 
services at the battle of Cold Harbor/' and Brigadier-General for 
"gallant services" at Monocacy. Upon quitting the field, he 
resumed the practice of the law in Trenton, and in February, 1867, 
was appointed by Governor AVard as Prosecutor of the Pleas for 
Mercer County. His record was throughout honorable to himself 
and the State with whose sons he went afield. 



Brigadier-General E. L. Campbell. 
This brave and efficient soldier enlisted as a private for the three 
months' service on the 18th of April, 1861, assisting on that day 
to organize a compan}^ of which he was elected Captain. The 
company being accepted by the authorities, was ordered to Trenton, 
but was not mustered in, the brigade being declared full, where- 
upon the men returned to their homes — Campbell, however, enlist- 
ing as a Sergeant in a three years' regiment. Being shortly after 
offered a Captaincy in the three years' service, he in seven days 
recruited a company which was mustered into service May 28, 1861, 
as Company E, Third Eegiment Volunteers. Captain Campbell 
served with this company until August, 1862, when Colonel Brown, 
commanding the Third, placed him on duty as acting Lieutenant- 
Colonel of the regiment. Having been meanwhile appointed 
Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fifteenth Eegiment, he soon after ten- 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS- — CAMPBELL. 



851 



dered his resignation in order to accept the new commission, but 
General Franklin declining to act upon it, being unwilling at 
that time to spare any efficient officers in his division, Campbell 
remained with the Third until after the battle of Antietam, when 
(September 22, 1862) his resignation was finally accepted, and he 
was mustered in (September 27th) as Lieutenant-Colonel of the 
Fifteenth. He served in this rank, commanding at various times 
the Fifteenth, Third, Fourth and Tenth Eegiments, as well as the 
brigade, until February, 1865, when (having been brevetted Colonel, 
October 19. 1864. for "conspicuous gallantry" at Cedar Creek) he 
was appointed Colonel of the Fourth Eegiment. February 22, 1865, 
he was detailed by General Meade as Judge Advocate General, 
Army of the' Potomac, and served in that capacity until the army 
was broken up, when he resumed command of his regiment in the 
"Provisional Corps" which was formed under General Wright. 
He was brevetted Brigadier-General, April 9, 1865, and mustered 
out with his regiment in the field, July 12, being finally discharged 
five days later at Trenton. 

General Campbell was twice wounded — at Antietam, September 
17, 1862, and Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864. During his whole 
period of service he was never absent from the front, except for a 
few days during the winter lull in operations, and for forty days 
while suffering from his wounds. Of the original officers of the 
First Brigade, from Kearney down, he was the last to quit the 
field, except that Major Way, formerly of, the First Eegiment, 
returned as Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fortieth, while he (Camp- 
bell) was serving on the staff of General Meade. 

As an officer, General Campbell was universally esteemed. Eeti- 
cent and diffident in all that concerned himself, he was always vigi- 
lant and active in everything which affected the discipline and 
welfare of his command, exhibiting, especially while attached to 
the Fifteenth Eegiment, the most paternal solicitude for the comfort 
of the men, as well as the most untiring devotion to the work of 
perfecting them in discipline and necessary homogeneity. In the 
field, in time of action, he was fearless to a fault, and went about 
the business in hand, however difficult and dangerous, as deliber- 



852 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



ately as if merely marshalling his men for review. Frequently 
detached for special service requiring courage, coolness, and fertil- 
ity of resource, he never failed to justify the expectations of his 
superiors. But he was not an officer to " shine" alongside of self- 
seeking, scheming men, more solicitous to head the columns of 
newspapers than columns of attack ; his tendency was directly to 
the opposite extreme ; and he was no doubt less widely known 
and appreciated than some who, by no means his equals in merit, 
yet managed by adroit manipulations of newspaper correspondents, 
to obtain more frequent mention and a broader celebrity. 

At the close of the war, after for a time filling a clerkship 
in one of the departments at Washington, General Campbell was 
appointed by Governor Ward as State Agent for the collection of 
bounties due to JSIew Jersey Soldiers, and in the performance of 
the responsible duties of this position he is still engaged. 

Brigadier-General Charles G. Harker. 
Charles G. Harker was born at Swedesboro, Gloucester County, 
in 1835, and at the time he fell at Kenesaw Mountain, had just 
attained his twenty-ninth year. Both parents dying while he was 
still young, several gentlemen of distinction interested themselves 
in the orphan, finally securing his appointment to a vacancy in 
the West Point Military Academy, where he remained for four 
years, graduating with distinction in 1858. General Eobert Ander- 
son, who was one of the Board of Visitors appointed by the 
President to examine the class of that year, declared at the time 
that young Harker was a model of a soldier, and one who would 
distinguish himself should opportunity offer — a prediction which 
was fully verified. Entering the United States army as a brevet 
Second Lieutenant of the Second Infantry, July 1, 1858, he was 
promoted to a full Second Lieutenantcy of the Ninth Infantry, on 
August 15, 1858. The regiment at the time was on duty on the 
frontier, where he at once joined it and remained until the summer 
of 1861, when he was detailed for special duty at a school of 
instruction for volunteers in Ohio. While there, permission was 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — HARKER. 



858 



obtained from the Secretary of War allowing him to accept the 
Colonelcy of the Sixty-fifth Ohio Eegiment, and at the same time 
he was promoted to a Captaincy in the regular line. 

His brilliant career from that time to the day of his death is a 
matter of history. Joining General Buell's Army of the Ohio, he 
assisted in constructing the military road in Eastern Kentucky, 
participated in the battle of Shiloh and siege of Corinth, and com- 
manded^ brigade of the force that chased Bragg out of Kentucky. 
With his brigade he afterwards joined General Eosecrans' Army 
of the Cumberland, and so greatly distinguished himself at the 
battle of Stone Eiver that his superior in command recommended 
his promotion to a Brigadier-Generalship, which, however, was 
not then complied with. At the close of the campaign he obtained 
a leave of absence for twenty days, enabling him to make a brief 
visit to his home in New Jersey. While here he expressed an 
earnest desire to be connected with the troops of his native State, 
speaking proudly of what she was doing for the suppression of 
the rebellion. With his usual modesty, however, he objected to 
his friends making any effort to have him promoted and transferred. 

At the expiration of his only leave during the war, he rejoined 
his brigade, assuming command as ranking Colonel, and took part 
in the Tennessee campaign. Under General Thomas he again 
shone conspicuously at Chickamauga, receiving credit for being 
largely instrumental with that officer in saving the army — his com- 
mand at a critical moment standing immovable, and repelling with 
heavy loss every assault of the enemy. Harker's courage, coolness 
and discretion in this battle, are described by an eye-witness as of 
the very highest order, almost approaching sublimity. Though 
two horses were shot from under him, he personally escaped injury ; 
and, upon the second and stronger recommendation from his supe- 
riors, he received his commission as Brigadier, to date from that 
battle. 

At Mission Eidge, on the 7th of May, he had his horse killed, 
and was slightly wounded. At Eesaca, on the 14th of May, he 
was again slightly wounded, and had another horse killed under 
him. In writing to a friend, after the fight at Eesaca, he dates his 



854 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



letter on the march, near Kingston, Georgia, May 22, 1864, and 
says : " You are aware that the great Southwestern campaign under 
General Sherman is in progress. Thus far. we have had several 
quite severe engagements, in which we have been entirely victori- 
ous. In the battle of Eesaca, on the 14th instant, I was wounded, 
though not dangerously. I was struck on the leg by a shell, which 
exploded immediately after passing me, wounding General Manson 
and killing my own horse and that of one of my orderlies^ It was 
quite a narrow escape for me. My* leg, though slightly cut and 
painfully bruised, is doing well. I did not leave the field, though 
unable to exercise full command, for about thirty-six hours. You 
and my family will be glad to learn that I can walk and ride very 
well now. I am able to discharge all my duties, and hope to be 
able to conduct my brave little command, which has so nobly stood 
by me in so many severe engagements, through the great struggle, 
or perhaps series of struggles, which will doubtless ensue before 
the fall of Atlanta. The result of the great battle before us can- 
not be doubted, though all of us cannot hope to witness the great 
triumph which must crown the efforts of our magnificent army." 

On the 27th of June, 1864, Sherman's Army assailed the enemy's 
position on Kenesaw Mountain. Harker commanding a leading 
column of assault, advanced, mounted (other Generals being 
mostly dismounted), under the full range of the rebel fire — becom- 
ing a conspicuous mark for his sharpshooters. While gallantly 
encouraging his men, he was mortally wounded, and being hur- 
riedly carried to the rear, soon expired, his last words being, 
4i Have we taken the mountain ?" His remains were subsequently 
removed to New Jersey, and now lie interred amid the familiar 
scenes of his early days. 

General Harker was in all respects one of the truest and noblest 
men, among all the many true and noble, who gave their lives in 
defence of the Nation. With a character mellowed and strengthened 
by a sincere and devout pietjr, his courage was no mere outcome of 
vanity or self-seeking, but the result of a conscientious obedience 
to the claims of obvious duty. His military skill and ability were 
universally recognized as of the highest order, while his influence 



DISTINGUISHED GENERAL OFFICERS — HARKER. 855 



over his subordinates was exhibited on every field which he illus- 
trated by his gallantry. His memory, still fair and fragrant in the 
lapse of years, will be faithfully cherished, we are sure, by the 
State and Nation for which he nobly died. 

New Jersey had other Generals than those already named who 
achieved distinction. George D. Bayard, who gave his life in the 
Nation's service, early attained a place among the distinguished 
cavalry leaders of the war, displaying the highest courage, no less 
than superior skill and capacity in command, on every field. 
Brigadier General Francis Price, who entered the service with the 
first volunteer contingent, being then but a stripling, also achieved a 
high and deserved celebrity as a soldier, being ; indeed, in point of 
personal courage the equal of the best and bravest in the army. 
In a number of the engagements in which he participated, his gal- 
lantry won especial recognition from superiors, while among the 
rank and file his uniform fidelity to duty secured him universal 
respect. Of these, and others whose records are not here given — 
including Generals Joseph W. Eevere, William E. Montgomery 
and William Birney — it need only be said that they faithfully and 
unfalteringly discharged every duty, and deserve to be remem- 
bered with gratitude as among the saviours of the Eepublic. 



CHAPTEE XLVI. 



INSTANCES OF GALLANTRY. 

The careful reader of these pages cannot but have been struck 
with the numerous instances in which high gallantry and soldierly 
ability were exhibited b} 7 very young men. Indeed, the war and 
its objects seem to have appealed with peculiar force to this class, 
and of those who attained marked distinction and came out of the 
strife as Generals and officers of exalted grade, at least one-half 
were men below thirty years of age. This was, perhaps, but natu- 
ral — the soldier's life and excitements having peculiar charms for 
the adventurous spirit of youth ; and possibly the same fact was 
true of other States ; at least we remember that among the earliest 
martyrs of the conflict were young men like Ellsworth and Win- 
throp, and others no less noble, representing alike the East and the 
West ; but certainly in no State was the proportion of young men 
who entered the service greater than in our own, many of our 
regiments being almost exclusively composed of volunteers who 
had barely attained their majority. Mindil, Bayard, Hall, Sewell, 
Price, Zabriskie, Janeway, Tay, Earasey, Yorke — these, with scores 
of others whose deeds were equally illustrious — were all young 
men, some of them scarcely come to man's estate, and. all 
rose by sheer and resistless merit. So among the rank and file, 
many of the most deserving soldiers, many whose heroism embel- 
lished the grandest fields, and whose lofty, patient self-sacrifice 
gave an almost royal splendor to the saddest scenes of suffering 
and peril, were, as the world counts the years of life, mere boys — 
beardless striplings — whose lives, up to the day they went afield, had 
coursed only in the calmest currents. Hundreds of such — nay 
thousands, bravely defending the flag under whose stars their 
grandfathers nobly fought, fell in the carnival of battle ; hundreds 



INSTANCES OF GALLANTRY. 



857 



still, maimed and scarred, meet us on our daily paths, living epit- 
omes of that sublime instinct of nationality which lifted the nation 
from the misty lowlands of barbarous self-seeking, to the broad 
relationship with all the highest aspirations of humanity — the 
serene heights of justice — where it stands to-day. The records of 
these are epistles written in blood, which we may well send down 
to coming generations as embodying the very loftiest and purest 
teachings of the crucial period of our life as a nation. 

Obviously, it is altogether impossible to record, in these pages, 
all the instances of dauntless heroism, of wonderful achievement, 
and of almost precocious skill which, in sifting the narratives of 
our various regiments, have come to the author's knowledge. We 
can only select one or two as types of the whole body of similar 
cases, and as such give them in evidence that New Jersey still has 
sons who are worthy to rank with the noblest and best of her 
younger Eevolutionary patriots. 

Among the many instances of youthful intrepidity and daring, 
none, perhaps, exceeded in all the points of real sublimity those 
which are furnished in the career of drummer William Magee, of 
the Thirty-third Kegiment. This lad, for he was only a lad, en- 
tered the service at fifteen years of age — leaving a widowed mother 
in the city of Newark — to aid in maintaining the unity of the 
Nation. From the first he displayed qualities of the highest order. 
Intelligent, fearless, vigilant, he was at all times an example 
alike to superiors and inferiors. Though entering the service as a 
drummer, he by no means confined himself to the duties of his 
specific sphere. He had a knack of fighting as well as drumming, 
and withal exhibited an appreciation of the methods of warfare 
which qualified him for the most surprising exploits. One of these, 
at least, was equal in -splendor of execution and grandeur of result 
to any which the history of the war records. It will be remem- 
bered that in the fall of 1864, after Sherman had swung loose from 
his base and started on his stately " March to the Sea," Hood 
with an army of forty thousand men laid siege to Nashville, de- 
fended by Greneral Thomas. Here, for a period of two or three 
weeks, our troops were penned up with little prospect of relief. 
108 



858 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



At Murfreesboro, thirty miles away, General Thomas, reluctant 
to relax his hold on the railroad to Chattanooga, had stationed a 
small garrison under General Milroy. This garrison, as the rebels 
gathered in greater force, beleaguering the post, soon became com- 
paratively isolated, all avenues of escape being practically closed. 
But the men did not lose heart. At length, on the 2d of Decem- 
ber 3 it was determined to strike a blow for deliverance. At this 
time, young Magee had become acting orderly to General Yan- 
Oleve, and to him, youth as he was, the order was given to charge 
the enemy. It may be that a smile accompanied the order — a 
smile at the thought of committing such a work to a mere strip- 
ling ; but it is certain that the confidence of the commander was 
not misplaced. Taking the One Hundred and Eighty -first Ohio 
Infantry, Magee sallied out of the works, and rushed upon a bat- 
tery posted on an eminence hard by. The charge was made most 
gallantly, but the fire of the enemy was resistless, and slowly the 
column fell back. But the intrepid orderly did not for a moment 
falter in his purpose. One repulse only stimulated his appetite for 
his work, and accordingly, selecting the One Hundred and Seventy- 
fourth Ohio, he again moved out, again charged the foe, again 
met their withering fire, still, however, pressing on until at last the 
victory was his. And it was no ordinary victory. Two heavy 
guns and eight hundred of the enemy killed, wounded and cap- 
tured, were the trophies which he brought out of the contest. Nor 
was this all. This signal success at once dispiriting the enemy and 
reviving the hopes of our own men, proved the first of a series of 
victories which resulted, finally, in driving Hood from Tennessee 
and restoring that whole section to Federal control. The readiness 
and gallantry displayed by young Magee in this affair very natu- 
rally attracted the attention of those around him, and he received 
the hearty commendation of Generals Eosseau, Milroy, and other 
officers in command. Subsequently he received a medal of honor 
from the War Department, inscribed, 11 The Congress to drummer 
William Magee, Compan}^ C, Thirty-third Eegiment, New Jersey 
Volunteers." 

Upon the close of the war, the young hero was appointed by 



INSTANCES OF GALLANTKY. 



859 



the President Second Lieutenant in the Twentieth Eegiment of 
Infantry, being strongly recommended by Governors Ward and 
Geary. The latter, in his letter to the War Department, spoke of 
him from personal knowledge : "He served in my command, and 
from personal observation I can speak unreservedly in his behalf/' 
Upon appearing before the Examining Board for examination, 
Magee found that \e was deficient in several studies — having never 
enjoyed educational advantages — and much to his disappointment 
he returned home, expecting to be obliged to abandon his cherished 
design of entering the regular service. Governor Ward, however, 
learning the facts in the case, succeeded in securing an extension 
of the time for the final examination, and then, with characteristic 
generosity, at once placed Magee in the care of capable instructors, 
by whom he was soon fitted for a second appearance before the 
Board — his progress, owing to his intense application to study, 
being most rapid in all the branches in which it was necessary he 
should acquire proficiency. To-day, the drummer-boy of the 
Thirty-third, the hero of Murfreesboro, now only nineteen years 
of age, wears the uniform of the regular service, and should our 
flag ever again be assailed, we may be sure that among its brave 
defenders he will not be the last to write his name high on the 
scroll of fame. 

Among the more conspicuous young men of the State, whose 
careers illustrated the loftiest patriotism, none achieved a purer 
fame than Major Peter Yredenburgh, of the Fourteenth Eegiment. 
Few men in New Jersey, of his years, were more happily situated, 
or had brighter prospects for the future. His father, Honorable 
Peter Yredenburgh, had for many years been recognized as one of 
the ablest and purest Judges of the Supreme Court of the State- 
He was himself, when the first echo of rebellion came from Sum- 
ter, in the full and successful practice of the legal profession at 
Eatontown, in the county of Monmouth. But of Dutch descent 
through both parents, with the blood of the gallant defenders of 
Harlem and Leyden flowing in his veins, he could not remain at 



860 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



ease when Liberty was assailed and the nation needed defenders. 
The early disasters of the war, and the consequent calls for addi- 
tional volunteers, appealed with peculiar force to his deep sense of 
patriotism. He was at this time but twenty-seven years of age, 
but was a man in maturity, possessing strong intellectual capacities 
and a marked independence of thought and character, united to a 
hardy and robust constitution, formed by a mor,al and abstemious 
life and strengthened by constant out-door pursuits. In August, 

1862, after mature consideration and under the solemn conviction 
of his duty, he offered his life to his country. 

The Fourteenth Regiment, New Jersey Yolunteers, was at that 
time being largely recruited in his native county, and on the 25th 
of August, 1862, he was commissioned Major in that regiment. 
At this time he was entirely ignorant of military science and accep- 
ted with reluctance so high a commission. But his native talent 
soon manifested itself. He mastered the duties of his position and 
at once established for himself a character unrivalled in the regi- 
ment, as a capable and efficient officer. The greater part of the 
first year was passed by the Fourteenth Regiment at Frederick 
City, Maryland; about six months of which time, Major Yreclen- 
burgh acted as Provost-Marshal of that city, exhibiting in that 
capacity marked executive ability. On the 5th of September, 

1863, he was appointed by General French, Inspector General of 
the Third Division of the Third Corps, and acted as such on the 
staff of General Elliot, until the 4th of October, 1863, and then 
on the staff of General Carr, who was appointed to succeed Gen- 
eral Elliot, until the 4th of December following. On the 11th of 
December, he was made by General French Inspector General of 
the Third Corps, then consisting of about tv\renty -seven thou- 
sand men. As a staff officer, Major Vredenburg was particu- 
larly valuable. His topographical eye was of wonderful accu- 
racy, for one undeveloped by a military or engineering edu. 
cation. His recklessness of life, his self-confidence, and his spirit 
of enterprise in the performance of his duties, rendered his services 
of incalculable importance. Towards the spring of 1864, the Third 
Division of the Third Corps, to which Major Yredenburgh belonged; 



INSTANCES OF GALLANTRY. 



861 



was transferred to the Sixth Corps, he remaining at the headquar- 
ters of his division on the staff of General Kicketts. On May 4, 
1864, General Grant commenced his final advance upon the enemy, 
crossed the Eapidan and engaged the rebel army in its full 
strength. A member of Major Yredenburgh's regiment in re- 
counting the events of that day, says : " Our Major had done glo- 
riously ; all day he had been in the saddle ; all day he rode back- 
ward and forward through the storm of leaden hail. W as there 
an order to carry to that part of the division that wavered under a 
galling fire of the enemy, who to carry it but young Yredenburgh ? 
Who could take it as well ? His eagle eye took in the field at a 
glance. How our boys would shout as they saw him dashing with 
the speed of an arrow from one end of the line to the other — for 
he rode swiftly ; he was a splendid horseman." On the following 
day, May 5th, and during the whole of that terrible campaign of 
the Wilderness, at Cramp's Creek and Spottsylvania, Major Yre- 
denburgh distinguished himself by a courage amounting to appa- 
rent indifference to life, by address and by an active energy which 
gave promise of the highest future usefulness. 

At the battle of Cold Harbor, his conduct won him the highest 
commendation of his superior officers. On that day his soldiers 
gave him the significant title of " Commander of the Sixth Corps." 
On July 7, 1864, the Fourteenth regiment having been withdrawn 
from before Petersburg, with Colonel Truex's brigade, arrived again 
at Frederick City, and crossing the Monocacy river on the day fol 
lowing, fought almost alone the well contested battle of Monocacy, 
Major Yredenburgh was at that time serving on the staff of Gen 
eral Kicketts, and it was said by intelligent citizens who witnessed 
the fight, that he exhibited more bravery than any man in the 
field. In this fight, Lieutenant-Colonel Hall commanding, and 
every Captain in the regiment, who successively took command, 
were either killed or wounded. At this time Major Yredenburgh, 
with most commendable zeal and self-sacrifice, asked to be restored 
to his regiment. 

After much marching and countermarching, at midnight on the 
18th of September, 1864, the Fourteenth Eegiment, now in com- 



862 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



inand of Major Yredenburgh, marched from its works at Berry- 
ville in the direction of Winchester, and at Opequan, not far dis- 
tant from this latter place, again engaged the enemy. At eight 
o'clock in the morning, the signal being given, the Fourteenth, 
with its Major at its head, charged the rebel foe, through a 
galling fire of ball and shell. Before the charge Major Yreden- 
burgh declared to his soldiers that he meant to lead them to the 
enemy's intrenchments, enjoining them to rely on him — to keep 
him in view and obey only his orders — and he gallantly led them 
forward. This time death chose a conspicuous mark and singled 
from that whole command the most noble victim. He was struck 
by a fragment of shell and killed instantly. His last words were 
" Forward men ! Forward, and guide on mei" A fitting close to 
the life of a patriot martyr — a life without fear and above reproach. 



CHAPTEE XLVII 



CHAPLAINS AND SURGEONS. 

No class of men connected with the army occupied a more 
responsible and in some respects delicate position than the Chap- 
lains. They needed to be something more than common men. No 
man of reticent, haughty or churlish nature could fill acceptably 
this sacred and responsible office. No man of easy virtue, who 
compromised his official character by undue familiarity with the 
vices of the camp, or wore his piety as a robe, to be put on or off 
at will, could hope to command respect or exert a wholesome 
influence. The Chaplain needed to be sincere, genuine, sturdy ; to 
possess on the one hand the highest moral courage, and on the 
other the kindliest spirit of brotherhood ; ability so to rebuke as 
that the very reproof should convince its object of his sympathy 
and friendly concern ; needed, in one word, to possess every Chris- 
tian grace, and with them all a robust and hardy fitness for danger 
which nothing could weary and nothing appal. Not only was it 
the Chaplain's office to preach and pray ; he was the counsellor, 
guide, exemplar of the men ; he was their nurse in camp and hos- 
pital, their cheery helper on the march, their supporter in the hour 
of death. To him they came as to a father or elder brother with 
all their troubles and complaints ; from him they exacted continu- 
ally confidential services ; under him many were glad to march as 
soldiers of the Heavenly King. Could a man of narrow feelings, 
with an empty life and a cold heart, fill such an office with satis- 
faction ? Do men gather fruit from vines whose juices have dried 
up and whose roots are dead ? 

It was fortunate for the efficiency and moral character of our 
New Jersey Eegiments that their Chaplains were for the most part 
men of genuine piety and profound devotion to their work. Some 
were, indeed, vastly superior to others in all the elements of 



864 



NEW JEESEY AND THE REBELLION, 



capacity and usefulness ; but none, we believe, were wholly inefn - 
cient or lacking in sympathy with the spirit of their calling. Many 
labored with a fidelity, an industry and a forgetfulness of self, 
which challenged the admiration of all beholders, and made them 
indispensable helpers in all the details of regimental duty. These 
performed not merely the work peculiar to their office ; they did 
infinitely more, setting no bounds to their sphere of activity, and 
shunning no service in which they could benefit the cause or con- 
tribute to the comfort of a brother. The names of these faithful 
servants of the Master of All need not be shrined, with special 
honor, on these pages. They are known to thousands scattered all 
abroad through the land,, and written in shining letters where no 
praise of ours could add to the lustre. Obviously, those Chaplains 
who served with the regiments of the First and Second Brigades 
were exposed to greater perils and encountered severer labors than 
those of some other commands ; and all of these, without excep- 
tion, were men of peculiar qualifications, as, in the recollection of 
those with whom they served, they were men of rare fidelity and 
zeal. One of these, recapitulating the services of the Chaplains 
generally of our regiments, writes of them as follows : " They 
were self-denying men. They looked after the spiritual and tem- 
poral wants of the troops, and supplied them to the full extent of 
their ability. When needed at the hospital to assist in the care of 
the sick and wounded, they were always ready; in the camp they 
held religious services, often under many discouragements ; wrote 
letters for the men when needed, forwarded their money home after 
pay-day, and in every way sought to be truly the soldier's friend. 
Many built chapels, only to be compelled to abandon them ; but 
still the work went on. One Chaplain built, or assisted in build- 
ing, four of these structures in two years, besides furnishing three 
or four other roofless places with seats. To build these chapels — 
felling the trees and lifting them, green and heavy, into place, and 
then, after furnishing them with seats, be obliged to leave them, 
perhaps at the end of a week, was indeed discouraging — but such 
was the Chaplain's life. * * One of the last acts the Chaplains 
performed was to collect our dead — buried here and there wherever 



CHAPLAINS ANTD SURGEONS. 



865 



they fell — into burying grounds, which were laid out and fenced, 
at points a mile or so in the rear of the most important battle- 
fields. After disinterring the bodies, we put them in good strong 
boxes and buried them at a proper depth, with a plainly marked 
board at the head of each grave. This was one of the most satis- 
factory services we ever performed. In some cases, on account of 
sudden movements, it was not wholly completed by all the Chap- 
lains, but some of us got all our dead that could possibly be found 
thus safely removed. Xot one of the Eleventh Regiment dead, 
for instance, killed or dying from any cause during the last two 
rears of its service, was lefc unburied or his grave unmarked." 

The total number of Chaplains serving with ISTew Jersey regi- 
ments from first to last, was forty-seven. The list, as certified by 
the Adjutant-General of the State, is as follows: 

First Regiment— Robert B. Yard, William H. McCormick. 

Second Regiment — Robert R. Proudflt. 

Third Regiment — George R. Darrow, Joseph H. James. 

Fourth Regiment — Norinan W. Camp, Daniel A. Miles. 

Fifth Regiment — Thomas Sovereign. 

Sixth Regiment — Samnel T. Moore. 

Seventh Regiment — Julius D. Rose, Edward J. Hamilton. t 
Eighth Regiment — A. Saint John Chambre, Henry B. Raybold, Samuel T. Moore. 
Ninth Regiment — Thomas Drumm, John J. CarrelL 

Tenth Regiment— Jacob B. Graw, George Lorin Brooks. Robert R. Proudflt 

Eleventh Regiment — Frederick Knighton. E. Clark Cline. 

Twelfth Regiment— William B. Otis. 

Thirteenth Regiment — T. Romeyn Beck. 

Fourteenth Regiment — Frank B. Rose. 

Fifteenth Regiment — Alanson A. Haines. 

First Cavalry — Henry R. Pyne. 

Twenty-first Regiment — Samuel Conn. 

Twenty-second Regiment — Abraham G. Ryersou. 

Twenty-third— William T. Abbott. 

Twenty-fourth Regiment — William C. Stockton. 

Twenty-fifth Regiment — Francis E. Butler; died of wounds received in action, May 
3, 1863, John M. Robinson. 
Twenty-sixth Regiment — David T. Morrill; dismissed. 
Twenty-seventh Regiment — John Faull, 
Twenty-eighth Regiment — Christian J. Page. 
Twenty-ninth Regiment — Lester C. Rogers. 
Thirtieth Regiment — John S. Janeway. 
Thirty-first Regiment — John McNair. 
Second Cavalry — Edwin X. Andrews. 
Thirty-third Regiment — John Faull. 
Thirty-fourth Regiment — Archibald Beatty. 
Thirty-lif'th Regiment — Nathaniel L. Upham. 
Third Cavalry — John H. F razee. 
Thirty-eighth Regiment— Charles R. Hartranfft. 

~109 ~ 



866 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



Thirty-ninth Regiment — Edward D. Crane. 

No Chaplains were appointed for the Thirty-seventh and Fortieth Regiments. 

So far as the records show, the number of Surgeons from this 
State who were connected with the Volunteer service was sixty- 
five, and of Assistant-Surgeons ninety three. Nine Assistant-Sur- 
geons from New Jersey were also connected with the Regular 
Army, while there were several others who served with the Navy, 
in honorable positions. So far as evidence is at hand, it fully con- 
firms the popular impression that, almost without exception, these 
men performed their duties with intelligence, fidelity, and the most 
praiseworthy zeal for the welfare of the service. It is certain that 
very many attained high reputation, as well as exalted positions, 
in the Army. Doctor A. N. Dougherty, who went out as Surgeon 
of the Fourth Regiment, became, before the close of the war, Medi- 
cal Director of the Right Grand Division of the Army of the 
Potomac, composed of the Second and Ninth Corps, thus reaching 
a higher and more responsible post than was attained by any officer 
of the Volunteer Medical Staff. Doctor Gabriel Grant, originally 
Surgeon of the Second Regiment, early became Brigade Surgeon, 
and after distinguished service with the army of the Potomac, was 
made Medical Director of Hospitals at Evansville, Indiana, being 
subsequently placed in command of the Madison United States 
Army Government Hospital, at Madison, in the same State, where 
at one time he had two thousand seven hundred and sixty patients 
under his care. While in the field, he was frequently mentioned 
for meritorious conduct. Doctor Lewis W. Oakley entered the 
service as Assistant Surgeon of the Second Regiment, New Jersey 
Volunteers, May 21, 1861 ; was promoted to the Surgeoncy of the 
Fourth Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, October 12, 1861, and 
transferred to the Second Regiment, New Jersey Volunteers, as 
Surgeon, January 2, 1862. From this date, he was Surgeon in 
Chief of the First New Jersey Brigade, First Division, Sixth Corps, 
until the expiration of his term of enlistment. He was in all the 
battles of the Potomac Army, from the first Bull Run down to Coal 
Harbor, and frequently performed arduous hospital duty, having 



CHAPLAINS AND SURGEONS. 



867 



charge of the Sixth Corps Hospital in May and June, 1863, and 
also at Gettysburg in the following July. He was among the most 
efficient and faithful New Jersey Surgeons, and enjoyed from first 
to last the confidence and esteem of his superiors. 

Among other Surgeons who deserve honorable mention are J. 
Theodore Calhoun, Joseph D. Osborne, J. Andrew Freeman, Wil- 
liam W. Bowlby, W. W. L. Phillips, Edward L. Welling and John 
J. Craven — the latter of whom, entering the service as Surgeon of 
Kunyon's Brigade in April, 1861, remained on duty until long after 
the close of the war. Subsequently passing the Board of Army 
Surgeons, he was made a Brigade Surgeon, and assigned to duty 
with General H. G. Wright's Brigade, composing a part of Sher- 
man's Expeditionary Corps. Accompanying this expedition, Doc- 
tor Craven was (in February, 1862) made Chief Medical Officer of a 
force commanded by General Wright, with which he proceeded to 
Florida, being subsequently assigned to duty on Tybee Island, 
Georgia, having medical care of all General Gilmore's forces then 
investing Fort Pulaski. In September, 1862, having returned to 
Hilton Head, he was made Medical Purveyor of the Department 
of the South. Here he remained, for a time filling the duties of 
Chief Medical Officer and participating in the operations against 
Forts Wagner and Sumter, until May, 1864:. He was then made 
Medical Director of the Tenth Corps, with which he proceeded to 
Virginia, and in August was detailed as a member of a board for 
the examination of hospitals in the Department of the East, re- 
turning to his post (in thirty days) as Medical Director, Tenth 
Corps. He remained until January 17, 1865, when by special orders 
he was assigned to duty as Medical Purveyor of the Department of 
Virginia and North Carolina, with his headquarters at Fortress 
Monroe, Virginia, rilling at the same time the position of Chief 
Medical Officer of that District, where he remained on duty until 
December 16, 1865, when he was relieved from duty at that post. 
While there he was the medical attendant of Jefferson Davis, then 
a State prisoner. He was brevetted Lieutenant-Colonel (March, 
1865) for faithful and meritorious services during the war. 



APPENDED NOTES. 



I. 

Thc record of New" Jersey's part in the War for the Union, would be incom- 
plete without a reference to the sufferings of those of our troops who, falling 
into the hands of the enemy, were exposed to the horrors of the prisons in 
which he confined his captives. Hundreds of out men suffered this sad ex- 
perience, and not a few miserably perished under the privations and hard- 
ships to which they were subjected. The mortality at Andersonville, Georgia, 
was greater than at any other point, and the horrors of that death-pen will 
never be forgotten by any who there felt the full measure of rebel cruelty. 
The story of the atrocities there inflicted upon Union prisoners has been often 
told, but its repetition will never be in vain, so long as it shall tend to keep 
alive in the public mind a just appreciation of the value of the Union, which 
could only be saved at such fearful cost. 

It is, of course, impossible in a work of this character to do anything more 
than barely refer to the cases of a few of the Jerseymen confined in the prisons 
of the Confederacy. One of the most conspicuous instances, though not in- 
volving the actual physical suffering experienced in very many others, was 
that of Major H. W. Sawyer, of the Second Cavalry. Major Sawyer entered 
the service early in April, 1861, joining one of the first companies which left 
Pennsylvania for Washington. Subsequently, he became one of General Stone's 
scouts, but applying for service with the New Jersey troops, was appointed a 
lieutenant in the Second Cavalry, with which he served with marked distinc- 
tion. In the battle of Brandy Station, June 9, 1863, being then a captain, he 
was taken prisoner, and after remaining a short time at Culpepper, was carried 
to Richmond, and placed in Libby Prison. Here he remained undisturbed 
until the 6th of July, when, all the captains among the prisoners were sum- 
moned by General Winder from their quarters into a lower room of the prison. 
No exchanges having taken place, the men generally supposed that they were 
to be paroled and sent home. But no such good fortune awaited them. 
Instead of receiving an order for their release, they were informed that an 
order had been issued by the Rebel War Department, directing that two cap- 
tains should be selected by lot from among the prisoners, to be shot in retaliation 
for the execution by General Burnside of tw T o rebel officers, who had been 
detected in recruiting within the Union lines. The consternation occasioned 
by this announcement may be imagined. They had hoped for release, and 



APPENDED NOTES. 



869 



here was an order which in a moment clouded the whole prospect. Escape of 
course, was impossible; the drawing was inevitable. After being formed in 
a hollow square, a slip of paper, with the name of each man written upon it, 
and carefully folded up, was deposited in a box, whereupon Captain Turner 
informed the men that they might select whom they pleased to draw the 
names, the first two names drawn to indicate the men to be shot. 

Captain Sawyer, w r ho alone seemed to retain his self-possession, suggested 
that one of the chaplains be appointed. Three of the chaplains were called 
down from an upper room, and the Rev. Mr. Brown, of the Sixth Maryland, 
accepting the task, amid a silence almost deathlike, the drawing commenced. 
The first name taken out of the box was that of Captain Henry Washington 
Sawyer, of the Second New Jersey Cavalry, and the second that of Captain 
Flynn, of the Fifty-first Indiana. When the names were read out, says the 
Richmond. Dispatch, " Sawyer heard it with no apparent emotion, remarking 
that some one had to be drawn, and he could stand it as w^ell as any one else. 
Flynn was very white and much depressed." The drawing over, the prisoners 
were returned to their quarters, the condemned, meanwhile, proceeding 
under guard to the headquarters of General Winder, Provost-Marshal-General. 
Here they w T ere warned not to delude themselves with any hope of escape, 
as retaliation must be and would be inflicted, it being added that the execu- 
tion would positively take place on the 14th, eight days hence. Sawyer, 
however, desperate as the situation seemed, did not despair, but reflecting 
that if by any means his situation could be brought to the knowledge of the 
Government, he might still be rescued, he asked permission to write to his 
wife, which being granted on condition that the authorities should read the 
letter, he immediately wrote the following, w-hich none other than a brave 
and f rue-souled man, thus standing in the very shadow of death, could pen : 



prospect looks dark. 

This morning, all the captains now prisoners at the Libby military prison, 
drew lots for two to be executed. It fell to my lot. Myself and Captain 
Flynn, of the Fifty-first Indiana Infantry, will be executed for two captains 
executed by Burnside. 

The Provost-General, J. H. Winder, assures me that the Secretary of War 
of the Southern Confederacy, will permit yourself and my dear children to 
visit me before I am executed. You will be permitted to bring an attendance. 
Captain Whilldin, or uncle W. W. Ware, or Dan, had better come with you. 
My situation is hard to be borne, and I cannot think of dying without seeing 
you and the children. You will be allowed to return without molestation to 
your home. I am resigned to whatever is in store for me, with the consola- 
tion that I die without having committed any crime. I have no trial, no 
jury, nor am I charged with any crime, but it fell to m$ lot. You will pro- 
ceed to Washington. My Government will give you transportation to For- 
tress Monroe, and you will get here by a flag of truce, and return the same 
way. Bring with you a shirt for me. 




1 - 



870 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



It will be necessary for you to preserve this letter, to bring evidence at 
Washington of my condition. My pay is due me from the 1st of March? 

which you are entitled to. Captain B owes me fifty dollars— money lent 

to him when he went on a furlough. You will write to him at on( e, and he 
will send it to you. 

My dear wife— the fortune of war has put me in this position. If I must 
die, a sacrifice to my country, with God's will I must submit; only let me see 
you once more, aud I will die becoming a man and an officer ; but for God's 
sake do not disappoint me. Write to me as soon as you get this, and go to 
Captain Whilldin ; he will advise you what to do. 

I have done nothing to deserve this penalty. But you must submit to your 
fate. It will be no disgrace to myself, you, or the children ; but you may 
point with pride and say, " I give my husband;" my children will have the 
consolation to say, " I was made an orphan for my country." God will pro- 
vide for you, never fear. Oh ! it is hard to leave you thus. I wish the ball 
that passed through my head in the last battle would have done its work ; 
but it was not to be so. My mind is somewhat influenced, for it has come so 
suddenly on me. Write to me as soon as you get this ; leave your letter open 
and I will get it. Direct my name and rank, by way of Fortress Monroe. 
Farewell ! farewell ! and hope it is all for the best. I remain yours until 
death. H. W. SAWYER, 

Captain Second New Jersey Cavalry. 1 

After penning this letter, with a conflict of feeling which we may well 
imagine, Sawyer and his companion were returned to prison, where they 
were placed in close confinement in a dimgeon under ground. Here they 
were fed on corn-bread and water, the dungeon being so damp that their 
clothing mildewed. The 14th came at last, but still they remained unmo- 
lested. Sawyer had estimated aright; his letter had saved him from the 
rebel clutch. Immediately upon receiving it, his true-hearted wife hastened 
to lay the matter before influential friends, and these at once proceeding to 
Washington, presented the case to the President and Secretary of War, who, 
without delay, directed that General Lee, son of General Robert E. Lee, and 
General Winder, son of the rebel Provost-Marshal- General, then prisoners in 
our hands, should be placed in close confinement as hostages — General But- 
ler being at the same time ordered to notify the Confederate Government that 
immediately upon receiving information, authentic or otherwise, of the exe- 
cution of Sawyer and Flynn, he should proceed to execute Winder and Lee. 
This action, prompt and unmistakable, and the more significant, perhaps, to 
the enemy, because of General Butler's known resolution of purpose, produced 
the desired effect. Sawyer and Flynn were not executed. After remaining 



i The Richmond DispatcJi, of July 7, said : — Sawyer wrote a letter home, and read it 
aloud to the detective standing near. Upon coming to the last part of it, saying, 
"Farewell, my dear wife, farewell, my children, farewell, mother," he begged those 
standing by to excuse him, and, turning aside, burst into tears. Flynn said he had no 
letters to write home, and only wanted a priest. 



APPENDED NOTES. 



871 



twenty-one days in the dungeon to which they were consigned, they were 
relieved and placed on the same footing as other prisoners. Still, however, 
the Richmond papers vehemently insisted that the execution must and would 
take place, and the fate of the condemned remained for some time longer a 
matter of speculation and doubt. But the days lengthened into weeks; the 
winter passed, and at length, in March, 1864. the prison doors were opened, 
Sawyer being exchanged for General Lee. The satisfaction with which the 
brave Captain once more walked forth a free man, and found shelter under 
the old flag, was such as only a man coming from death into life — from dis- 
mal bondage into joyous and perfect liberty — can ever experience, and none 
other, certainly, can appreciate. It should be added, that Captain Sawyer, 
after this sad experience as before it, fought gallantly and effectively for the 
good cause, coming out of the war a Major, and with scars more honorable 
than the highest rank. 

Of the escapes of Jerseymen from Southern prisons, of which there were 
many, those of Lieutenant Fowler, of the Fifteenth Regiment, and Lieutenant 
J. M. Drake, of the Ninth, were undoubtedly the most remarkable and 
romantic. Both wandered for weeks in the mountains of North Carolina and 
Tennessee, often pursued, and continually exposed to the greatest perils; but 
both found friends and helpers, and finally, after almost incredible sufferings, 
reached our lines in safety. Fowler was once recaptured, but again escaped, 
and is to-day faithfully serving the country in the Regular Army, while Drake, 
with no shadow of the old peril on his face, still lives to do battle for the prin- 
ciples for which he nobly suffered. 

ii. 

The following facts, not elsewhere stated, are supplied from the office of the 
Adjutant-General, and are given here as of permanent interest and value. 
The number of commissions issued during the war to organizations in active 
service was 3,981. The total amount of money transmitted from the troops in 
the field to their families at home, under the supervision of Colonel Jonathan 
Cook, was $2,275,989, as follows :— $262,052 in 1S62 ; $962,196 in 1863; 
$812,892 in 1864 ; and $238,849 in 1865. The amount of money paid by the 
State to soldiers and their families, was as follows : 

Deceased and, discharged— 1861, $23,651.10; 1862, $26,341.15; 1863, 
$141,631.61; 1864, $237,745.10; 1865,126,471.67: total, $555,S40.63. 

Families and dependent mothers— 1861, $78,773.10; 1862, $362,339.35; 
1863, $523,723.23; 1864, $380,463.05 ; 1S65, 416,204.62 ; total, $1,761,533.95. 

Total Disbursement, $2,317,374.58. 

By Joint Resolutions of the Legislature, approved March 27th, 1S66, an 
Honorable Testimonial was directed to be issued to all soldiers honorably dis- 
charged, or the heirs of deceased soldiers who have served in New Jersey 
Regiments; also to residents of New Jersey, honorably discharged from regi- 
ments of other States, United States regular army, navy, or colored troops, on 
forwarding their discharges. Thousands of these testimonials have already 
been distributed, men of all ranks justly prizing them as a recognition of 
faithful service. 



872 



NEW JERSEY AND THE REBELLION. 



The whole number of casualties among New Jersey Officers during the war 
was as follows : — 

Officers killed in action, 107; died of wounds, 45 ; died of disease, 30; 
drowned 4; died in rebel prison, 3 ; total, 189. 

in. 

Brief reference has elsewhere been made to the efficiency of the Adjutant- 
General's Department during the war. During the whole period of the re- 
bellion, this office had the entire charge of the clothing, subsisting, lodging, 
arming, equipping and transporting of the troops furnished by the State, and 
throughout, this vast work was performed with a fidelity and a regard to 
economy, which deserves the highest praise. In the matter of clothing and 
equipments, this department exercised especial care, contractors in all cases 
being held strictly to the fullest performance of their stipulations. In the 
purchase of supplies, the same scrupulous care was exercised, while in all con- 
troversies arising with the general Government, as to the claims of the State 
for reimbursement of moneys expended by it on war account, General Perrine 
uniformly exhibited the very highest appreciation of the responsibilities of his 
IDOsition. Never shrinking from any labor, proving always judicious in coun- 
sel and trustworthy in action, this officer deserved far higher and more gene- 
ral approbation at the hands of the supporters of the war than he received — 
as those who were most intimately associated with him in duty will unani- 
mously and most cordially fittest. 

No mention is made in these pages of the services of Jerseymen who were 
connected with the navy during the war. There is one name, however, which 
must not be passed in silence — that of Commodore Boggs, whose exploits in 
the capture of New Orleans, ranked him among the naval heroes of the age. 
Commodore Boggs was, perhaps, as sturdy and indomitable a sea fighter as 
the war produced, and Jerseymen may justly rejoice in his fame, alike as a 
patriot, and a king among those who " go down to the sea in ships." 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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